Affordable Southern California Family Vacation

School’s out for summer and that means vacation time is here.

Many families already planned their family vacation months ago. If you are like me you like to look for bargains and shop around till the last minute.

My husband and I are taking our boys to visit Southern California this year. Money has been tight for last few years so I had to be really creative.

Of course visiting Southern California means visiting Disneyland, Universal Studios,Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, SeaWorld and Wild Animal Kingdom.

All of these attractions come with pretty hefty price tag. Then comes the transportation, accommodation and of course food.

How can you take family of 4 on Southern California Family Vacation without wiping out your savings and dipping into Junior’s college fund?

Well, last night I made our final arrangement and in September we are off for week full of fun.

It took lots of time and energy to search and research the best deals.I am here to tell you that I did it and I want to share my affordable family vacation research and tips with you.

Courtesy of Google Images

#1 Transportation – if you are flying on your family vacation (like us) research and book your flights from Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines offer the lowest fares, lots of flights to chose from and they still have 2 FREE checked-in bags allowance per person (majority airlines now charge between $15 and $25 per bag).

Combining week long vacation with many attractions requires Car Rental. One of the best deals I found was from Hertz. Make sure you book your car before your trip or you might end up paying more then double by renting it from your hotel.

Right now till end of September Hertz is offering Hertz Family Pack which gives you great rate, FREE NeverLost, FREE child seat and no additional driver fee for spouse. You can use your AAA to get even the best rate.

#2 Accommodation – there are hundreds of places you can stay at.We like to stay close to Disneyland, but I think Disney hotels are very overrated and not worth the money. I recommend Best Western Park Place Inn and Suites.

Best Western Park Place is located DIRECTLY across from Disneyland main entrance. It is only 5-10 minute walk.If you use your AAA card through their website you will save over $200 on 7 night stay.

The hotel also offers free deluxe continental breakfast at Captain’s Kid restaurant right next door.

The rooms are not luxurious, but they are nice, clean and comfortable (fridge and microwave in each room). The pool is small, but does the job. Staff is very friendly and you can’t beat the location and the price.

Courtesy of Google Images

#3 Attractions – if you are planning to visit San Diego while staying in Anaheim purchase Southern California City Pass and save over $100 per person on 5 theme parks including 3-day pass to Disneyland (Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego ZOO).

Knott’s Berry Farm – if you are visiting before September 6th,2010 take advantage of their online special and save over $20 per ticket.
If you are visiting after September 6th by showing your AAA card you will receive 30% off the regular rates.

What makes family vacation fun? Adventure, of course.

After fun day at Knott’s Berry Farm treat your family to Pirate’s Dinner Adventure located only few minutes from Knott’s Berry Farm. Right now you can get your tickets over the phone for only $30 (almost 4 hours of fun, adventure and great food).

Legoland – buy your tickets online to save money and line at the ticket booth.

Every family needs family vacation to bond, have fun, discover new things and possibilities. Family vacation doesn’t have to be a distant dream if you plan it well. I am looking forward our affordable Southern California Family Vacation.

Tip:

Get yourself AAA membership. It’s very affordable and it will save you lots of money.