A few years ago, going on vacation meant saving every spare cent you had for a year, researching rates, paying deposits, requesting time off work and then crossing your fingers that everything went smoothly. Now there are so many ways to find and plan a family vacation destination (ex: Internet, travel agent, word of mouth), you may spend more time looking and reading, than you actually do on vacation.
Here are a few tips to help you out with your next family vacation:
Tip #1: Research, research and more research
When you are looking at a family vacation destination, see if they have a catalog or Website. Most places now have a free information packet that they will send you in the mail. Look at the ideal times of travel, some places differ. Some locations and airlines give discounts if you travel during the week or if you stay during the off season. Be sure to research different activities, shopping and places to eat. You do not want to book a family vacation destination with the kids and find that most of the activities are for adults only.
Tip #2: Relax and be flexible
Going on a family vacation can be very stressful and challenging, no matter how much planning you do. There is the constant worry of forgetting something, a plane being delayed or a request made not being completely fulfilled. Example: The rental car delivered does not have the car seat you needed. Remember that you are on a family vacation getaway and things will happen here just as they do at home. When these things happen, take a breath and smile. Think of how it can be resolved quickly so you can get to the fun. You don't want the kids or even your spouse not to have a good time because you are griping over a small error. Just relax and smile.
Tip #3: Don't go for broke
Spending a lot of money on a family vacation destination does not guarantee a good time. A few years ago this may have been the case but those days are gone. The days of going for broke are gone too. There are now dozens of sites on the internet alone to help you out. Sites like GuestQuest.com help you with family vacations, romantic getaways or even an ideal location for a business event. You get details on cities, beaches and cruises too. Going to this site as well as sites like Hotwire.com and Priceline.com will help you with airline, hotels and anything else you can think of. You will find a quality enjoyable vacation without breaking the bank. Now it's always a good idea to travel with extra money. You should not feel like you spent thousands, took hundreds with you and you don't feel as though you enjoyed yourself.
And last, and most important. . . .
Tip #4: HAVE FUN!!!
When taking your next family vacation getaway with the kids, look at events and locations they will enjoy. If they are old enough, have them look with you and make suggestions on what they would like to do. You may be surprised to find that they prefer to go to a place like Kalahari Indoor Waterpark instead of the Bahamas. Let them tell you what their coolest ideas are and then decide where to go. If planning a romantic vacation getaway, look at things like roses and wine when you arrive, his and her massages or even dinner by the lake. Plan the time to rekindle the flame and get to know each other all over again. Whatever you do or whoever you go with, remember to have fun planning your next family vacation destination.
Remember the old days where you had to spend a bundle just to have a decent family vacation destination? You would hear the word vacation and get images of money flying out the window, kids screaming and fighting over the window seat on the plane and wonder if the plane was going to arrive on time for your connecting flight. Well, nowadays you can spend a little less money, keep the kids smiling and still get a great vacation.
About the Author:
Pam Voigt is the owner of GuestQuest, a luxury travel guide based in Cleveland, Ohio, that is your source for all of your lodging needs. With the travel magazines, you may choose a number of luxury hotels and motels, resorts and other accommodations from many states when planning your next family vacation destination. voigt@guestquest.com
Source: http://www.upublish.info/Article/Planning-Your-Next-Family-Vacation-Destination-Doesn-t-Have-to-be-a-Chore/128135
No comments:
Post a Comment