When it was time to go to cruise ship terminal, we just took a short five minute ride from our hotel. Our short stay in Old San Juan was definitely worthwhile and hassle free. A stay in Old San Juan is highly recommended for those who will be taking a Caribbean cruise with San Juan as departure point. The only disappointment I had with San Juan was that I was hoping to do some scuba diving in area but from reports I read, waters off city are quite murky with limited marine life to see. This is likely result of San Juan being such a busy port. The decent scuba diving sites are about 2 hours east of San Juan. So perhaps in a return trip to Puerto Rico, I will plan to make a trip to east part of island.

As an added bonus, when you are registered at a state park, you gain free entrance into all state parks. This area is loaded with beautiful parks full of gorge trails, lake views, and camping facilities. And, if you find time, you can visit Corning Glass Museum not far from this campground.

This is a tourist area you will definitely find yourself wanting to revisit. We did not get to see all we had wanted to see in a weeks time. You are likely to find an area of such natural beauty convenient to you as well. Just do a little research, you never know what you'll find!

If you want to beach it, be sure to check out all your options for lodging. Sometimes a large family can do better by renting a condo or home for week rather than staying at a hotel. Remember, you can save a tremendous amount of money if you can prepare your own meals while on vacation. A good portion of a families vacation budget can be literally "eaten up"! Even a little kitchenette in a suite can save you big bucks.

If you're campers, you can almost always find a campground near popular beach areas and get maximum savings on lodging.

Don't forget your best resources, friends and family. Ask around to see if anyone has visited an area you plan to go. You may get lucky and have a "friend that has a friend" who maybe has a vacation spot they wouldn't mind renting to you for a lesser fee. Sometimes people won't rent out their vacation spots for various reasons, but don't mind doing so if tenant is a trusted acquaintance of a friend or family member.

• You can even plan activities at home just as if you were at an exotic vacation spot. Have a different theme for each day. For example:

• A beach day (sun tanning, volley ball, make some fancy icy drinks to sip on in sun, have a picnic)
• A camp day (stay in a tent or sleeping bags under stars, build a little fire if allowed in your area, roast marshmallows, make smores, sing campfire songs)
• Have a backyard fair (create booths with games like ring toss or balloon popping to win little prizes)
• A colonial day (dress, and live in another era!). This is great fun. I thought of this one purely by accident when electricity went out one day. The kids expressed how "neat' it was to live like they did in "old days." No lighting except candles and lanterns, no T.V. or radio, no video games or computer. Sounds boring, but believe it or not, they had fun coming up with ideas to keep occupied. A good teaching tool too! Shhhhhhhh….. don't tell kids.

These "theme days" at home will take some imagination and a little work, but will be loads of fun for everyone. Half fun will be in creation, so let everyone pitch in. You may even have more fun than actually being there!

Whatever you decide to do, if you're traveling a great distance be sure to check all your travel options. With today's soaring gas prices it's not unlikely that you may be able to get there faster, and cheaper, in air. Hey, maybe there's a conspiracy here?

If all this just doesn't fall into your category of "fun", and you just have to have that exotic resort vacation, then at least be sensible about it. There are many great deals on vacation packages and off season rentals. And oodles of travel agencies just waiting to tell you about them. This is one area where do-it-yourself isn't most practical advice. Travel agencies are privy to a lot of travel information, especially seasonal discounts, that you and I don't have knowledge of. Do Your Research at least for goodness sake. You won't be kicking yourself later when you come across that great deal you missed out on!

Check out your local travel agencies, as well as some of many online agencies. Don't forget, if you're an AAA member you’re eligible for travel discounts. Before finalizing any plans, be sure to know your rights. What happens if you have to cancel? What is deadline to cancel? Will you loose your deposit or is it refundable? Know your options.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, don't lose sight of value of a family vacation. Be sure to schedule quality time together no matter what your destination. Be safe and enjoy!