Top Family-Friendly Spring Breaks - on a Budget

PENNINGTON, N.J., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Planning a family spring break getaway can be a daunting task; avoiding the college-aged spring break crowd, navigating the elevated prices, and finding bargain accommodations without sacrificing amenities, are all important factors for families to consider.  Family Vacation Critic© (http://www.familyvacationcritic.com) – an online travel guide for parents which features reviews of family resorts, hotels and destinations – has compiled a list of the 10 Best Budget-Friendly Family Resorts, which includes these top spring break destinations:

• Comfort Suites Paradise Island Resort - Bahamas
  What Makes It a Deal: Directly adjacent to Atlantis Resort and Casino, the major draw is that guests of the Comfort Suites receive full access to all of the facilities at Atlantis Resort, including the pools, water slides and river rides; spa; Kids Club; Dolphin Cay and Aquaventure, without the higher priced accommodations found at the Atlantis Resort.
  
• Disney's Pop Century Resort - Walt Disney World, FL
  What Makes It a Deal: Located near Epcot, the rates are extremely reasonable for a Disney property -- under $100 per night -- and guests receive all of the usual advantages of staying at a Disney resort, including extra Magic Hours, which allow families to arrive early and stay late at the park on certain days, and free bus transportation to all Walt Disney World Resort destinations.
  
• Si Como No - Costa Rica
  What Makes It a Deal: The room rates at Si Como No are surprisingly affordable given its spectacular location, and also include a complimentary breakfast buffet, free shuttle to nearby Manuel Antonio National Park and free passes to the Butterfly Botanical Gardens at Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge across the street.
  
• Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg - Williamsburg, VA
  What Makes It a Deal: Located just three miles from Colonial Williamsburg, Great Wolf Lodge's 300,000-gallon indoor water park is worth every penny. And with the Williamsburg location, families are getting two vacations for the price of one.
  
• El Capitan Canyon Resort - Santa Barbara, CA
  What Makes It a Deal: Because families are "glamping" in private cabins instead of staying at a hotel, guests are not paying for extras. By bringing their own food for the kitchenettes, and participating in the free activities offered, families will save a bundle.

According to Lissa Poirot, editor of Family Vacation Critic, families looking to save on spring break vacations should "Consider staying in neighboring towns of the bigger resorts to find cheaper accommodations just a small drive away -- such as staying in Kissimmee, FL, instead of Orlando. Finding all-inclusive resorts that cater to families is also a great way to stay on budget without missing out on special amenities."

For the full list of the best budget-friendly family resorts: http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/top-10-budget-friendly-family-resorts/art/. For additional tips on saving money on family vacations: http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/ways-to-save-on-family-travel/art/.

Family Vacation Critic features reviews of family-friendly resorts and hotels, as well as family travel deals and destination guides for planning kid-friendly vacations. The site also provides a forum for swapping tips on all aspects of traveling with kids.

About Family Vacation Critic

Family Vacation Critic® is a comprehensive online travel resource for families that offers reviews of family hotels, resort and destinations. The site features vacation ideas, family travel tips and an online forum for family travelers. Family Vacation Critic was launched in June 2009 by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 18 other travel media brands, and together the sites attract more than 65 million unique monthly visitors*. TripAdvisor's travel media brands include: www.tripadvisor.com, www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.travelpod.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.virtualtourist.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

Family Vacation Critic and The Independent Traveler are either trademarks or registered trademarks of TripAdvisor, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2012 The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved. 

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Media Contact:
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SOURCE Family Vacation Critic