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GLF asked local parents for their favoritevacation getaways sans kids. Here’s what we heard:Turks and Caicos Islands“There are miles of pristine white sands, sparkling turquoise water, fine restaurants, quaint boutiques, and luxury hotels,” says Heather Cosmano. She said the trip was a non-stop adventure including a snorkeling charter, stand up paddle boarding and jet skiing. “We snorkeled the third largest barrier reef in the world, and our captain caught fresh conch from which salads were made for us. We were lucky enough to enjoy a surprise visit from a school of dolphins that followed us half way on our tour. If you are looking for the ultimate romantic dining experience, Coco Bistro should be first on your list,” says Heather, but advises advance reservations. Other favorite restauran...

Sure, your child could have gone to college in-state, but that would have been too easy!With the start of the school year approaching, it’s time to make plans.Driving vs. FlyingMany parents drive their kids because you can stuff a lot in the old minivan, but if your child’s university is across the country, that may not be realistic; add up the cost of your time plus gas and hotel bills, and decide for yourself.Avoid Overweight FeesMost airlines charge an additional fee for bags weighing over 50 pounds, a fee that often jumps again for bags over 70 pounds. The overweight fee is usually much more expensive than the checked bag fee, and if the bag is too heavy, you pay both. Don’t forget to pack common sense too. If a flight with free bags costs $600 and the flight that charges bag fees is $...

Are We There Yet?by Suzan Dees | ContributorI don’t know how things are at your house, but when I used to tell my kids that I was planning a little road trip I would be bombarded with a chorus of, “But what about wi-fi?”, “What do they have to do there?”, and “Do I have to go?” Not any more, my friends. With the help of the internet and a little bit of imagination, I have turned our weekend trips into something even my 13 year-old daughter can’t roll her eyes at.Aurora, Texas – An “Out of this World” TripOne of our favorite day trips was to the tiny town of Aurora. With a population of just over 1,000 residents, blink and you just might miss it; but trust me, you don’t want to. This tiny town is famous for the purported alien spacecraft that crashed in 1897. The townspeople were rumored to...

By Rick Seaney | ContributorLooking for something a little different this year? Take a look at these cities and regions. All offer the irresistible combination of year-round fun and excellent airfare value.Cities Near MountainsBoston, MassachusettsThis perennially cheap destination is conveniently located near New England ski resorts and summer fun at Cape Cod. And of course, Boston itself is a town steeped in history, and be sure to try some of those great restaurants.Fenway Park in Boston.Denver, ColoradoAnother great value thanks to loads of airline competition. You know about the world-class skiing, but Denver also has outdoor adventures for every season. The Mile High City is no slouch when it comes to fun nightlife either.Denver, Colorado.The SouthCharleston, South CarolinaJetBlue ha...

Are you headed to Houston or Galveston this summer?Why not turn your car into a time machine as you explore some Texas history on your road trip?By Suzan Dees | ContributorDid you know there are over 15,000 historical markers in the state of Texas? Our great state is absolutely rich with history. So, while you take your summer road trips, why not indulge in a little history lesson?First stop: HuntsvilleThere you will find the world’s largest statue of an American hero (this is Texas, y’all!) General Sam Houston stands an astonishing 77 feet tall from the base of his platform to the top of his head. Also in Huntsville is the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, dedicated to the life and family of the first president of the Republic of Texas. The museum offers lots of hands-on demonstrations that ar...

It’s that time of year again, when college students all over the country emerge from snow-covered dorms, cast their books aside and rally to the cry of, “Hit the beach!”Yes, it’s Spring Break. What follows is a partial list of some of the most popular Spring Break beach destinations – including Cancun, South Padre Island and Panama City Beach – and how to find the best flight deals to get you there.Most Popular College Spring Break BeachesYou already know about Daytona and Ft. Lauderdale, but here are a few more Spring Break getaway beaches that are extremely popular with students because they’re fun and can be exceptional bargains.Cancun, Mexico – Also called the “Mexican Caribbean” or “Mayan Riviera” because of its prized location on the southeast coast of Mexico in the Yucatan Channel, ...