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Similar to the heritage and history availableat Mount Rushmore, Washington, D.C.,was next on Beth’s list for family-friendlyvacations. The many attractions with freeadmission in the D.C. area are what helpmake this trip affordable for even a large family.Museums and memorials are the two M’sto remember when it comes to a visit to thenation’s capitol. The Smithsonian NationalAir and Space Museum is one of the favoritedestinations for the future aviators and astronautsin the family.Couples or Girlfriend GetawaysSedona, Arizona, is the spot for a romanticgetaway or a fun time with the girlfriends,according to the Vacation Gals. The lodgingoptions run the price gamut, making it affordablefor most any budget and the naturalsurroundings are an attraction in themselves.“The hiking is some of the most beautifulin the country,” Beth told me. “I suggestgetting a map of the mystical vortexes andexploring those areas. Being surrounded bythe beautiful red rocks in Arizona offers agreat sense of serenity, at no cost at all!”Winter is the off -season for Chicagoas far as tourism is concerned, but that alsomeans that it is the time of year to get somegreat deals on lodging in the Windy City.The Two Urns Bed and Breakfast, which isThe key to any goodvacation is planning. Ifyou want to make themost of your time onvacation, you plan outyour schedule so thatyou fit in all the ‘mustsees’on the trip.perfectly situated between downtown andthe suburbs, offers some fantastic winterdiscounts. Relax in the cozy comfort of thishistoric brownstone and then take a strolldown to the boutiques and restaurants in theWicker Park area, or catch the nearby subwayand head downtown to one of the manyexquisite museums or the Art Institute.Whether it is cashing in on off-seasonrates in the north or taking advantage ofMother Nature’s amazing art exhibits in thesouth, either of these vacation destinationscan be both affordable and filled with memorablemoments.The key to any good vacation is planning.If you want to make the most of yourtime on vacation, you plan out your scheduleso that you fit in all the ‘must-sees’ on the trip.If you also want to make the most of your budget,then you need to do some pre-planningin that area as well. Shop around for the bestdeals on lodging and meals. Plan excursionsthat are focused around nature and other lowcostvenues.Remember that vacations are meantto be times of refreshment and camaraderiewith family and friends. Slowing down andnot packing every day full of places to go andthings to see can not only save you money, butalso make your vacation time more valuablerelationally as well. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 69