Photo by Mr. Voss via Trover.com


Traveling to Santa Clara means you'll have lots of fun activities to enjoy, which is especially helpful if you're visiting the area with your family. From water parks to golf courses, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions in the area that are perfect for bonding with your children. Best of all, many hotels in Santa Clara offer numerous kid-friendly amenities, including The Plaza Suites, which is located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Amenities include free breakfast, a seasonal pool, and free Wi-Fi. Here's a closer look at making the most out of your trip to Santa Clara with your family. 

First-Rate Hotels Will Make All the DifferenceStaying in a hotel with poor service and no amenities will likely result in a 'bad' trip to Santa Clara. However, first-rate hotels in the area can make all the difference. Take, for example, the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara. When staying in this family-friendly hotel, you'll enjoy an outdoor pool and concierge services. Additionally, all rooms feature gaming-consoles, perfect your kiddos. TusCA, an onsite restaurant, features a slew of delectable dishes, including wood-fired pizza, fresh salads, and many more. Located nearby are several biking and hiking trails as well as the Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club.

The Domain Hotel offers 3.5-star lodging accommodations. Close by is the Mercado shopping center as well as California's Great America theme park. This park features fun for the entire family, including thrill rides, the Boomerang Bay Water Park, live entertainment, and much more. All guest rooms at The Domain Hotel feature iPod docking stations and free Internet access.

Good Food is Good for the HeartWhen visiting Santa Clara, you can rest assured there are more than a few eateries that are sure to please your taste buds. Lillie Maes House of Soul Food is open every day except for Mondays, offering takeout as well as outdoor dining. From chicken and waffles to Kool-Aid on tap, your kids are sure to love this dining establishment. 

Also in Santa Clara is the Mexicalli Grill, serving up fresh queso fundido, sweet corn tamales, and many other dishes.

Fun in the Sun All Day Long

If you're visiting during the warmer months and your kids are wanting to spend a day in the sun, they'll definitely want to keep cool by splashing in the wave pool at Raging Waters. This water park sits on 23 acres and boasts several high-speed water slides as well as an interactive-themed water fort. 

An ideal way to spend an evening in Santa Clara with the kiddos is by taking them to one of the many concerts held at nearby Levi's Stadium. From Taylor Swift to Luke Bryan, this venue hosts some of today's most well-known artists.

To make sure you get the most out of your trip to Santa Clara, don't forget to use Hipmunk to research your many lodging options. You can also use the site to compare price rates and book your room.


Author Bio: 

Whitney Cann spends the most of her days behind a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways as well as many topics related to content creation, and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors have supplemented more than she could have ever dreamed of, and it's through her writing accomplishments that she plans to travel to Walt Disney World and Cancun next year. 

When visiting New York, you won't find a better place to stay than East Elmhurst. You'll be enveloped in must-see attractions, and you'll also have a slew of lodging accommodations to choose from. If you're visiting the area with your family, you'll definitely want to book a room at a family friendly hotel. It's also important to plan your trip around family friendly attractions, such as watching the Mets play at Citi Field. Here's a quick look at ideal hotels in Elmhurst and attractions that your family won't want to miss out on.



Photo by Jenny Cho via Trover.com

When traveling to Phoenix, you can rest assured that, regardless of the purpose behind your trip, there will be plenty to do to keep you busy. From attractions to luxury hotels to excellent dining establishments, there's something for everyone in your group. Here's a quick look at a few tips for making the most out of your next trip to Phoenix. 

A 4-Star Hotel Is Within Reach
Many times, four-star hotels will cost you upward of $200 a night, but when traveling to Phoenix, you can rest assured there are many luxury hotels that can stretch your dollars. Take, for instance, The Clarendon Hotel in Phoenix. You can book a room for under $70 a night, and you don't have to fret about sacrificing any amenities. In fact, you'll enjoy access to a rooftop terrace as well as a seasonal outdoor pool. You'll also be conveniently located near Chase Field, which is perfect if you're wanting to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play a game.

Another noteworthy four-star hotel is the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Phoenix. Rooms are right around $110 a night, and you can lose yourself in breathtaking views of the on-site gardens. You'll also have access to two on-site golf courses, three pools, several tennis courts, and much more. If you find yourself in the mood for a tasty cocktail, head on over to the Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails. Open seven days a week, this restaurant offers an assortment of delectable dishes as well as premium alcoholic beverages. 

Please Your Taste Buds and Your Wallet
Whether you're on vacation in Phoenix or visiting for business, you'll find yourself in search of places to eat. Fortunately, there are more than a few inexpensive eateries to please your taste buds. At the Ra Sushi Bar Restaurant in Phoenix, you'll find a variety of entrée dishes starting well under $15, including chicken yakisoba and the bara chirashi bowl. If you're looking to start your meal with an appetizer, might I suggest the delicious pineapple cheese wontons.

Enjoy Affordable Entertainment All Year Long
Whether watching Ariana Grande in concert or enjoying a Harlem Globetrotters show, there's always something going on at the U.S. Airways Center. A four-star hotel near this venue is the Westin Phoenix Downtown hotel. This smoke-free hotel features an outdoor pool and a 24-hour business center as well as an on-site fitness center. All rooms come with pillowtop mattresses with Egyptian cotton sheets.  

If you've never visited Phoenix, keep in mind there are multiple apps out there to simplify your travels. Such apps can give you a bird's eye view of the city, including public transportation options. And don't forget to use Hipmunk to book your hotel room. You can easily compare your lodging options and choose the one that best suits your needs. 

Whitney Cann spends most of her days in front of a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways as well as many topics related to content creation, and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors have taken her to places she never imagined, and this year they will take her to Walt Disney World and Cancun. 

One of the best vacation hot spots for you to visit again and again with your family is Gatlinburg, Tenn. From scenic hiking trails to kid-friendly restaurants, you'll never run out of things to do. Best of all, there are more than a few family-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg that are accompanied by inexpensive booking rates. Here's a quick look at a few tips and tricks for making the most out of your next trip to Gatlinburg. 

Be Choosy about Your Lodging Options
For a four-star experience, you will want to book a room at The Lodge at Buckberry Creek. This unique resort sits on 26 forested acres, and you'll be conveniently located only two miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also nearby is the Dixie Stampede. All rooms at this lodge feature jetted soak bathtubs, balconies or patios, and breathtaking views of the mountains. Do keep in mind, though, that there are only 44 rooms, so it is often necessary to make reservations. 

Zoder's Inn and Suites is a 2.5-star hotel that features the number one thing kids look for in a hotel -- an indoor swimming pool. And with Ripley's Aquarium right down the road, you won't have to travel far to keep the kids entertained. Once you get back to the hotel after a long day of touring the city, you and the kids can upload your favorite captured moments on Facebook thanks to complimentary wireless Internet access. 

Best Hiking Trails in Gatlinburg
Andrews Bald trail stretches a bit over three miles, and although it is labeled as "easy," it does have several spots where you will have to trek over small boulders. Just to be on the safe side, it's usually best to bring along only the big kids on this trail.

Ideal for kids, Porter's Creek Trail can be found just a mere six miles from Gatlinburg. While the trail itself is very long, you can turn around at any point to make it as short as you like. Many people bring along their kids and choose to hike to the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin, which makes for a perfect spot to have a picnic.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg
One of the best parts about vacationing in Gatlinburg is that you have an endless number of restaurants from which to choose. To start off the day right, fill up on pancakes and other tasty breakfast items at the Pancake Pantry. If you find yourself in the mood for seafood, you'll want to head to The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. When it comes to mouth-watering BBQ, Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que is where you and the kids should eat. From BBQ chicken to beef briskets, all of the dishes are smoldered and smoked for 14 hours. 

When visiting Gatlinburg, there will be many hotels, cabins, cottages, and even Airbnb options for you to choose. It is imperative that you first assess your needs and preferences before choosing your lodging.

Whitney Cann spends the most of her days behind a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors will take her to Walt Disney World and Cancun in the near future. 

When it comes to visiting Albuquerque, you can rest assured that there is fun to be had all year long. From nearby water parks to plenty of local concerts, there's something for everyone. While you're staying in the area, you'll definitely want to book a room at a hotel that can meet all of your lodging needs and preferences. Here's a quick look at several budget-friendly hotels in Albuquerque that provide complimentary services. 

Hotel Parq Central
Rooms at this 3.5-star hotel will run you close to $200 a night, but you can rest assured it's for a good reason. You'll be conveniently located near the ABQ BioPark Zoo as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The entire hotel is smoke free, and it boasts its own bar and lounge, as well as free breakfast to all guests. All rooms have LCD TVs, iPod decks, and much more. If you find yourself with extra time when staying at Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque, you can always head on down to Kelly's Brewery to sip on your favorite drinks. This pub is only a short eight-mile drive away. 

Hotel Andaluz
Another first-class hotel in Albuquerque is Hotel Andaluz, costing you close to $200 a night. Many couples come to this hotel as a romantic getaway. While staying here, you'll enjoy free coffee and tea in the lobby, as well as complimentary access to WiFi Internet. Valet parking is available, and all beds are covered in fresh Frette Italian sheets. With a rooftop bar, you won't have to travel far from your room to have a good time.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
This 3.5-star hotel is quite a bit cheaper than the previous ones mentioned, but you'll still enjoy an assortment of amenities, including express checkout, a seasonal outdoor pool, luggage storage, and access to a onsite nightclub. Free Internet and free self parking are available to all guests as well as access to concierge services and fitness facilities. If you have a little free time on your hands while staying in this magnificent hotel, come on down to the Route 66 Casino, a place where you're sure to have a good time.

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
Lastly, there's the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, which offers 395 guest rooms, all of which have iHome radio alarm clocks. Only a block away is the city's downtown entertainment district, making it the perfect place to book a room if you're planning on bar hopping. Free Internet access is available to all guests, and upon request you can receive limo services (surcharge applies).  Rooms at this hotel will cost upward of $100 a night, with almost all rooms being large enough to accommodate up to four people. 

Albuquerque is a great city to visit at least once in your life. Whether you're traveling here for business or pleasure purposes, there's always something new to do. And if you're looking for a first-class hotel on an affordable budget, don't forget to use Hipmunk to book your lodging accommodations.

Whitney Cann spends the most of her days behind a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors will take her to Walt Disney World and Cancun in the near future. 

No matter your age, there are plenty of activities and attractions in Gatlinburg that are sure to keep your attention. If you're bringing along little ones, make sure to spend a day or two at the Wild Bear Falls Water Park at Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa. And for those of you who enjoy visiting museums, the Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum are worth a visit. Gatlinburg is also an excellent part of the country to enjoy nature, especially when going on hikes. Here's a quick look at a few of the top hiking trails in Gatlinburg.

Kanati Fork Trail
This trail has a roundtrip length of four miles, with its highest elevation being at 4,328 feet. It has a moderate difficulty rating, meaning you need to be in good physical shape to travel it. Over the course of the entire hike, you'll cross several creeks, and since the trail has no steep hikes, you'll barely notice the elevation. Keep in mind that the Kanati Fork Trail is about a 40-minute drive from Gatlinburg, but it's definitely worth the trip.

Laurel Falls
If you're looking for a trail closer to Gatlinburg, then Laurel Falls has you covered. Located right outside Gatlinburg, this 2.6 mile trail is paved the entire way and provides breathtaking scenery. Nearby you'll find the Laurel Inn in Gatlinburg, with 30 guest rooms, all boasting kitchenettes and air conditioning. After spending the day hiking, come back to Laurel Inn* and freshen up for a night out at the Smoky Mountain Brewery where you'll have a great time sipping on your favorite beverages.

Alum Cave
A short 20-minute drive from Gatlinburg will bring you to Alum Cave, which features a roundtrip hike of 4.4 miles. At its highest elevation, you'll find an 80-foot high bluff. During the winter, water dripping down the bluff turns into massive icicles, perfect for taking photos. But do be careful because if one of the icicles falls, you will have to move quickly to dodge it. Once you make it back to your hotel after hiking, if you're in the mood for going out to eat, stop in at Blue Moose Burgers and Wings.

Chimney Tops
If you're looking for a challenge, then Chimney Tops is a hiking trail that you'll want to climb at least once in your life. You'll enjoy rough terrain, and the last mile is known for being intimidating, for those who are afraid of heights. After hiking this trail, you deserve to come back to a hotel that optimizes luxury, such as The Lodge at Buckberry Creek in Gatlinburg. With rates around $200 a night, you'll enjoy concierge services, jetted bathtubs, a fancy bar, and much more.

Coming to Gatlinburg to satisfy your hiking endeavors is a wise choice to make. Best of all, you'll have access to top-notch lodging accommodations, with a slew of hotels ranging from 2 to 5 stars. Just make sure to plan your trip accordingly because this tourist hot spot stays busy year-round. 

*Not currently available on Hipmunk

Whitney Cann spends the most of her days behind a computer screen, writing about a variety of topics. She often blogs about her own family vacation getaways and she is currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Her writing endeavors will take her to Walt Disney World and Cancun in the near future. 

There are many reasons for traveling to Albuquerque, from visiting the area for business purposes to vacationing here with the kiddos. No matter your reason, you can rest assured there are many cheap hotels in Albuquerque to fit into your budget. If the little ones are tagging with you on your next trip to the area, make sure to check out these kid-friendly hotels and resorts.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Airport
If it's just you and one or two small toddlers, you can rest assured a studio suite with a king bed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Airport will be plenty big enough for all of you. In fact, this room can easily accommodate up to five guests, including four children. If you have an infant, a crib is available upon request. The studio two queen bedroom suite is suitable for up to seven guests, including six children or infants. Hotel amenities include free breakfast, an outdoor pool, onsite dry cleaning, and much more.

Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
Make sure to bring the kiddos to the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque during the warmer months to enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool. With three on-site restaurants, you can rest assured you won't have to travel far to enjoy great tasting cuisine. The kids and you can stay connected to the online world thanks to free wireless Internet access, and you'll be conveniently located only a mile away from the University of Mexico. If you and the kids get bored, don't forget to check out one of the amazing shows at Kimo Theatre.

Hotel Casada
With rooms well under $75 a night, this kid-friendly hotel helps to stretch your dollars. Moreover, with extra money in your wallet, this means you can enjoy going out to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After sleeping in an ultra-comfy Sleep Number bed at Hotel Casada, you can enjoy breakfast at a nearby Denny's. Follow this by spending the day touring the city. Come evening time, stop at Carraro's Pizza and Italian Restaurant, serving all of your favorite Italian dishes.

Holiday Inn Express I40 and Eubank
One of the best value rooms at the Holiday Inn Express I40 and Eubank is the two-queen suite, which accommodates up to four guests, including three children. You can get both a crib and roll away bed upon request, and best of all, there's free Internet, free parking, and free breakfast included within each night's stay. Don't forget the kiddos will love swimming in the indoor pool, which makes this hotel perfect for the family all year.

It's always a good time to visit Albuquerque. From water parks to casinos, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy. When booking your lodging in this lovely city, don't forget that your options are wide open. From two-star to five-star hotels, no matter your preferences, you can easily find the perfect place to book a room.