The hottest travel deals for great family vacations this winter | Tech US News

I haven’t been able to convince my kids that the gift of holiday travel is as exciting as opening a stack of wrapped presents under the tree, but I’m still not giving up hope. As much as they love visiting the beach or our favorite theme parks, it’s just not the same as tearing off the paper from a carefully wrapped gift to discover the treasures inside.

I’m not sure if these family-oriented winter travel deals will be enough to change your mind, but they’re definitely convincing me. With these deals, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next theme park visit, stay at mountain retreats for a fraction of the cost, or visit beach destinations where kids stay free.

Here are six family travel deals I wouldn’t mind finding under the Christmas tree this year.

Walt Disney World – Orlando

Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration ends 18 months of festivities on March 31, 2023. That means you only have a few months left to experience “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth.” Disney World has a special offer for families who want to visit before the celebration ends, with savings of up to $400 on a four-night, four-day package with room and board at select Disney World hotels for stays between Dec. 11 . 2022 and March 30, 2023 (limited dates apply).

You’ll see the biggest nightly savings at luxury resorts like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, but you can also save $40 a night at moderate resorts like Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and $20 at Value resorts like Disney’s All-Star. Musical resort.

Check out Walt Disney World deals.

Walt Disney World isn’t the only destination celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. OB Resort & Spa, one of the Disney Springs hotels that are close to the magic of Disney, but often at a fraction of the price, opened its first location in 1972 and offers a “50th Anniversary Celebration Package.” Guests can save up to 20 on stays of three nights or more until March 31, 2023. When you book this package, you’ll also receive a 50th birthday chocolate cake for two and one of B’s ​​signature stuffed frogs to go the House.

Check out the offers at B Resort & Spa.

Universal Orlando – Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort limited time deals can help you save money and stay longer.

If you book a Universal Orlando vacation between now and December 15, 2022 for travel dates through February 16, 2023 (limited dates apply), you can save up to 30% on a five-day, five-night vacation package that includes five-day park-to-park tickets that include admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water parks and accommodation at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

Related: Is Universal’s Express Pass Worth It? TPG has tested how much time it actually saves you in the queue

If you’re looking for a little more flexibility, you can opt for Universal’s “Buy Two Days, Get Two Days Free” park ticket promotion, valid for travel dates between now and March 2, 2023. For the price of two days, you can spend four days exploring Universal’s two theme parks. When you choose a park-to-park ticket, you can visit both parks on the same day (a must if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between the two sections of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) or you can save money by visiting just one park per day. You can add admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park for an additional fee. Pricing starts at $243 for adults and $233 for children ages 3-9.

Check out all the deals at Universal Orlando here.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is the ultimate all-inclusive vacation for families who love Nickelodeon classics like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.” You can meet all your favorite characters, enjoy indoor and outdoor fun at the water park and kids club, and even let yourself down.

The resort is currently offering a “Holiday Extravaganza” sale that can help you save up to 50% off your family vacation (up to $215 per person, per night). This offer must be booked by January 31, 2023 for travel dates between now and January 31, 2023.

Check out the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana offer.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa — Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Although the Dollywood theme park is closed for the winter, you can take advantage of some of the best rates of the year (and less crowds) at the adjacent Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa. Winter is a beautiful time of year to visit the snowy Great Smoky Mountains, and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is a fitting “home away from home” during your visit.

You can spend your days hiking or exploring the attractions in Pigeon Forge and nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee, before returning to the resort to swim in the indoor pool, visit the family game room, and do crafts, storytelling, and other family activities at the Camp DW. , the resort’s club for parents and children.

This offer must be booked before March 8, 2023 for travel dates between January 2, 2023 and March 9, 2023.

Check out the Dollywood DreamMore Resort & Spa deal here.

Big Cedar Lodge – Branson, Missouri

When Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris had the idea to build a mountain retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in the Ozark Mountains, he designed a resort so large it has its own zip code. Although Big Cedar Lodge is adjacent to Branson, it is technically in its own town called Ridgedale, Missouri.

Situated on 46,000 acres overlooking Table Rock Lake in the foothills of the Ozarks, Big Cedar Lodge encourages family adventure and togetherness with activities such as fishing, guided nature walks and a “Fun Mountain” attraction with arcade, bowling, go-karting, park children’s and much more.

Related: From Branson, Missouri to Newport Beach, California, Here’s Our Guide to 13 of the Best Holiday Light Shows in the U.S.

When you take advantage of Big Cedar Lodge’s “2023 Winter Sale,” you can stay at the Falls Lodge for as low as $159 per night or in a private lodge for as low as $189 per night. You’ll also receive a $10 Mountain Game Card and a $25 resort credit to use during your stay.

This offer is available on select nights for stays between January 2, 2023 and March 9, 2023.

Check out the Big Cedar Lodge deal here.

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya – Tulum, Mexico

If you’re looking for a place to escape the cold, gray winter, look no further than the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. The 349-room resort is located on a secluded bay that feels like your own private beach, and the serenity of this relaxing, nature-inspired resort doesn’t end there.

Inside and out, the resort is inspired by the nature that surrounds it, from earth-toned furnishings and decor to local and international cuisines in the 11 on-site restaurants and a kids’ club with culturally inspired crafts, cooking classes and more.

When you book the limited-time “Tulum Winter Vibes Package,” you’ll receive round-trip airport transportation, complimentary daily breakfast, and a $150 resort credit per stay for stays of at least four nights. Children under 12 also stay and eat for free.

This package must be booked by December 20, 2022 for stays between now and March 24, 2023.

Check out the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya offer here.

bottom line

It’s still “to be determined” if I’ll be able to convince my kids to give up some gifts for the chance to visit one of their favorite holiday destinations, but I’ve been pretty good this year and I know what they are. putting on my bucket list: an escape from the Midwest winter cold for a fun family getaway. Also, I know Santa personally and have had quite a bit of influence over the presents he puts under our tree.