Taking a break on a family vacation does not have to break the bank.  Texas offers scores of places to visit at bargain prices and San Antonio is one of the most popular.

To get to San Antonio from Houston, just go straight down I-10 west 200 miles. When you get there you can go to Sea World.  Kids love the place.

You can also drop in at Fiesta Texas amusement park and don’t forget the Alamo, the mission where men fought and died for Texas Independence.

“When you walk inside the Alamo there are several signs asking you to turn off your cell phone and be reserved and stay quiet and don’t raise your voice and that’s just out of respect,” said Sarah Schimmer of AAA Texas.

San Antonio also has the famous River Walk, reportedly the number one tourist destination in Texas.

Here’s an example budget for a trip to San Antonio:

Fiesta Texas tickets online $35 each for children OR adults, plus $15 to park  = $155

Sea World tickets online $48 each plus $15 to park  = $207

River Walk boat tours $8.25 x 4 =  $33

Alamo is free but donations are appreciated

Three star hotel downtown $114 a night x three nights = $342

Gas round trip  $50

Minimum Total* = $425

*(If your trip includes visits to The River Walk and the Alamo only.)

Checking out more attractions will, of course, cost more money.  The food budget is up to you.

You can find discount coupons for attractions at AAA offices.  You don’t need a AAA membership.  Just go to a AAA office  and help yourself to the discount rack.