Affordable California Family Vacation
We are entering the last month….last few weeks….last days of school……School’s almost out for the summer and that means vacation time is here.
Southern California Coastline
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.
So far our summer vacation plans are little vague, but when the time comes I will be looking for last minute bargains as usual.
Last year we took our boys to visit Southern California. 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…..I can hear my wallet crying…..STILL.
Universal Studios Hollywood
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, planning our California vacation took lots of time and energy to search and research the best deals.
We did it…… (mainly me the vacation planner extraordinaire) and I think it would be nice to share my affordable family vacation research and tips with you…..cause we all know that sharing is caring and it this case…..SAVING.
San Diego Wild Animal Park
#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 can save lots of money. We saved 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.
Disneyland
#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 – take advantage of their online special and save over $20 per ticket (we did).
If you don’t get a chance to purchase your tickets online by showing your AAA card at the gate you will receive 30% off the regular rates.
Knott's Berry Farm
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).
Pirate Dinner Adventure
Legoland – buy your tickets online to save money and line at the ticket booth.
Legoland in San Diego
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.
Related Articles:
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
DISNEYLAND WITH DIABETES
BEST WESTERN PARK PLACE INN & SUITES
One more thing….I love COMMENTS like everyone else so go ahead and let me know how am I doing.I would love to hear from you.
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We had an annual pass to Disneyland and went soo many times (and no we don’t live in CA
It was great fun.
The Pirate adventure looks great – we’ll have to check it out next time we’re in CA
Lisa Taylor recently posted..Trixies Tulips
Make sure you go see the Pirate Dinner Adventure. I think my kids liked it almost more then Disneyland…..almost,lol.
I live in Southern California and honestly, I never take advantage of all the attractions because the cost seems absurd. BUT I think if I can make some smart money decisions (as you outlined here) and go during an off peak period, I may have to do it!
Alexis of NorthOnHarper recently posted..White Out
I agree. The cost of most of the attractions and amusement parks in Southern California and everywhere else for that matter are absurd. It’s good to know that there are ways to cut down on the cost.
we just moved to LA & have never been to any of those attractions we’ll have to get there this summer.
Alexandria recently posted..Does it hurt any less in a new dress
I hope you get to do some of the fun things with your little guy this summer.
In two weeks time, I hope I will have safely driven me and my boys to Anaheim. We are staying just by DisneyLand in the Candy Cane Inn which came recommended by two people we know. We have a three-day pass which we got through our AAA membership. I think that will be enough for me this time but I hope it will be the first of many trips.
Alison Golden – The Secret Life of a Warrior Woman recently posted..4 Heartstopping Myths On Drowning Every Responsible Parent Should Know
I hope you have lots of fun in Disneyland and that the weather is great and crowds are not too big….have fun