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Family Travels on a Budget

Family Travels on a Budget shares the best family vacations on a budget, large or small. Discover affordable family vacations: Theme park vacations, cruising, historic travel, adventure travel and more.

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Home » Archives for Karen Dawkins

Washington, DC Family Vacation

March 19, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 4 Comments

With so many things to do in Washington, DC, how do you decide what to include in a Washington, DC family vacation? You’ve come to the right place! Our family has made many visits to Washington, DC — with little kids, teens and even the young adults. We know how to do Washington, DC on […]

Filed Under: Travel guides, Washington, DC

Vacationing in the Outer Banks: A complete planner

March 16, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 4 Comments

Beach at the Outer Banks

Vacationing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a popular choice for families who want to enjoy sun, sand and sea. To make it easy to plan a trip to the Outer Banks, we’ll walk you through everything you need for a wonderful Outer Banks family vacation. When you know all the amazing options […]

Filed Under: Adventure, Beaches, History, Kid Fun, North Carolina, Travel guides

Busch Gardens Meal Deal: Is it worth it?

March 14, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 14 Comments

The German Sampler at Busch Gardens Virginia

We are avid fans of Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA. It’s not only ranked the most beautiful theme park in the world year after year, it’s also got some of the best theme park food we’ve ever eaten! If you’re planning a trip to Busch Gardens and wonder if you should add the Busch Gardens All-Day […]

Filed Under: Destinations, Food, Interests, Other Theme Parks, theme parks, Theme Parks and Zoos, USA, Virginia

7 reasons to choose the British Colonial Hilton Nassau Day Pass

March 14, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 5 Comments

Nassau, Bahamas shore excursion to the Hilton British Colonial

On a Nassau Bahamas cruise, you’ll have lots of shore excursions to choose from. And if you want a relaxing beach day, pampered in quiet luxury, the British Colonial Hilton Nassau Day Pass is the best choice. I’ve been to Nassau many times and have tried a number of private shore excursions there. Compared to […]

Filed Under: cruising

Ireland travel tips from a travel expert

March 13, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 3 Comments

Dunguaire Castle Kinvarra, photo credit Jody Halstead

Today’s post comes from Jody Halstead, an expert on Ireland vacation planning. These seven Ireland travel tips make planning a vacation to Ireland easy as 1, 2, 3! When families consider their first European vacation, Ireland is often near the top of their list. A land of magic and mystery, history and hauntings, faeries and […]

Filed Under: Ireland, World

Busch Gardens Tips for 2023

March 10, 2023 by Karen Dawkins

Planning to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg this year? We have had annual passes to Busch Gardens Williamsburg for many years, so we know this theme park really well! Here are all the Busch Gardens tips we know will make your trip great! Things to do at Busch Gardens There are lots more things to do […]

Filed Under: Other Theme Parks, Theme Parks and Zoos

Romantic things to do in St Simons Island, GA

March 9, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 15 Comments

Palm tree in foreground with blue sky, clouds and the Atlantic coast beyond

When it comes to romantic getaways, St Simons Island on Georgia’s Gold Coast is hard to beat. With stunning views of the ocean, great restaurants, activities for every interest and a variety of lodging options, St. Simons Island, GA has it all. I went to the King and Prince Resort as a hosted guest to […]

Filed Under: Georgia, Girlfriend Getaways, Romantic

The 7 Day Cruise Packing List: An essential cruise wardrobe guide

March 6, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 88 Comments

Updated March 2023 Knowing what to pack for a 7 day cruise can be overwhelming, especially for first time cruisers, so a cruise packing checklist like we have here really helps. With this cruise packing checklist, you will know how to pack for a 7 day Caribbean cruise so so you don’t forget the important […]

Filed Under: cruising, Packing, travel tips, Uncategorized

Family vacation: Niagara Falls for kids

March 4, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 9 Comments

At Family Travels on a Budget, we love road trips in the United States! And, one of my favorite destinations growing up was Niagara Falls, US side. Taking my daughter for the first time reminded me why Niagara Falls for kids is a great summer vacation idea! Originally published September 2014. Updated March 2023 Besides […]

Filed Under: Destinations, Interests, Kid Fun, New York, Travel guides

25 Savannah travel tips you need before you go

March 3, 2023 by Karen Dawkins 16 Comments

Originally published July 2013. Updated February 2023. Savannah, Georgia was founded in 1733, the first planned city in America. Way back when, James Oglethorpe designed Savannah around four “squares.” The grid layout made the city easy to defend — with each square surrounded by residents and community buildings. The city kept using the grid design […]

Filed Under: Destinations, Georgia, Georgia, USA

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Meet Karen Dawkins

An avid traveler, I enjoy discovering new places: history, culture, and adventure. I love it all! Well, not bugs. I don’t like bugs very much, so I probably won’t visit a bug museum.

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