Virginia Beach Family Vacation Trip Planning Tips

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       Virginia Beach Family Vacation Tips
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Creating the right Virginia Beach vacation memories requires a little preparation, don’t you think? Knowing how to avoid traffic or what to pack is the first step for the perfect Virginia Beach getaway. Before you jump in the car and drive to your Virginia Beach hotel, our Virginia Beach Vacation Planner Experts compiled a list of tips to help you create happy Virginia Beach memories that will last a lifetime!
How to Make Your Virginia Beach Reservation
  We've got this one covered - Gold Key Vacations is your one stop shop! Give us a call or book your family vacation online and you'll be guarenteed the best value on a Virginia Beach vacation. We provide incredible discounts on a variety of Virginia Beach oceanfront hotels. Plus, through partnership with area attractions and activities, we can add on fun to your Virginia Beach family vacation like no one else. So go ahead, let our Vacation Specialist, who live and breath Virginia Beach, help plan a vacation of a lifetime. 

When to Visit Virginia Beach
  We all know that the summer months have made Virginia Beach famous. Nobody can dispute the fact that the warm ocean waters, summer breezes and bustling events and activities make for a great vacation getaway. But, did you know, that Virginia Beach receives just as many vacation guests in the off season, October - April. The weather is still great. There's still tons to do. You'll practically have the beach to yourself. Plus, you'll enjoy deeply discounted Virgina Beach hotel prices. So, before you consider a summer trip to Virginia Beach, we strongly encourage you to consider an off season adventure - you'll be glad you did!

Getting Here - Important Travel Tips
  Start your Virginia Beach vacation off on the right! Avoid rush hour traffic and save yourself a lot of time and energy. Between May and September, Fridays are a busy travel day for vacationers headed to the beach. If you must travel on a Friday, plan to arrive before 4pm or after 8pm. Even better, start your vacation on a Thursday or Saturday; you'll avoid traffic and save money! If you must travel on Friday, we have put together a list of cities and recommended departure times.

Baltimore, MD: Depart- 11am, Arrive- 3:30pm
Washington, DC: Depart- Noon, Arrive- 3:30pm
Richmond, VA: Depart- 2pm, Arrive- 4pm
Pittsburgh, PA: Depart- 8am, Arrive- 3:30pm
Philadelphia, PA: Depart- 10 am, Arrive- 3pm
Columbus, OH: Depart- 6am, Arrive- 3pm
New York, NY: Depart- 8am, Arrive- 2:30pm
Charleston, WV: Depart- 8am, Arrive- 3pm
Knoxville, TN: Depart-7am, Arrive-3:30pm


What the Locals Have to Say
 

Planning your Virginia Beach vacation and need a few recommendations for things to do, see and eat?  Our vacation experts are happy to share their personal experiences!

Kim, Virginia Beach residents for 15 years:
"As a mother of 2, I enjoyed the family-friendly and safe environment of Ocean Breeze Water Park.  My 11-year old daughter enjoyed the wave pool and the many water slides.  OK, I loved them too!"

Desiree, Hampton Roads resident for 8 years:
"The Virginia Aquarium has always been my favorite.  I love to watch the giant sea turtles and sharks swim by.  The best part is the giant IMAX theater.  It's like you are right there swimming with the dolphins."

Carlos, Hampton Roads resident for 20 years:
"I go to Busch Gardens faithfully every summer.  It's a convenient drive from Virginia Beach and I can spend the whole day riding rollercoasters with my beautiful wife and eating lots of great food."

Angel'e, Virginia Beach resident for 27 years:
"Funny Bone Comedy Club has a great atmosphere for a night out on the town.  Appetizers are delicious and there is no bad seat in the house!  It's also within walking distances of great restaurants at Town Center!"

Natasha, Hampton Roads resident for 31 years:
"If you are looking for fun for the whole family, visit Motor World. They have go-karts, mini-golf and Kiddie City.  I wouldn't want to take my children anywhere else in Virginia Beach!"


What to Do and See in Virginia Beach
  Shops, restaurants, activities, attractions, events, entertainment...we could go on and on.  A Virginia Beach vacation offers so much more than all the fun of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.  It's a complete experience, some would call it a sensory overload.  Virginia Beach and the surrounding area is packed full of some of the best attractions and activities in the country.  Whether it's water parks and amusement rides or museums, there's something here for you.  Plus, Virginia Beach is quickly receiving great praise for the variety of shops and restaurants you'll find up and down Beach Street USA and the surrounding area.  Our Vacation Specialists can tell you more or you can visit Virginia Beach Attractions and Events for complete details. 

What to Pack for Your Vacation
 

Need some help packing for your upcoming Virginia Beach vacation?  We've compiled a top ten essential packing list for you. 

  1. Sunscreen (30 SPF for children and fair-skinned adults)
  2. Sunglasses (Believe me, it is about more than looking cool!)
  3. Beach chair (If you don't have one, you can find them at the local souvenir shops)
  4. Small cooler (Just big enough for holding a few drinks and sandwiches)
  5. Beach towels (The hotel towels are too small for the beach, bring one that can span the length of your body)
  6. Beach toys (boogie boards, pail/shovel etc)
  7. Flip flops (This is the only way you can walk through the sand!)
  8. Aloe Vera Gel or Cream (Sunburns are common, even on a cloudy day)
  9. Band aids/First Aid
  10. Lightweight jacket (for cool summer breezes in the evening)

 
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