You’ve heard me mention before that my little girls go to year-round school. That means instead of a long, drawn-out summer with no end in sight, we have exactly five weeks for summer break. Five weeks to wind down after the end of one year, to relax, take family vacations and to shop for and prepare for the next year. It’s not much time.
Mini Family Vacations
Because of our short summer break, we’ve gotten used to making the most of mini-vacations and “staycations”. We love to head to the beach for a quick weekend getaway or will drive to the mountains for a three day mini-vacation.
Earlier this summer, we also had a ball in just two days when we took a family “staycation” in town for a night. We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Raleigh at Brier Creek and had so much fun. The suites were huge, with lots of room for the whole family to spread out and feel comfortable. We also enjoyed a complimentary manager’s reception, free cooked-to-order breakfast and many hours of fun in the pool.
We had such a great time! Look how beautiful the hotel was:
Getting More Out of Vacations
Dr. Susan Biali, author of “Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You”, has some great tips to help families get more out of vacations. Since many families aren’t able to take long vacations in today’s economy, Dr. Biali suggests the following ways to make sure you get the most out of every minute of your mini-vacation:
- The anticipation of vacation is a large part of the enjoyment. Make a to-do list and start packing early. Let the kids start packing favorite books and pjs during the days before you leave for your vacation. You’ll find that everyone is enjoying the days leading up to the trip too!
- Take lots of pictures and document everything you do on your vacation. Collect brochures, ticket stubs from activities and even hotel notepads. When you get back home, extend the happy feeling by sitting down with your kids and making memory books with the items you brought home. Small memory books can often be found at dollar stores and make an inexpensive way for each child to have his or her own collection of favorite memories.
- Since vacations are often shorter than in previous years, be sure to plan your vacation or staycation wisely. Make sure that all of the activities you’re interested in are nearby, so you don’t waste precious time traveling around. Be sure to look for a hotel like Embassy Suites with lots of included amenities, like free cooked-to-order breakfast and pools for the kids to swim in. You’ll spend less time driving around looking for meals and activities if some are included right at the hotel.
366 Days of More Sweepstakes
Embassy Suites has pledged to give their guests 366 more days of vacation and more fun and enjoyment during those days with the 366 Days of More Sweepstakes contest on Facebook. The lucky winners will get 2 free nights at Embassy Suites, one for you and one to give to a friend! Be sure to head over and enter today!
Good luck!
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Get the latest news and updates about Embassy Suites on Twitter.
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in an Ambassador Program by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Embassy Suites Hotels and received a one-night complimentary stay at an Embassy Suites Hotel to facilitate my reviews and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
Jam Juneo says
What a pretty hotel! I always stay at Embassy Suites when I travel on business, but never thought of how convenient they would be for families – since they usually have the sleeper sofa and the extra sitting room area.
Kimberlie says
Love Embassay Suites! I remember staying at their hotels as a child and how much fun and luxurious they were. I will keep them in mind for my next vacation!
jamie braun says
My gosg,this reminded me of how much we need a vacation! we’ll check out embassy out if we ever get the chance