Planning Affordable Family Getaways

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Make A Splash—Each year, (NAPSA)—There are a number of ways for families to hit the road more than 3 million visitors come to Wisconsin Dells for thrills and without breaking the bank. Sim- ple things, such as planning an itinerary based on affordable spills in “The Waterpark Capital of the World.” Particularly popular are the huge themed indoor waterpark resorts, such as the African-themed Kalahari, Greekthemed Mt. Olympus, Northwoods-themed Great Wolf Lodge, points of interest and shopping online for the best hotel rates, can makea big difference in what you pay for a vacation. Try these additional tips: Bring your own snacks and Western-themed Wilderness Territory and Southwestern-themed Chula Vista Resort. waterfor the car or airport. If you’re flying, try to book your trip on “off days” such as Tuesday or Wednesday when flights are often less expensive. If you’re driving, pack only what you need since excess weight will cause your car to burn more fuel. Of course, where you plan to go will affect the cost of the trip as Fun And Gaming—For those who hearthecall of Vegas but can’t afford to answer, WisconPlanning a trip off the beaten path can be a fun way to save on your next vacation. Hit The Links—Sculpted have to skimp on fun to save into the coastline of Lake Michigan, Whistling Straits golf course harkens back to the raw freshness visit Wisconsin, which is home to stunning coastal peninsulas, jaw- best in the United States and has hosted the 2004 PGA Champi- well. The good newsis you don’t money. For instance, families can dropping golf courses that seem straight out of Ireland, kayaking and fishing experiences that rival Canada’s, and glitzy gaming that will make you feel like you’re in Vegas. Here is a sampling of what travelers can expect: A Trip To Remember—Visitors won’t find a chain restau- rant, store or hotel in northern Door County—but they will be en- chanted with 300 miles of shore- line, five state parks, 10 lighthouses and a dozen picturesque harborside villages. The 75-mile- long peninsula also features a host of orchards, farmer’s markets, wineries and golf courses, not to mention several theaters and a plethora of art galleries. of Ireland. It is ranked among the onship, the 2007 U.S. Senior Open and the 2005 Palmer Cup. The PGA Championship will return to Whistling Straits in 2010. The Great Outdoors— Located on the eastern side of the Bayfield Peninsula, the city of Bayfield serves as a gateway to the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Called one of North America’s “virtually pristine” national parks by National Geographic Traveler, the 22 gemlike Apostle Islands offer lighthouses, hiking trails, shipwrecks and terrific blue-water sailing. However, they are perhaps best knownfor their red sandstone sea caves, which draw kayakers from aroundthe country. sin has a host of Native American casinos to scratch the gaming or entertainment itch. For instance, the Ho-Chunk Casino combines the state’s largest offering of slots and blackjack tables with a 315room hotel, five restaurants and a convention center, providing the perfect escape for a weekend gam- ing getaway. Visitors to the north- ern part of the state can get their gameon with a trip to the Oneida Casino in Green Bay. King Of The Road—Rival- ing Route 66, Wisconsin’s High- way 51 slices the entire length of the state. It serves up numerous examples of Wisconsin’s quirkiness and sense of humor along the way, winding past the sublime and the downright silly: a giant corkscrew in Hurley; a huge can of chili in Beloit; the world’s largest loon in Mercer; and the biggest penny in Woodruff. For more information and free travel-planning guides, including the 2009 Wisconsin Spring/Summer Event Guide, visit www.travel wisconsin.com or call (800) 432TRIP/8747.