Family Vacation Help
From LoveToKnow Travel
Planning any vacation takes some organization, and when it comes to traveling with kids, some family vacation help can be a lifesaver.
Destinations
If you need help with destination ideas for your family trip, you are not alone. Many families struggle with the trade-off of traditional destinations, such as Florida, vs. how much these destinations can cost. The good news is that there are tons of other options out there, and there are even ways to make a vacation at Disneyland more affordable.
Disney Family Vacation Tips
Disneyland and Disney World are two obvious choices for a family vacation. If you'd like to take this family vacation, there are several options that can make the trip more educational. For example, visiting Epcot Center one day and the Magic Kingdom on another day can give you the feeling that you're not only giving the kids the thrill of their lives, but also introducing them to other cultures and learning things about mechanics and the human body.
Another fun option is to visit one of the water parks, especially if you are visiting in the summer months and it's extremely hot. On that note, those concerned with the trip budget should look into planning their trip at an off-peak season: not during the summer months, and not during a school vacation.
Family Cruises
A cruise can be a fun option for the kids as well as the parents. One day, you can go snorkeling together at a beach on a Caribbean Island, and the next day, the kids can join in special activities planned while Mom and Dad (and teenagers) relax by the pool. Cruises often have several family-friendly options, and if your family can fit in one cabin/room, this type of vacation is generally quite affordable. Avoid the storm seasons (August to October) and shop around with different cruise lines to find the most family-friendly and cost-effective option.
Closer to Home
A family vacation doesn't need to take you far away from home. Renting a cabin or a beach house a few hours from where you live is a good option with younger children. Bringing family friends along on this type of vacation can make this trip especially fun.
For kids between the ages of eight and twelve, a camping trip can be ideal. Some kids will even want the thrill of having 'their own tent'. Fun family activities include cooking over the campfire, playing flashlight games and roasting marshmallows. Choosing a campground near a lake or with a pool can make finding camping activities a bit easier.
Family Vacation Help: Travel Agencies
Sometimes it's easier to let a travel agent book your travel for you. While this can prove to be more expensive than booking the individual elements online, sometimes special offers make an agency's package cheaper than booking it yourself. In any case, visiting the websites below can give you an idea of what family-oriented travel agencies can offer, even if it's only to get ideas for trips that you then organize for yourself.
The advantage of these travel agencies is that their clients have done it all before you. Agents are experienced specifically with family travel and can make suggestions about avoiding family travel pitfalls and choosing activities/destinations that kids love.
Tips for Memorable Family Trips
Family vacations can have moments of meltdown because kids are bored or tired. The following tips are perhaps even more crucial family vacation help than picking a destination.
- Balance the activities: try to keep a good balance between somewhat relaxing activities and activities that make everyone over stimulated. The kids want adventures, but it won't work if it's too many hours a day.
- Choose activities for kids: most parents really enjoy the 'traditional' family vacation. Watching your kids score at mini-golf and teaching them how to hold a golf club are unforgettable moments. As parents, plan a few evenings for yourselves, but don't forget that you'll probably enjoy an evening out for pizza as a family just as much, if not more, than a fancy dinner for two.
- Keep your daily schedule: especially when traveling with young children, it is crucial that children have the same daily schedule. Skipping a nap or not having their favorite bedtime story are both causes for major meltdowns, so pack and plan accordingly.
Lastly, don't forget the camera, batteries and charger—you'll be making memories to last a lifetime!
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This page has been accessed 472 times. This page was last modified 16:12, 14 December 2008.
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