Well I supposed it depends on what kind of vacation you like but here at what seems to be the Top 1o Summer Travel Destinations.

10. Seattle, Washington – I do love this place and yes, you do need to go in the summer, due to all the rain. Plenty to see.  We did the Underground Tour and loved it. We also hit Pikes place and the Space Needle, of course.

9. Europe – for those world travelers. Italy is a big destination as is Paris, France and Euro Disney. We have not been to Euro Disney, but we did pull up to the gates one time and longingly look in. We just didn't have time to go, yep, that's on the regret list too. At least we have done Paris a few times.

8. Alaska – Not only is this the time to cruise into Alaska, but it's also a time when RVer's make their way up. There are so many outdoor activities to choose from too. Something for everyone at this great out of the way state.

7. Vancouver, BC – We did this trip a few years back and had the time of our lives. Favorite part was biking around Stanley Park and walking around the, not yet complete, Athletes Village, for the Olympics.

6. Cedar Point – Yep, it's not open in the winter, so the summer is the peak season and many flock to this great attraction. I know we have.

5. Los Angeles/San Diego – both of these beautiful cities made the list. Not only are there plenty of beaches to walk, surf and swim, but the food around the areas is great too. Always a big plus for me.

4. Las Vegas – I just don't get this one. It's HOT there during the summer. But with all the great motels, great pools attached to all those hotels and plenty to see and do in and around the city, it also makes the list as a top travel destination.

3. Hawaii – With plenty of sunshine and lots of islands to hop and enjoy it's no surprise. Although I would choose this as a winter destination, not a summer, but it was on the list.

2. Disneyland/Disneyworld – Probably one of the busiest times to go, but many plan that Magical trip during the summer.

1. New York City – I have never been, but I would agree that this is probably a great summer destination.

What have I missed? What is one of your favorite summer destinations?

For those of you familiar with Groupon you will be excited to see that there is a Travel group buying site that just went live, called Trip Alertz.

Group buying sites are offering coupons or discounts because they get a large number of people to participate.  In order to make this work, invite your friends.

Groupon does daily deals while Trip Alertz will have deals that will last for 2 weeks.  For instance You can get a 50% discount on Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles, FL.  You will have up to 12 days left to make this purchase.   Also today Trip Alertz has a San Francisco deal at the Wyndham and Hotel El Cid in Cancun for 35% off.  But the prices will continue to go down…

Here is how it works:

• On the side you will see upcoming deals.  You vote on those, the ones that get the most votes become the next travel deal.
• The new deals will go live every TUESDAY and last for 2 weeks.
• The most you will pay is the already low Member Price.
• Once a certain number of people book the same deal, everyone will get the EPIC DEAL.

All you need to do is head over to Trip Alertz and sign up and you will start receiving travels deals as well, get your friends to sign up as well.  Even if you friends sign up you won't need to travel together.

Make sure you are also signed up with Groupon.  I like to also receive deals from destinations that I plan on vacationing too.

I like to travel, but I like to do it on a budget.  This seems to work of me.

1.  Drink what's Free – They do offer pop/soda cards, but they are expensive and the only way to get your moneys worth is to drink a lot and then it just becomes unhealthy.

2.  Don't eat a the restaurants that charge – There are more than enough "free of charge" restaurants to choose from why would you even consider paying for a meal?  If you do want to pay for a meal do it while in port and try some of the local flavor instead.  That's why you are on vacation right??

This was a bean dip fondue in Honduras

3.  Choose the Free activities – There are plenty of things to do on the boat.  Plenty of shows to see and game shows to watch, don't pay for your entertainment.  Walk past the casino, you can do that anywhere.

4.  Don't feel like you need to have an excursion at every port – Big, big money maker here.  We met up with a couple a few years back and they had booked something at all but one port.  By the time they were at the last one they were happy they could do their own thing and not have another excursion.  They almost felt like they had missed out on a few ports because they were whisked away to an activity instead of enjoying the culture.

A private island I found online before we went. We walked over to the boat ferry. We did not book it ahead of time.

5.  If you do want to do an excursion try and book it through the company instead of the ship.  You can save up to $10-$20 a person just booking it yourself.

6.  Grab your drinks while in port – Ships charge lots of money for alcoholic drinks and they charge a 15% (although it could be higher now) tip right on there, and give you an additional tip line.  Really??  We like to stop at a local place and try one of the local beers or drinks.  Tons cheaper and you get to do something more authentic.

Drinking a local beer in Roatan

7.  If you want drinks on the ship try and bring some of your own.  It's risky, sometimes they go through and sometimes they don't.  But if you can get your own on the boat it will save you tons.

8.  Once off the ship, walk a little ways – If you get a block or 2 away from port the taxis start to get significantly cheaper.  Acapulco was a huge price difference.  We went to see the cliff divers. We paid  $2 and the couple next to us grabbed a taxi right at port and paid $17.

9.  Buy local – You are cruising so you can see different cities in different countries or areas.  Don't buy the silver on the boat, instead walk the city streets and pick up something from the locals.  It will be a fraction of the price.

Some of the Many Shops in Cozumel

10.  Don't tell your kids the card is attached to an account – They make it so easy to spend money on a cruise.  Your room key will also get you drinks.  As a matter of fact our last cruise didn't accept cash or credit cards, room keys only.  Either don't tell your kids or make sure they know they are responsible for anything charged.

There are so many more ways to save, but this is just some of the basics.  For us it becomes a game. You want my money and I try and see how little I give you.  We don't have regrets about things we haven't purchased, instead we love the new things we tried and the adventures we have found, at a fraction of the price.

That's right 5Minutes for Mom is having an Ultimate Blog Party and I want to go and I want you to go too.  Jump over and see all the sites written by Mom's and Dad's and share the love. While you are there get in on the prizes being given away too.

The truth about us is, we are a Roller Coaster family.  If we could choose the ultimate vacation every year, that would be what we would choose.  We have been to lots of parks, not all of them, but plenty of big ones and we always have our eyes on the next one.

We do like to take the time to hit the beaches and enjoy a relaxing vacation too. The deals we find are usually pretty great and we share all those along the way.

Need to do more staycations?  We do those too and I try and include ideas from all different locations, not just our own beautiful Oregon.

And in case you are wondering…Yes, we did take the picture that is my blog header.

So sit back, and enjoy the ride.  Once you are done head over to the party and find more sites to visit.