Planning a Vacation!

I have to admit I enjoy planning things.  My problem in the past has been that I plan things so much that I would get bent out of shape whenever things didn't go exactly the way I had planned.  Unfortunately, with a husband and son with ADHD, that seemed to happen a lot.  So I have learned over the years that great plans are an essential but flexibility is also required. 
I am always planning something!  Currently, I am working on my plans to attend nurse practitioner school.  I'm working on my application by getting my reference letters out, typing out a resume, making copies of my certifications etc.  My real fun will begin in the next few weeks when I begin to plan my vacation in December!
We are going to California to see family and a friend I haven't seen in years.  While we are there we will be going to Disneyland!  My older kids have been several times so it's not a big deal to them but it's the baby's first time.
I'm not sure yet if we will be driving or flying.  I'm going to start keeping an eye on ticket prices to see if I can find a good deal.  I need a great deal to be able to afford tickets for a family of five! 
I wanted to share a few tips on how to plan an awesome and affordable vacation.  The first thing you need to decide is where you are going to go.  If you are flexible with location you can find some really awesome deals.  Websites like allegiantair.com offer weekly travel deals.  For example, I just found out that if I stay at the Jolly Roger near disneyland for three nights I can get the fourth night free!  Sometimes you can get flights to Florida, Las Vegas and Los Angeles for as low as 50 dollars.
It's a good idea to check out websites like cheaptickets.com and travelocity.com just to see what prices other places are offering.  You do have to be careful though because those websites make money off of booking.  Often times you can get a better deal on hotels and rental cars by calling them directly.  It's a good idea to know what the prices are online and through discount websites when you call so you will know if you are getting the best deal. 
This goes for plane tickets also.  Check out cheaptickets.com and the airlines website directly before you purchase tickets.  Sometimes you can get the best deals through smaller airlines that offer less flexible schedules but much cheaper tickets.  Allegiant air for example, flies nonstop to several different locations at much cheaper prices.  A couple years ago I was able to purchase tickets for LA for 60 dollars each way. 
Another thing I do is plan activities while we are there.  If you decide what you are going to do ahead of time you can look for discount tickets.  A good website to use when planning activities is tripadvisor.com.  This website will give you reviews on museums, amusement parks, restaurants, hotels, and more.  They also make recommendations for things to do in whatever town you are visiting. 
Finally, don't forget to use your resources!  Many businesses offer discounts for theme parks and popular attractions.  Your employer may offer discount silver dollar city, disneyland or dixie stampede!  Many credit unions also offer discounts.  If you are a AAA member you can also get lots of great deals.  I hope this information helps you to plan a fun and reasonably priced vacation for your family!