I have to admit that -- though I've often mentioned indoor water park resorts as a trend in family vacations-- I only recently had a chance to visit, in person, with kids.

The property we sampled was Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington. Great Wolf Lodge is the biggest brand of resorts with indoor water parks. The original's in Wisconsin Dells; Grand Mound Washington is the latest in a pack of other properties, often built in smaller towns an easy drive from big cities. Grand Mound, for example, is between Seattle WA and Portland OR.

The actual waterworks are only part of the fun, at an indoor water park resort; take a look at key features that repeat at Great Wolf Lodge resorts, such as MagiQuest, Howl-O-Ween, Snowland, Cub Club...

 | Features at Great Wolf Lodge  |

The Big Apple is huge fun to visit with kids, but expensive; so it's good to know about Apple Core Hotels, well-priced properties in central Manhattan. Bargain rates for the Holiday Season are starting at $149.99 per night, and that includes -- as standard policy- complimentary breakfasts and free long-distance calls. (Read more below.)

New York has dazzling Holiday Season festivities: famous holiday windows; ice-skating at Rockefeller Center; holiday shows including a special family production, Wintuk, by Cirque de Soleil... and much more.

Read more...

I know, everyone's busy thinking about Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season... but nonetheless it's time to plan for Spring Break if you want somewhere popular.

Spring Break usually means ten glorious days off school during March or April; fortunately, school districts in the US and Canada take their break during different weeks. (Imagine the crowds at Disney World if all schools closed their doors during the same week.)

Still, Spring Break is peak season for family vacations, so book now if you want to stay at a well-known resort, or if you're a family of five, or if you're heading to a spring break magnet like Washington DC. Want to see that Cherry Blossom Festival Parade? Book your grandstand seating now.

 | book early for spring break - or book an alternative  | resorts for families of five  | Washington DC and other spring break ideas  |

Hertz is extending SimplyWheelz to more cities: Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, and more; though families may still be more interested in family vacation powerhouse, Orlando, where the service launched. Customers use a self-service kiosk at the airport; the procedure lets you add on items such as a car seat or GPS.

 | SimplyWheelz  | Top Things to Do in Orlando  | Top Orlando Resort Choices for Families  |