Family Travel Deals

Adult prices start at $99/night, at family resort Club Med Sandpiper in Florida, Club Med Punta Cana in the DR, two resorts in Mexico, and one in Guadaloupe. Club Med has top all inclusive resorts for families, with outstanding kids programs and activities; Club Med is also leading-edge for teens, with Passworld themed areas for hanging out and for cool activities. Baby Club Med is excellent too but not all-included.

Three nights in the Beach Tower from $299, and kids 11 and under stay and play free; also, the price for 7 nights starts at $669. You need to add up to $274, though, for mandatory taxes, gratuities, and other fees. Book by 7/01/09, for travel through 10/28/09.

The one-of-a-kind megaresort Atlantis has 93-acre "waterscape" plus spa, casino, Marina, kids' camp developed by Discovery Channel, teen club; "waterscape" has AQUAVENTURE waterpark, jaw-dropping waterslides, special-effects river ride, shark lagoons, subterranean aquariums, water play zone for little kids, beaches, calm lagoon, much more.

- Check prices for The Atlantis Bahamas at Kayak.com

Dreams is a family-friendly brand of all inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, with watersports, daily activities, evening shows, kids club, games, and perhaps some extra little touches such as nightly turn-down. Kids stay, play and eat free at all Dreams Resorts; up to two kids with two paying adults; a family of four could save $700 a week. Dates vary by resort; sample dates for Dreams Cancun are April 25 to June 19 and August 15 to Dec 19, with blackout dates Nov. 26 to 29. Click above to read about Dreams Cancun; or continue to about this Kids Free Dreams deal.

"The economy" is nixing a of vacation plans this year, but Orlando, Florida doesn't want to be crossed off anybody's list. A city-wide "Bundles of Free Smiles" promotion has bargains at many hotels and attractions: free nights at Universal Orlando Resort; three free nights plus theme park tickets at Disney World; free tickets to other attractions; free nights at hotels... And a surprise "Deal of the Week".

In July and August 2009, Apple Core Hotels-- a group of five centrally-located midtown Manhattan properties-- have a package that includes tix for two to the Central Park Zoo and lunch at the Central Park Zoo Cafe. Price starts at $179 per night, and kids under 13 stay free when sharing their parents' room. Families will also like the complimentary breakfasts, 12 o'clock checkout, and free local calls. Read more about Apple Core Hotels, above; check here for "City Safari" package details.

One of the best ways to get your own vehicle for a trip in Europe is through the Eurodrive service offered by French car manufacturer Renault. Read all about the benefits of this program at the link above. Vehicles can be picked up and dropped off at many airports in different countries, which gives great flexibility; and during summer 2009, delivery/return charges are slashed. For example, pick up your vehicle in Amsterdam for $75, instead of $150; drop it off in Rome for $100, instead of $275. (Pickup and drop-off in France, meanwhile, are free.)

A deal with staying power, from June 1 to December 19, 2009. Fifth night free; 50% off a second "kids" adjoining room; complimentary daily breakfast buffet for two adults and two kids; upgraded room view category; and a few extras. Savings add up to 45%. Read more about this resort, above; for the offer, call 800-447-3334 and request offer code FAMSUM or see a travel professional.

Back for a limited engagement: once again, guests staying at a Disney World Resort can buy a package that includes accommodation, theme park tickets, and a free Disney Dining Plan. Dates are from Aug. 16 to Oct. 3, 2009. Guests at all Disney World resorts get nice perks such as Magical Express airport shuttle, Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks, Disney bus system. See more about the Disney World Free Dining Plan deal.

Disney World is giving guests a birthday present, all through 2009. The Mouse wants you to have a "celebration vacation", starting with free admission for the birthday girl or boy. (Don't forget that valid ID!) And presumably you'll be celebrating with a gang of family and friends, so the Mouse is happy and so are you. (Read more about Disney World vacations.)

Kids 12 and under sail for 50% off. (And this deal comes on the heels of several other deals at Disney World and Disneyland-- see more on this page.) Disney Cruise Line is known for live shows and great kids' programs; the Disney cruise ships even have nursery care (for an extra fee.) For "Kids Save 50%" deal, child must travel with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom; offer is extended for most sail dates from May 28 through July 12 2009.