Summer Family Travel Deals: Orlando, Boston, Providence, Rome and More

6/29/15 - By Allison Tibaldi

Summer is high season for travelers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t nail a deal. Boston, Washington, D.C. and Providence are excellent cityscape getaways for families living in the Northeast. If you crave the countryside, a lakeside vacation in Vermont will satiate your need for fresh air. Bound for Orlando’s theme parks? Kids save big on Amtrak’s Auto Train. Out West, there are good rates in steamy Arizona, scenic Santa Fe and seaside Pebble Beach. If Rome, Barbados or Grenada is on your wish list, now might be the time to think big. Dreamy Puerto Vallarta is offering a Mexican vacation, including hotel and airfare, to three lucky families. 

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Providence, Rhode Island
If you’ve never seen Providence’s WaterFire, make this the summer that you do. It’s a dazzling visual arts display with over eighty sparkling bonfires lighting up the three rivers of downtown Providence. Stay at the Providence Biltmore on a WaterFire Saturday night and receive 30% off the rate for Friday or Sunday. You must stay two nights to receive 30% off. Use booking code: WTRFIR when making your reservation. The WaterFire Package is available until October 3, 2015. For a complete WaterFire schedule, click here.

Boston 
The Westin Boston Waterfront is located in the Seaport district near restaurants and entertainment. The hotel is offering a special rate starting from $215 per night, throughout the summer. The offer includes a complimentary room upgrade, wi-fi, parking as well as a leisurely 3 pm late checkout on Sundays. To book your stay call 866-716-8101 and reference rate code BOSUMM or book online at http://www.westinbostonwaterfront.com/summer2015.

Washington, D.C. 
The Fairmont Washington, D.C.
, Georgetown is offering the Gold Rush package all summer. Pay for two nights and get the third night free, plus receive a $50 food and beverage credit per stay. The nightly rate starts at $349 and includes complimentary breakfast, evening canapés and more perks.

Lake Morey Resort, Vermont 
Set on the shores of a pristine lake surrounded by green hills, this resort is a New England classic. Swim, kayak, canoe, golf or read a good book while the kids attend supervised activities.  Kids under 12 stay, eat (breakfast and dinner) and play at the organized daily recreation program absolutely free. This offer is valid Sunday-Thursday all summer, non-holiday periods. For more information on this deal, visit the Lake Morey website.

Kids Ride Free On The Auto Train 
The Auto Train travels from the Washington, D.C. area to Orlando. Book by July 10 for travel until August 31, 2015 and kids 12 and under ride for just $29 each way. For more information, click here.

Pebble Beach, California 
Pebble Beach Resort is located on the Monterey Peninsula along California’s central coast. The Pebble Beach Explorers package allows children ages 12 and younger to eat and play for free at the resort. There are many family-focused activities, including scavenger hunts, horseback riding, tennis and golf. The package starts at $595 per night, per family, valid through July 31, 2015. It  includes a room at The Inn at Spanish Bay, meals and activities for kids. For more information, visit www.pebblebeach.com or call (888) 251-9790 and use promo code FAMILY.

Arizona 
The Wigwam Resort near Phoenix is offering good value through September 10 with the Summer Splash package. The rate starts at $99 per room, per night, plus a $22 resort fee. You’ll receive discounts on golf, spa treatments and cabana rentals, plus kids under 5 eat free. You need to book at least 14 days in advance for this rate.

Santa Fe, New Mexico 
Santa Fe is a cultural playground for visitors of all ages. The Drury Plaza Hotel welcomes families with a nightly rate starting at $102, valid until December 31, 2015, with some blackout dates. The rate includes a nightly reception and light breakfast, as well as discounts on local activities. Visit the website or call (505) 424-2175 to reserve.

Rome, Italy 
The Eternal City is a dream destination. Romans love kids and include them in all facets of La Dolce Vita. The three family-owned Bettoja Hotels are luring families here with some tempting summer offers. The centrally located Atlantico property has a Three Night Package includes a spacious room, daily breakfast, tax, service, free use of gym, morning newspaper and free wi-fi starting at 124 € per room, per night. 

Grenada 
This Caribbean island is known as the Spice Island, courtesy of the locally grown nutmeg and cinnamon that delicately perfume the air. The flora, fauna and friendly people make this island nation a winner.
JetBlue has just started flying non-stop from JFK to Grenada. Check the airline’s website for introductory fares to promote their newest destination.
Consider an adults-only all-inclusive getaway to Sandals La Source. This summer, couples save 65% off the regular rate and water sports, including diving, are included.
Spice Island Beach Resort is a luxurious family-operated resort with a terrific kid’s club. The seventh night is free when you pay for six, plus one child under age twelve is free. This offer is valid through September.

Barbados
Turtle Beach Resort is an all-inclusive retreat perched atop the white sands of Barbados’ south coast. You’ll find exceptional food, a full menu of water sports as well as off-property adventures. You can save 35% off the standard rate if you book before July 30, 2015 for stays through January 6, 2016. Holiday blackout periods apply. Boston residents should note that JetBlue starts nonstop service from Logan to Barbados this fall, so be on the lookout for introductory airfare deals. Visit www.turtlebeachresortbarbados.com for more information.

Win A trip To Puerto Vallarta 
Puerto Vallarta is a great spot for a family vacation. Three lucky families will win a three-night stay in this beautiful Pacific beach town. Airfare for two adults and one child, plus an all-inclusive hotel stay may tempt you to try your luck. You may enter the Family Vacation in Puerto Vallarta sweepstakes until October 30, 2015. For contest information, click here.
Photo credit: Nicholas Millard