Did you know that you can stay at an ocean-side resort for only $30 for a family of six? OK, so maybe it isn’t necessarily a “resort”, but that depends on your definition. Assateague Island, MD, is one place that is extremely affordable and a great place for family trips. The only catch -- for some -- is that the only way to stay at Assateague is by camping.

The economy has prevented many families from taking vacations this year. But these days, family travel is more important than ever: a way in our busy lives to still connect with each other. If you have teens, the time together is even more limited.

Where can you go that your teens will have fun -- or even want to go to with you? For my family, three teens and all, Assateague Island was a great location for a short, last-minute camping trip in mid-August. Before the oldest headed back to college, the youngest to football camp, and while the middle one could grab a few days off, we camped at Assateague where we swam, went crabbing, sightseeing and just sat on the beach, watching the wild ponies -- all for only $30 a night.

Over the past few years, we have traveled to many great (and not so great) locations. To learn more about our travels, visit my new website, www.travelingwithteens.com for ideas, tips and bargains such as Assateague Island. I also welcome your tips and hints as well.

You can also follow me on Twitter at travelwteens and through my new blog at http://travelingwteens.blogspot.com/  And of course, I still have my good old e-mail at kganster@verizon.net.

By Kathleen Ganster

www.boomthis.com