Seven Saving Secrets For Super Summer Family Getaways
School’s finally out for summer. Now, parents everywhere are getting ready to hit the road for that age-old American tradition, the family vacation. This summer, "B&B" stands for “budget and bargains,” not “break the bank,” because B&B getaways offer affordable options for the whole family. The complimentary breakfasts and snacks at B&Bs can save families more than $150 per night.
BedandBreakfast.com™, a comprehensive online B&B directory and reservation network, offers advice on great ways to wallet-proof the summer family vacation with secrets for savings, along with over 11,000 B&B options worldwide. To learn about dozens of Family Fun packages and thousands of family-friendly B&Bs, visit www.BedandBreakfast.com. Here are a few of their favorite family vacation tips:
1. Free Attractions, Dinner and Babysitting Offers:
Village Cove Inn, Kennebunkport, ME: Stay two or more nights on a family fun package, June 17-September 2, and kids stay free. The package includes a continental breakfast each morning and over $50 in meal certificates for lunch or dinner at several participating restaurants. A day parking pass to Goose Rocks Beach is also included, and the kids will love the inn’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Packages start at $179 for early summer season midweek stays.
1851 Historic Maple Hill Manor B&B, Springfield, KY: Stay three nights and receive two free tickets to your choice of tours, museums and historic trails. Choose between tours of Churchill Downs or Civil War museums or commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abe Lincoln’s birth with a tour to his birthplace. Double rates start at $259; $25 extra per person, four maximum per room.
Camellia Inn, Healdsburg, CA: Through April 2011, book the Family Fun package and enjoy specially arranged discounts at family-friendly restaurants, plus free breakfasts, snacks, and nightly wine and cheese. Also included are three hours of babysitting, so parents can relax, too. B&B rates start at $239 per night in a family suite for four, with one three-hour babysitting session per stay.
2. Save on Breakfasts and Snacks:
B&Bs offer a hearty breakfast for everyone in the family, saving time, gas and money - as much as $60 for a family of four when compared to hotels. More than 75% of B&Bs offers soft drinks, coffee and tea, wine and beer, snacks, fresh fruit, cookies, candies and evening desserts at no extra cost.
1840s Carrollton Inn, Baltimore, MD: Just an easy stroll from the Baltimore Science Center, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, family friendly suites here offer day beds and living rooms with trundle beds. Pancakes with sprinkles and other kid-friendly options are available at breakfast, too. B&B double rates start at $200 per night.
Scottish B&B, Breman, IN: A family of four plus their dog can stay one night in the spacious pet-friendly loft room with two queen beds, swim in the pool, watch movies, and even enjoy a pizza party for four in the pool room, for $189. Mention the BedandBreakfast.com family package when making advance reservations.
3. Book a B&B With Built-In Fun:
Destination B&Bs offer plenty of fun right on the property. Not only will you enjoy "unplugged" family fun, but the itinerary is all arranged for you. No need to take time to plan out your day. BedandBreakfast.com offers a host of kid-friendly and affordable B&B getaways.
Consider:
Southern Cross Ranch B&B, Madison, GA: The Family Ranchin' package includes three meals daily and horseback riding twice daily. Depending on your level of experience, enjoy a hands-on guided or unguided experience on one of more than 150 Paint and Quarter horses. Rates vary by season and room category; four-day/three-night all-inclusive packages in summer months start at $390-$450 per person midweek.
Kirkwood Inn, Mason, OH: The Kings Island Family Fun Package includes four tickets to Kings Island Amusement Park, a parking pass, one night’s lodging in a double room (two double or queen beds), and a hot breakfast buffet served in the Historic Kirkwood House. Rates for two adults and two children start at $229, Sunday through Thursday; additional nights cost $89 each.
4. Save With "Kids Stay Free" Offers:
In addition to a free breakfast, snacks and entertainment, many B&Bs allow kids to stay free when they stay in their parents' room. Try these offers:
Fairview Inn, Jackson, MS: Kids under 17 stay free in the guest room when accompanied by an adult.
Topanga Canyon Inn B&B, Topanga, CA: Close to Malibu Beach and surrounded by Topanga State Park, kids stay free in queen and king rooms with their parents. Cribs, futons, and cots are provided for free. Bring bikes or a GPS to discover one or more of the 300 geocaches nearby. Rates start at $170 nightly and kids stay free with adults.
5. Take One-Tank Getaways:
Save on gas by discovering hidden gems close to home, like these offerings from BedandBreakfast.com:
Inn at the Oaks, Eastham, MA: An easy one-tank getaway from Boston, this B&B is designed with family vacations in mind. Suites accommodate a family of four nicely. The play room, playground, and booster seats will delight the younger set, while the spa room with a hot tub is a favorite with adults. Ask about the Summer Family Adventure package, with bikes, kayak tours, mini golf and ice cream cones for all. Summer season rates start at $150 per night.
Howlers Inn, Bozeman, MT: Close to Bozeman, yet world’s away from city life, this B&B and wolf sanctuary is set on 42 acres, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. This is the perfect place for nature lovers, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for beautiful scenery and a relaxing place to kick back and slow down. Take day trips with the family to Yellowstone and listen to the songs of the resident wolf pack at night. Many rooms accommodate families. Rates start at $115 per night in summer; kids under 5 stay free, kids 6 and up are $15 each with two adults.
6. Subscribe To Savings:
Jumpstart the savings with BedandBreakfast.com's Hot Deals. Plenty of family-friendly B&Bs offer discounts of 20% or more each week through this free service, which can be customized for one-tank away trips to save on time and gas. Hot Deals change weekly; subscribe and learn about offers like this:
Hacienda Bougainvillea, Tucson, AZ: Who says you can’t visit Arizona in the summer? When the temps go up, the prices go down. Families will stay cool in the fabulous pool here, and family-friendly rooms are priced at $60 each on BedandBreakfast.com’s Hot Deals through August.
7. Innkeepers Recommend Free Family Fun:
Innkeepers are experts on free and low-cost natural fun in their locality. Instead of paying for tickets to the waterpark, they'll recommend the best free hikes to local waterfalls.
Here are a few B&Bs offering loads of free family fun:
Ten Acres Lodge, Stowe, VT: Sing around the campfire, roast marshmallows for s’mores, or take in a complimentary family movie in the private cinema featuring a 9-foot screen and high-def Blue-ray player. Spacious rooms, hearty breakfasts, an outdoor pool and tennis court, right down to cows grazing in the pasture, attract families to this outdoor adventure playground each year. Main lodge rooms are $139-179 per night for two; Hill House Suites and cottage accommodations are $159-$275 throughout summer months.
Hideaway Ranch & Retreat, Bluff Dale, TX: Voted the most family-friendly B&B for the past two years in the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards, families will enjoy cabin accommodations complete with private hot tubs, kitchens, grills, picnic tables and some with bunk beds or futons for families on 155 acres of ranch land. Activities on the property include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, animal watching, star gazing, fossil hunting and swimming. Rates are $129-179 nightly; some cabins accommodate up to six at no additional charge.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, rates listed are for double occupancy, include breakfast, but do not include applicable taxes. All properties are family-friendly.
