family vacation

With summer right around the corner, many families are beginning to plan their summer activities and vacations. I know for our family, vacations and spending time together are important, especially as the kids get older. Right now, many families may have to be cutting back on their travel plans as gas and food prices rise constantly. Going places closer to home, or doing things like camping out seem to be a little more affordable options for some families. I did just find out about another option that some families may be interested in. I had not heard of Vacation Loans per se before, but it seems like a way to help some families be able to get some money together so they don't have to put off this year's vacation. You can get up to $1000 wired directly to your savings or checking account to help you add a little more enjoyment to your summer plans.

Take a Cruise

Having just returned from our first cruise (alone), we have decided that our next cruise will be with the kids. It will be a wonderful adventure for the family. There is much to do on board the ship, times where you can all be together and even time for the kids and parents to do some things on their own. There are things like swimming, classes, crafts, rock climbing and other sports (depending on availability), an arcade. Of course, with older kids, they will love the "freedom" to roam around, play, swim, make new friends, eat whenever they want, and still leave time to hang out with the family as well. And the shore excursions will provide some incredible family time as well. A cruise could make a wonderful family vacation.

North Cascades Environmental Learning Center

North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.

Here is something for the whole family. It is the family camp experience with all the fun. Hiking, canoeing, exploring. See pristine mountain streams, meadows filled with wildflowers, forests, learn about Native American history.

The campus is located three hours northwest of Seattle on the north shore of Diablo Lake. Here you can view the beauty of the North Cascades mountains. Spend time learning together in the multimedia classrooms, the research library and the aquatic and terrestrial laboratories. Also experience the amphitheater, the outdoor learning shelters and trails.

The dining area features kid friendly menus along with a recycling and composting center. Family getaways are available for $195 per adult and $95 per child.