Back to School Getaways

For most parents, the approaching end of summer means mixed emotions. With the kids back in school, you will have more freedom to get work done, but it also means that hectic schedules are back, and what’s even worse, family vacation season is over.

But if you are looking for one last family vaca to help you beat those back-to-school blues, The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl has some great Back to School Getaway ideas.

San Antonio, TX

Famous for its Riverwalk and the Alamo, San Antonio is a great place for kids of all ages.  On paper, the Alamo reads like a garden-variety relic. In the flesh, it's got personality. The mission-turned-battleground is a living piece of history. Kids standing in the antiquated hallways -- the very spots where the battle was fought -- will no doubt be struck by the enduring presence of those who died here. It's cool, not creepy. They might actually come out interested in a good read about Texas history.  Toddlers & Pre-K: At this age, the story is lost on them. But count on pleas for a coonskin cap, inevitably for sale in the gift shop.

School-Age Kids: They'll be singing that song: "Day-veeee, Da-vy Crockett. King of the Wild Frontier"

Pre-Teens & Teens: They might groan at the thought of a history lesson. Once inside, most can't help but get caught up in the drama of the place.

• There's more to the story. Make sure to check out the museum and it's new exhibit, "The Alamo: a Story Bigger Than Texas," that adds some new dimension to the legend.
• Get the scoop. On-site tour guides give talks about the Alamo every 20 to 30 minutes in the courtyard.

From now until August 20, you can enter to win a Back-To-School Getaway Giveaway on The Getaway Girl’s website.  Just visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net and enter to win a trip worth almost $600.  

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are celebrated throughout the world for their unique natural wonders and the rare and intriguing wildlife that played such an important role in Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. The wildlife that amazed Charles Darwin still invites travelers to this treasured region today.  The Galapagos Islands provide one of the most quintessential wildlife experiences on the planet. Children can snorkel with sea lions, step across giant land iguanas, admire newly hatched birds, and marvel at 200 year old giant tortoises. Some yachts have special family departures that include additional guides and activities for kids. Others offer suite accommodations, onboard swimming pools, games rooms, and more flexible meal options. Because of this wide range of Galapagos tour options, children of nearly any age can be accommodated. 

On your last family retreat of this summer, visit the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, and Isabela while staying on the islands during this 8-day trip in the Galapagos. The excursions will take you along the coast and up into the highlands to see the Galapagos' biodiversity and to witness first-hand the wildlife and unique scenery of the "Enchanted Islands." Travelers stay active with hiking and snorkeling excursions, but there is plenty of time to relax at the lodges and or on the beach. To learn more about the intriguing natural history of the islands, your park service guide will introduce you to historical sites on the Galapagos as well as an unforgettable visit to the famous Charles Darwin Research Center. Trip details at http://www.adventure-life.com/tours/darwins-islands-1415/  Fly in/out of Quito, Equador (due east of islands).  Starts around $2,170 based on double occupancy.

Cambridge, MA

The weather in Cambridge is fantastic, and Kimpton's Hotel Marlowe has a great kid-friendly Back to School getaway also has kayaks and bikes, free of charge, for a great family outing. The hotel is located directly across from the Charles River; a perfect spot to ride a bike or grab a kayak and paddle out to view the beautiful Boston skyline. 

Kids Discovery Package includes:

* One-night deluxe overnight accommodations
* Four passes to the Museum of Science
* Plate of fresh baked cookies in-room
* Continental Breakfast for 4 in Bambara
* Two Kimpton Kids Kits
Book online or call 1-800-825-7140 and mention rate code PMUM
Details: Rates subject to space, availability, and change. Taxes and gratuities not included. Blackout dates may apply.

Don't delay!  Enjoy one last vacation for school starts?