What was Kansas thinking?

In just about every state you visit, you are greeted at the border by a friendly sign (sometimes quite elaborate signs) and a fancy rest stop. For those passing through the state, you have a great selection of restaurants, convenience stores, and sometimes outlet malls to keep you fed and happy along the trip. Everything about the experience screams "welcome!"

Except, I learned, Kansas.

No, it's clear that Kansas wants you to drive through it as quickly as possible and be miserable while you're there. This is the only reason I can see why Kansas would take the only major freeway that goes through it, turn it into a toll road for which you must pay $10 to get through the state, block off every exit with the exception of the tolls, offer no turn-offs or parking areas, and absolutely refuse to let you make any u-turn (missing your precious exit would surely cost you 3 times the toll fees and add about 2 1/2 hours to your trip).

Could it get any worse than driving an hour without a stop or a bathroom? Sure...because of the few "rest stops" that are on this toll we discover that Kansas is apparently sponsored by McDonald's, because other than prepackaged potato chips, McDonald's is the only food available for the entire journey through their state. I'm glad we packed our own lunches.

Avoid Kansas. Obviously they don't want you there anyway.

Want a cheap vacation? Don't look here!

I'm going to give you 5 rather pricey vacation destinations (and expensive hotels to match). According to Fox, they're vacations that don't cost a bundle. Not quite.

1. The Grand Hotel, Point Clear, Ala.

No offense to anyone living there, but I can't imagine why I would want to go to Alabama in the middle of the summer. Its hot, humid, and absolutely nothing there. But that won't stop you from spending over $250 and up per night at the Grand Hotel that apparently appeals to kids because of its "pool and large waterslide". Actually, the Super 8 probably has a pool too, and most kids aren't going to care either way.

2. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

I have to admit that as theme parks go, paying 75 cents for hot dogs and rides sounds like a pretty good deal. They recommend the Casa Blanca Inn, which they say is pricey but worth it because of the fireplace - just what I want in summertime - and a continental breakfast. Last I checked, a continental breakfast involved a prepackaged danish and coffee, certainly not worth the $165 and up per night price tag.

3. The Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia

The Empress Hotel. That's right, an inexpensive vacation somehow involves staying at the Empress Hotel for $224 (US) and up every night.

4. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Now we're talking. Camping runs free to $12/night. Finally Fox has a recommendation that I approve of. Forget the glitz and the merchandise and the licensed TV characters - take your kids out into nature and let them enjoy themselves free of consumerism and slick marketing ads.

5. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico

This is where we see the difference between American hospitality and other cultures. Head down to Mexico (which of course will cost you a bit in airfare) and instead of $165 and a continental breakfast, you get the same beach front location, a gourmet breakfast, and happy hour drinks for $140 a night! If you include other costs this still is not a bargain bin vacation but I bet it will be a lot more fun swimming with whale sharks than listening to "Papa Doo Run Run" while riding a roller coaster.

We've planned our summer vacation. We are heading north to hill country and staying in an inexpensive hotel while touring the local wine vineyards for 2 days. Its not a week of camping, but you can bet Mickey won't be anywhere to be found.