We enjoyed dinner at Great Wolf's Loose Moose Bar and Grill. It was a decent menu where you could enjoy anything from sandwiches to prime rib. You could even try and elk burger. While dining, some of our younger group members were pleasantly greeted by lodges own furry mascots, Biko Bear and Wiley Wolf.

After dinner, a walk through bakery across hall made us almost forget how much we had already eaten. It would be hard to go down water slides tonight, though some of us did try it. We then checked out Buck Horn Exchange gift shop where we looked for souvenirs to remind of us our stay.

For those not up for water rides that afternoon, they could enjoy time at Great Wolf's Cameo Spa and Salon where you could get your hair done or have a nice massage. If you felt like working off some of your meal, you could check out Iron Horse fitness room also located in lodge.

The next morning we were treated by my Mom for a breakfast brunch in one of Great Wolf's private party rooms. It was a nice buffet setup with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit and muffins, The kids were then surprised by a visit by Santa Claus who was also around lodge that weekend. He brought gifts to a lot of smiling faces.

The group then went on an old fashioned hay-ride where a tractor pulled everyone around outside of resort to view Elk and other wildlife. We were joined by Wiley Wolf who I suspect was looking for some stray elk.

There was way too much to see and do for just a weekend stay. The best part was being able to enjoy everything right at resort and not have to go elsewhere for food and entertainment. A lot of times I find a hotel room is just for sleeping, but it was nice being close to water park and activities. It was a perfect alternative for a winter getaway.

For more on Where to go & What to do in Wisconsin, check out http://www.WisconsinGuide.com

7. Read your newspaper’s travel section

The Saturday travel sections in most newspapers are still a good source for travel news, tips and last minute travel deals, departing from your city. Read them religiously.

8. Do some negotiating of your own.

Just ask for a deal or a better price! This will usually work if you are dealing with a hotel or car rental company directly. It may also work with some travel agents.

9. Book last minute

When looking for a last minute travel deal, start shopping around about 6 weeks prior to your departure to get a good idea for prices and availability. Narrow down where you want to go and compare some prices. About 3 weeks prior to departure is probably your best time to book. When you notice packages begin to sell out, you want to book before you miss out on that travel deal. The prices only go so low and sometimes sell out before they really drop in price.

10. Book early

Some of best deals may be had booking early. Most tour operators and cruise companies offer discounts for early booking. If there is a specific date you want to travel and or you have a specific resort or destination in mind, you are better off to book early and secure your vacation than to risk waiting for a last minute travel deal that may or may not happen.

Keep in mind cheaper is not always better. If you save a few hundred dollars by adding lots of stops to your flight or staying in a hotel you are not happy with, it won't be worth it. Save some money but don't compromise too much with what you really want and need.