Jamie Jefferson

When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. With its year round tropical climate, average water temperature of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun.

Not only is it home to millions of people, but it beckons millions more each year from all over the globe.

Whenever one of my friends returns from some time away, I ask: "Was it a vacation, or was it just a trip?"

When traveling with kids, true vacations are pretty hard to come by. With the packing, the car seats, the change in sleeping schedules, and all the inevitable whining that comes along, it would be way easier to stay home (especially when traveling by car.

The last time I was in Mexico, so was everyone else, or so it seemed. But it is possible to travel to Mexico and enjoy a white sandy beach and some peace and quiet at the same time. All you need to know is where (and, in some cases, when) to go.

When to Go

November to April is widely regarded as the best time to visit. The summer months can get pretty hot.

No question, you can drop thousands of dollars on a one week getaway, but you certainly do not have to. If you know a few simple secrets, you can stay within your budget and still enjoy an exciting, unforgettable trip with the kids. All it takes is a little creativity and knowledge.

Here is what you need to know:

Saving on Family Airfare

Airline travel is unquestionably expensive, but many opt to fly over driving because of the time involved, as well as the cost of gasoline.

With its whitewashed beaches and azure waters, the Mexican paradise of Cancun balances the peace of the beach with a fun and fabulous nightlife, including clubs such as Coco Bongo and My Place.

When you are not lazing or dancing, you can swim with dolphins, deepsea dive, and snorkel. Or golf, shop, ride horses, and drink in the ancient Mayan archeological sites.

It is hard to imagine a more exciting, magical, and eagerly anticipated vacation than a Disney theme park adventure.

And because the prospect of the trip is so exciting, the planning process can be half the fun. Here is how to get started planning the trip of a lifetime, for a lot less than you might think.

Order Your Free Disney DVD
One of the first things you will want to do is take advantage of the free Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD.

When it comes to fun in the sun, southern California has it all. With its year round tropical climate, average water temperature of 78 degrees, perfect waves, excellent dining, and numerous oceanfront resorts, this earthly paradise also boasts picturesque harbors and a shimmering coastline filled with sand, surf and sun.

Not only is it home to millions of people, but it beckons millions more each year from all over the globe.

If you are looking for a holiday with lots of sun, sea and sand, Florida is the perfect destination. With more than 1,100 miles of beaches along its sultry coasts, Florida has something for everyone. But which are the best Florida beaches and what can you expect to find there? Here are ten best beach picks:

1. Panama City Beach, also known as PCB, is consistently listed among the best Florida beaches, featuring shimmering white quartz sand, which is beautiful to look at and soft enough for children to play in.

Going on a cruise is something many people dream about. Entirely cut off from the day-to-day world, taking to the sea can be an ideal way to relax. But many people put off their dream cruise vacations until later in life because they don't think it possible to take their kids along with them.

You may be happy to know that the cruise world is changing, with several companies making a special effort to ensure that families feel included, and that means planning a family cruise has never been easier.

Are you looking forward to a long, leisurely vacation this year? If you have a toddler to look after, you'll really feel that you've earned it! But traveling with a toddler - whether by road or by air - can feel like hard work in itself. How can you cope for hours at a time with a small bundle of energy who has nowhere to run about? How can you keep your toddler from distracting the driver or annoying other passengers?

Successful traveling with a toddler takes patience and skill, but most important is preparation.