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York-area travel agents offer ideas for budget-friendly family vacations

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Photo courtesy of Annapolis and Anne Arundle County Conference and Visitors Bureau

Photo courtesy of Annapolis and Anne Arundle County Conference and Visitors Bureau

Pack the sunscreen, break out your swimsuit and shake out the sand from last year’s trip. Summer provides ample opportunities for a long weekend and a few days at the beach. But between travel costs, a hotel or rental, and the added expenses of meals and activities during your trip, it’s no surprise that even a three-day weekend can make a hefty dent in your wallet.

So what’s a budget-savvy woman to do?

If your heart is set on the beach, staying close to home might not be the cheapest option, according to personal vacation planner Suzanne Schrum, owner of Aquamarine Travel in Chanceford Township.

“Areas like Ocean City, Md., have such a short season that their prices are very high in the peak of the summer,” Schrum said.

Instead, families or couples might find better deals at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean. With a set price that typically includes airfare, lodging, meals and entertainment, all-inclusive options make a budget easier to stick with.

Taking to the seas on a cruise can also provide a budget-friendly option for fun in the sun, with Carnival and Royal Caribbean both sailing from Baltimore.

“When you cruise, all of your meals and entertainment are included in the price,” Schrum said.

Closer to home, independent travel agent Sasha Koenig suggests thinking outside of the box to find a vacation spot away from the crowds.

“Why not make your family getaway an educational trip, as well?” said Koenig, who works with Safe Harbors Travel Group in Bel Air, Md. “Head into Maryland and stay the weekend in Annapolis to take in the maritime traditions and rich history.”

Opportunities to combine some rest and relaxation with a chance to learn something new also abound in Washington, D.C.

“Surprisingly, the hotels in D.C. are less expensive over the weekends,” said Schrum, because business and government travelers who fill up rooms during the week tend to thin out. “Many of the museums are free, so you could have a very budget-friendly vacation there.”

Still dreaming of a beach trip nearby? Schrum suggests the state parks along the beaches of Delaware.

“You could stay outside of the high tourist area in a hotel that’s not on the beach, and then take a short drive out to one of the state parks for the day,” she said, adding that it’s just a small fee for parking and entrance at the parks.

Regardless of where you head for your getaway, plan ahead, said Koenig. And, if you work with a travel agent, never accept the first vacation quote you receive. Shopping around will ensure you know your options and secure the best deal.

Tour your town

Staycations became a popular, economical option a few years back, but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost their luster. Check out three options for a great day trip in your own backyard:

For a girls’ trip

The Mason-Dixon Wine Trail has its signature events ­— Tour de Tanks and Wine Just Off the Vine — in the spring and fall, but that doesn’t mean the trail shuts down in the summer. In fact, it’s just the opposite: Warmer weather is often the best time to explore the trail’s 22 wineries and one distillery in southcentral Pa. and northern Maryland. Several hotels along the trail offer discounted rates and special packages, should you choose to make it an overnight trip. Prefer beer over wine? Check out Susquehanna Ale Trail, also run by the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For details, visit yorkpa.org.

For the family

Sports enthusiasts will be glad to see the 2014 York Can-Am Police-Fire Games offer Olympic-style competition right here at home July 13-20. First responders and emergency service members will compete in approximately 60 events, from soccer, horseshoes and a triathlon to specific competitions such as Toughest Firefighter Alive and Toughest Competitor Alive. “It’s more than a week solid of events, including social events where the community can participate,” said Brent Burkey, communications specialist with the YCCVB. For details and a full schedule, visit yorkcanamgames.com.

For everyone

Take an exclusive look at how local products are made, from Martin’s Potato Chips and Harley-Davidson motorcycles to newer spots like Nuts About Granola and New Grounds Roasting Company. Several dozen companies offer factory tours, with details listed on the YCCVB website at yorkpa.org. The Made in America tours event runs in June each year, but summer’s relaxed schedule provides plenty of opportunities in July and August to spend a day going behind the scenes at several local hot spots.


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