It’s that time of year again – time to start research on the Web for that perfect family vacation, weekend getaway or beach trip! the Internet is so much apart of our daily lives, it’s hard to imagine how we ever got by without it. Gone are the days of the “National Lampoon’s Vacation”-style family getaway…now we can plan ahead for that trip to Walleyworld and find out well in advance if the park’s going to be closed. Or if that hotel we pass by will take a personal check.

Here are a few helpful sites to help plan this year’s amazing vacation with your family.

Travel with the Kids at About.com

One-Tank Escapes for Seven Cities and Family Travel Ideas from BudgetTravel.com

Fodor’s Plan Your Trip Online, Frommer’s Trip Ideas and Travel Services & Ideas from The Lonely Planet

Weekend Getaway Deals from Amtrak.com

Flight Status & Delay Reports and National Traffic and Road Closure Information from the U.S. Department of Transportation

If you have a smartphone, don’t forget to download some helpful travel apps as well to take with you on the go at Blackberry App World,  iPhone Apps and the Nokia Ovi App Store for starters. Let us know where you’ve done research on the Web to plan your family’s vacation by leaving a comment. Have safe and happy summer travels!