Affordable Family Vacations in Hawaii

Affordable family vacations in Hawaii are possible with a little research and planning.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not hard to keep an entire family entertained in Hawaii without breaking the bank. The island paradise boasts a number of ways to save while vacationing with multiple generations. From lodging to food, entertainment to souvenirs, the following tips will help make your dream of taking an affordable family vacation in Hawaii, a reality:

The "Aloha State" is home to a bevy of beautiful resorts. However, these sprawling properties, which boast everything, from dolphin swimming adventures to ocean-front multi-room suites with private butlers, don't come cheap. If you are toting the entire family to Hawaii, then consider staying at a budget hotel or condo with an attached kitchenette. Having a small refrigerator, microwave, and cooktop at your disposable will help save big bucks by allowing you to prepare meals in your room. What's more, most families visiting Hawaii rarely spend much time in their hotel rooms when there's so much to see and do around the island.

Eating out can really add up when you are vacationing in Hawaii. If you have a large family, skip the traditional sit-down restaurants and opt to dine at the state's popular "lunch wagons." These food trucks pepper the streets and beaches of Hawaii with affordable, yet delectable, menu items. You will be shocked by how large the serving portions are. A typical combo plate sells for five dollars and includes a number of island favorites, including Hawaiian Kalua Pork and Korean Short Ribs on a bed of fresh island cabbage, plus two scoops of rice, and a scoop of macaroni/potato salad. The massive meal will leave you and your wallet full.

Forget about shopping at local souvenir shops for trinkets to bring home from your family vacation to Hawaii. Some of the best deals on souvenirs can be found at area farmers' markets. In addition to selling fresh pineapple, papayas and other local fruit, which vendors will box up for you to ship home, the markets are filled with handcrafted Hawaiian mementos that appeal to everyone in the family, from authentic hula skirts to shell necklaces and hand carved toys made from local woods. Also, forget about purchasing a flower lei from the airport to take back home. Rather, by buying one at a local farmers' market you are guaranteed fresh flowers at drastically reduced prices.

Hawaii boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and most of them don't cost a dime to visit. Families can spend the entire day at Hawaii's beaches for free while soaking up the sun, enjoying powder-soft sand, island breezes and miles of unspoiled views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the gorgeous beaches, the state also offers a number of other attractions free of charge, including the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The 12-acre zoo is home to more than 80 animal species, including the endangered Nene bird and white Bengal Tiger.

For clans with active-duty or retired military members, scoring affordable family vacations in Hawaii is a breeze. The 50th state has one of the most generous military discount programs in the world, which makes visiting the tropical paradise down right cheap for veterans. From hotels to rental cars, popular tourist attractions to restaurants, the savings for military personnel are huge. For example, Hawaii's Hale Koa Hotel, located near famed Waikiki Beach, operates for the exclusive use of retired and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard. Rooms there cost 50 percent less than ones at comparable properties throughout the state. Adding to the savings is the fact that guests at the Hale Koa are exempt from paying Hawaii sales tax on rooms.

In Hawaii "ohana" means family, and that's exactly how you are treated when you visit the Pacific paradise. Hawaii's Aloha spirit is palpable in its warm and friendly people and litany of family-friendly vacation options.

If you are looking to escape to a safe vacation destination with an exotic feel, then check out the following reputable websites, which offer discount vacation packages to Hawaii for frugal families:

Another way to save is to make friends with a local travel agent who can contact you when special deals to Hawaii become available.

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Family Spring Break Vacations

Don't let your family spring break vacations be spoiled by a bunch of rowdy, half-naked college coeds. There are plenty of fun and wholesome travel destinations available for clans looking to relax on seasonal getaways.

Spring break is the ideal time to escape on a multi-generational vacation. Whether it's for a couple days or an entire week, the post-winter break is just what most clans need to recharge their batteries and bond with members of their inner circle. Fortunately, there is a host of popular family spring break vacation options.

If you're worried about sharing the Mexican sun, sand and surf with a bunch of debaucherous 20-somethings, then stay away from Cancun, which has gained the title of "College Spring Break Headquarters" in the last decade. Rather, pack up the clan and head to the family-friendly area of Mexico known as the Riviera Maya. The beaches there are pristine, and the resorts cater to young children and their parents. Adding to the allure is the fact that most resorts are all-inclusive, which is perfect for families on a budget. In addition, Riviera Maya has a variety of kid-friendly amenities, including:

Giant water parks Snorkeling along the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere Dolphin encounters ATV jungle tours Zip line adventures

If you prefer to stay closer to home while your kids take a break from the books, then consider visiting sunny California. Along with the Golden State's ubiquitous array of exciting theme parks, families can partake in an array of cultural activities. San Diego offers a variety of fun and educational spring break escapes, from Balboa Park and Sea World to the world-renown San Diego Zoo. In addition, the city boasts 70 miles of sand and surf, which gives you plenty of space to relax and build sandcastles after you take in the area's attractions.

Bermuda is a picturesque island located roughly 650 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Known for its luxurious pink sand beaches, the island offers families a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its proximity to the East Coast makes it ideal for last-minute spring break jaunts. What's more, because of its reputation for laid-back living, most college coeds looking to party hardy bypass Bermuda and opt for a more raucous place to get drunk. That's great news for clans with young children, who are left to enjoy the island in peace.

Bermuda goes all out to cater to multi-generations. Along with its powder soft beaches, the island boasts dozens of world-class golf courses, super shopping, and amazing dining options. Bermuda also offers a wide range of kid-friendly activities, from horseback adventures and cave exploring to marine animal encounters and kayaking.

The city that never sleeps is an outstanding spring break travel destination for families with varying tastes. The Big Apple has something for everyone and you will never have to worry about your kids complaining about being bored. Some must-visit, New York City attractions include:

Empire State Building Statue of Liberty Rockefeller Plaza Central Park FAO Schwartz Times Square Staten Island Ferry

The city also provides a host of educational attractions for families, including the American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art and the Met. Depending on when you visit, it's a good idea to check out fun seasonal events, such as Macy's Flower Show and the city's popular Easter Day Parade, which travels from 47th Street to 57th Street along 5th Avenue.

You don't have to travel far or spend a bundle to create magical vacation memories for your children. If you are tight on funds, consider taking a staycation and visiting a local water park, zoo or children's museum. After all, the goal of spring break vacation is to have fun with the people you are with regardless of where you travel.

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