MAIN Travel Weekend Getaways

While many people dream of spending weeks on sun-drenched tropical beaches, a growing number of families or couples are recognizing the advantages of vacation or holiday fun in shorter doses.

Two-income households with a gaggle of kids in tow especially have little time to plan, budget and organize a long trip.

So it's no surprise that weekend getaway trips are catching on across the country.

It's especially important for families to budget travel expenses -- without giving up the fun and adventure of a full-tilt vacation!

Short getaways or long weekend trips include much less planning and, of course, a sweet oppotunity to get out of town at a moment's notice.

Make Your Vacation Seem Longer - Take Weekends

By opting for longer weekends, many vacationers feel they are getting more, not less, vacation time. Spreading the traditional 14-21 vacation days over the four seasons also provides lots of opportunities for a short family road trip, fall foliage or winery tour, winter getaways or extended stays at summer campgrounds, theme parks or winter holiday ski trips.

"It all depends on your attitude," says New York native Mary Donough who, along with her husband and two kids have taken quick trips around the NYC metro area, Boston and Washington DC - even Cancun and Bermuda.

"While long stay vacations are fun to plan, it's so much more exciting to pack a few things, grab the kids and go, especially in the off-season. Once you find out how fun and affordable it can be, weekend trips are the only way to go."

For the best deals during peak season also look for US destinations that traditionally offer cheaper airfares, hotel room and meals - like Orlando or Las Vegas - for a complete travel package that won't break the bank.

also see -> Women's Travel & Girlfriend Getaways | Great Ideas for Budget Travel

More about weekend getaways around the Web:

Around the Web, check out top sites offering more information on fast and affordable weekend getaways, shopping excursions, ski trips and hiking treks for families, singles, and couples:

Family Travel Network - Interests & Activities - Use the left hand drop-down menu to access tips & advice on trips for Mothers Day, Fathers Day, winter and fall weekend getaways and related family travel fun on a budget.

Weekend Getaways from 9 Major U.S. Cities - Smarter Traveler reviews of top locations around the U.S. offering cheap getaways with related tips on finding budget restaurants and attractions.

Cheap Family Weekend Getaways - Check out the Travel Channel for expert advice on how to save money at state parks, when to opt for apartment rentals over hotels, and related tips.