OK so this was something that I had chat about because it  has come up a couple of times, while getting my fix of information for the day.  

Super Bowl Advertising.... with super bowl just around the corner its hard not to wonder what this year’s Game will bring, with an exciting match up of the Saint’s vs Colts it surely will attract fans from all over.
As always the superbowl features the half time show and the - very fun to watch- Ads, that over the past few years have been dominated by large brand names.

This year however,  some of the big guys (FedEx, GM, PepsiCo and others) are going to pass on advertising... could this be due the economic down turn? or could these larger companies be looking at the value of what they are getting and perhaps looking at new innovative ways to market their brand?

Some new less familiar names  like Home Away are going to give it a shot, with superbowl placements at a cost of aprox $2.5 to $2.9 million per 30 second spot...
this is a massive “chunk of change” and I guess the question that could be raised is, Is it really worth it? keeping in mind that when you advertise during this major event your ad campaign needs to be exceptionally creative  (more than normal) to create that impact or buzz. or else your ad could go into the sometimes brutal - what I like to call the -” public scrutiny shredder”  

I really have to give credit to Home Away and companies like them that are taking the chance (www.perfectfamilyvacation.com certainly wont be one of them) but  I have no doubt that they  have weighed up the costs  and absolutely do see the value.
If you do happen to watch the ad, that will feature the very famous traveling family- the Griswolds- from National Lampoons, we also suggest that you keep an eye open for their 15 min online ad, which might I add, is another great way to maximize  the TV exposure and has been very popular since last years superbowl.

What I am personally excited about is Home Away will be bringing more awareness and attention to vacation rentals. They will do a great job of showing you the kind of  family accommodations that are out there as an alternative to the standard hotel room that you are probably very familiar with.

Although Perfect Family Vacation and Home Away offer slightly different products. Home Away focusing on vacation home rentals by owners and Perfect Family focusing on resort accommodations, that feature the  same amenities of a vacation home.  We do share the very same thoughts on hotel accommodation. Why book a single room with almost nothing else but 1 - 2 beds? when you can find so many more alternatives that make your family vacation far more flexible, enjoyable, comfortable and less expensive.

We shall see what the out come will be, with the days following superbowl. We do wish Home Away all the best.

for more information on Perfect Family Vacation. [Link Removed] 

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Airlines are making it easier to find deals; in fact they will send them to you if you just sign up. You may want to have at a look at the following as possibilities;
www.Airfarewatchdog.com , www.FareCompare.com , Follow airlines on Twitter, with Southwest click on "sign up and save" and download "Ding", at Alaska sign up for "Insider Newsletter" and look for discount codes. It's worth your time to try these things and keep your eyes open. Airlines in particular are offering special deals to special market segments so be on the lookout, you may be pleasantly surprised on how much you can save.

What is value? I believe it is in the eye of the beholder and perhaps different for everyone and different every time. I believe where travel is concerned getting great value is about putting enough thought into what you really want. Value lives at the intersection of price and benefits in other words what do you get for what you pay and how closely does it match your perceived desires. For example when you are taking a family vacation your accommodation is very important and finding the perfect accommodation is going to be driven by you first being able to define it.

Some value questions you may want to consider:
•How many people traveling and what is the age and gender make up?
•How much privacy do you want or need and what will it take to get that privacy (multiple rooms, one unit with multiple bedrooms etc.)?
•Do you want time to do thing together in your accommodations (living room, decks, balconies, etc.)?
•Do you want to be able to eat in if you decide to (kitchen facilities of some kind, eating space etc.)?
•Do you want to be where the action is (how far are you willing to drive to get to the main activities)?
•Do you want to be able to drive to your destination or are you willing to fly?
•Do you want your accommodation to be amenity rich (pools, food and beverage options, activity programs, concierge service, etc.)?

Answering these and other similar questions and then doing price shopping after you know what you want will give you a good chance to get to that place where the intersection of price and benefits Value lives. Take the time to do the good thinking it will be worth it.

[Link Removed] 

Bevans, Your links have been removed, please consider upgrading to premium membership.

January can be a great time to take a family vacation. January airfares are historical lower and there are great family focused accommodations out there at great prices. The most cost effective accommodations are those that that give the traveling family control and flexibility. When looking for family accommodations look for kitchens, multiple bedrooms if you have a big family, plenty of living space that is not part of you sleeping space and of course a great location with plenty to do when and how you want to do it.  

When you are thinking about your family vacation think about what your goal is in addition to having fun. Are you trying to create memories, build traditions, save money or all the above. The time spend thinking about your perfect family vacation will go a long way toward helping you achieve it.

Make a plan and take advantage of all that January has to offer. Every destination has deals, whether it is fun in the sun or the snow, whether you can drive there or fly there you will find perfect family vacation accommodations at discounts of 10-60 %. Don't miss the January opportunity.