Kelley Falgout

Budget travel has become a necessity for most people with the cost of gasoline and other consumer products on the rise. But when we start considering when, where, how and what type of vacation to undertake, we sometimes get caught up in the anticipation and excitement of the upcoming trip and let the more important financial side of things slip a little.

Traveling with pets is a growing trend and can be a pleasant experience for both you and your pet if you plan ahead. Family pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it's hard to leave those adorable faces behind when you leave town. Failing to carefully plan a road trip with your pet can lead to an endurance ride of hourly stops, nonstop whining and barking as well as a lack of pet-friendly places to stay.

Walt Disney World and Disneyland are renowned for their time-honored hospitality and wide scope of entertainment opportunities which make them some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. So it's probably not a big leap that when you ask most people to think of a theme park, the first thought that comes to their minds is "Disney".

Vacation rental homes have become an incredibly popular alternative to the traditional hotel room when it comes to theme park vacations. Lodging is usually one of the biggest chunks of a vacation budget and most savvy travelers want to make certain that every dollar is spent wisely. Not only are vacation homes clean and conveniently located next to many major attractions, but they are also very affordable.

Dollywood is a 125-acre theme park owned by and named after entertainer Dolly Parton. Located in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is the second top tourist attraction in Tennessee after the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is visited by thousands of people each day. It is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to theme parks and is staking its claim as being one of the top parks in the nation by expanding with bigger and bigger rides and adding the 30-acre Splash Country water park next door.

Orlando attractions and theme parks draw more than 50-million people to the area every year. As a matter of fact, this Central Florida city welcomes more visitors to its theme parks, amusement parks and water parks than any other city in the world. The combination of the year-round tropical climate, superior accommodations and outstanding entertainment has made it the number one destination for families around the globe.

Busch Gardens Europe and Africa are part of the Busch Entertainment chain of theme parks. With locations in Williamsburg, Virginia and Tampa, Florida, they are famous for their unique combination of daring rides, live entertainment and animal habitats. Each park is infused with cultural elements from its namesake continent and showcases the popular foods, landmarks, gardens, shops and entertainment of a particular country.

Orlando-Kissimmee is the third largest metropolitan area in the United States and is best known for its many theme park attractions. Once someone has enjoyed the rides, magic and fun of Orlando, it's not a hard sell as a favorite vacation destination. The city is synonymous with theme parks and in an effort to save money, as well as time, waiting in line at the park, travelers often purchase theme park tickets online.

Legoland California is a 128-acre theme park located in Carlsbad, near San Diego. It is the third of four Legoland parks and is the only Lego theme park in the United States. Geared to children between the ages of 2 and 12, it features more than 50 interactive rides, shows and attractions as well as Lego-themed restaurants and shops. The park is also beautifully landscaped with 1,360 bonsai trees and other plants from around the world.