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Want a good deal on travel? Think like a "bad" parent. |
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Written by Karen Hart
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Saturday, 27 October 2007 |
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Before I go any further with this entry I have to say this; as a travel agent I get a ton of calls each week from parents saying they want a great deal on a family vacation. When I tell them the best deals can be found during the months the kids are normally in school I get the same response, "Does that make me a bad parent if I pull my Timmy out of school to go to Disney?"
In my humble opinion, travelling is an education unto itself. When I took my kids to New York City a few years ago they learned many new words in Times Square, some of which they repeated back to me all the way home on the train. These were not the kind of words I wanted to hear at that exact moment or ever, but I digress.
In order to get some really great travel deals you must think like all these "bad" parents. The travel industry is so family-oriented now that the prices increase when the kids are traditionally out of school on either Winter break or Summer break, even President's day break in February is a huge family travel time. I have found price differences of $1500 on a Disney cruise in two weeks in March because one was in early March (not really Spring Break time) and the other was mid-March (more traditionally Spring Break time).
The months I find the best family-friendly travel deals are usually around September/October, after Thanksgiving/before Winter Break and early May. Prices are lower, rooms are more plentiful, ships are going out 50% full and airfares tend to be lower. But my usual mantra applies here, book early in order to get the best value!
Please don't think I advocate pulling your kids out of school for weeks at a time in order to go to Disney or the Grand Canyon or overseas. Education is important. But remember, everyone needs a mental health day now and again, even kids.
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Why should Brangelina have all the exotic fun? We've been blessed to come across a young adventurer, Christine Eichan, who can help anyone take an Aftrican Safari, keep it safe, beautiful, affordable, and ONCE in A LIFETIME Adventure.
Christine is even helping us create a 'backyard' safari with our two year old!
The website is quite enticing, and you'll find captivating picture and ideas at www.yoursafariexpert.com ... the artwork alone on this website is enough to inspire a little African Adventure in anyone!
That's my thoughts on a unique, one of a kind Holiday gift for the entire family. Check it out for yourself, go to www.yoursafariexpert.com.
Have a fantastic Halloween!
Cristi