Preventing Jet Lag

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
Exercise and eat well before the flight
Sleep well before the flight
Before boarding, or just after, set your watch to the destination's time
Try to sleep on the plane if you are arriving before 2pm
Drink 8-12oz. water every hour during and after the flight
Walk around the plane cabin at least every other hour
Use earphones or earplugs to block out unwanted noises
If possible, eat on the plane at your destination's mealtimes
Help your body adapt by going to sleep at your local time
After arrival, get as much sunlight as possible
Eat a high-protein meal to stay awake, or a high-carbohydrate meal to sleep
Eat snacks throughout the day to adjust to the time change
Take a mid-day nap, no longer than an hour, if you need to
Don't drink much caffeine
Start your mornings with a nice walk, or low-impact exercise

Of course, you will need to book that multi-time zone flight first, and at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Are We There Yet? Part V

Sometimes you need other alternative vacation ideas, especially if you are a single parent, or have an only child. Why not go on a vacation with another family? The kids can be off playing among themselves, and the parents can be off doing their own thing. (Which is why family cruising is so popular!) The issues that arise, though, is where do all the kids sleep? Perhaps in the same room if they behave, but in separate rooms if they tend to get too rambunctious. Also, you need to decide ahead of time who pays for what, if everything is split evenly down the middle, or what. Of course, you do want at least a little time alone with your own family, too.

If you decide to trek up the mountains for a family ski vacation, you might want to remember a few things. Let them perfect their own skills a little bit more each season and at their own pace. Skiing is sometimes rather expensive, so do take advantage of ski lessons, and perhaps consider a smaller skiing destination or lodge. Of course, check if there are any family rates available.

Perhaps you are opting for a theme park, maybe one with fuzzy characters. Certainly book a character breakfast (they're not cheap!) if your child wants to see and hug many of them. Of course, if your child doesn't want to hug any or gets scared, you shouldn't force him, either. They'll grow a little next year for it, perhaps. Can't force them to go on a certain ride, either. If you have more than one child, you might have to alternate between rides for each of them. Maybe you can even find one all 3 of you together could enjoy.

National parks have ranger-led hikes and discoveries for kids. The secret to enjoying a national park is to slow down and take it easy. There is no need, really, to rush. Book your vacations to the most popular national parks well in advance, a year ahead of time, if you can.

So, now that you know some great family travel ideas and tips, make sure to book that family vacation, or get ideas for future trips, at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!

Are We There Yet? Part IV

Many families can't, or won't, stay home during holidays. Your family is expecting you, or your vacation lodging has been booked many months ago. And now you finally have time off work! One secret, which is probably the most obvious, but often the least followed, is to travel on days that AREN'T the peak travel days. Be prepared for delays and long waiting times. Kids, especially, need something to keep their little minds occupied for longer periods of time. You can even read books to them, or they can read to themselves or you! Now would also be a good time to tell stories of your childhood holiday events. And, please, don't have the kids wait all day for the main meal, but instead give them a snack a couple of house before the meal, which would probably end early for them so they can play before dessert.

Mixing work and play, especially with kids in tow, is never easy, but it's sometimes necessary. Actually, business trips are often quite good for the kids. They get to see their parents in different lights, and get to see and sometimes participate in the adult world, which is itself a big deal to them. Of course, you would have to make sure that your children are able to attend. Perhaps one parent would be able to sit with them while the other goes to a meeting, or you and your spouse can share babysitting while the other does a part of the reception. Alternatively, you can always bring along a sitter, or use the hotel's children's facilities and sitting services if they are offered.

Traveling as a single parent, or as the only parent with your child, is often an event of its own caliber. These such travelings often produce a stronger bond between the two of you. Also, make sure your child does keep in contact with the other parent, so your child doesn't feel guilty about having a good time.

Traveling as a step-family is another story altogether. You have to figure out who stays in what bed/room with whom. You also have to make time for the child to spend with his natural parent. Try new activities and visit new places as a group, and sometimes go back to the usual activities as the separated parts of the family.

There are lots more to talk about when it comes with traveling with your family. Keep your eyes posted for the next issue. While you're waiting, though, head on over to www.kingarthur.myttn.com to get some great family vacation ideas!

Are We There Yet? Part III

By now, you must be quite excited about traveling with the family. Bear with me as I have come across a few more great ideas from Eileen Ogintz's book "Are We There Yet?"

Traveling with toddlers can be an adventure in itself for everyone. You just need to slow down (at times when they're not running off), and see things from their perspective, instead of expecting them to see everything from your, adult, perspective. They need a lot of time to play, and often it's the same ride or toy over and over and over again. And especially keep an eye on them around the hotel pool at all times!

Disabled travelers can take comfort in knowing that numerous places are now very accessible and that they can often travel in the best of style.

Don't let rain ruin your vacation by not having a plan that you are forced to stick to. Be open to sudden, unexpected surprises during your entire itinerary. Bring along some cards or games for the family to play at down times. You can always do indoor events like the malls, restaurants, and arcades. And teenagers, well, they usually end up doing whatever they want, anyways. Who knows? They might want to hang around with the family now that they're on vacation!

Why do kids, and also adults, get sick on vacation? It's often because they don't get enough sleep, eat the proper foods, breath clean air (airplane culprits), or stay away from people who insist on traveling while still ill or have colds. Of course, they can also get hurt or cut, too. Check with your hotel if there are local hospitals or emergency rooms, if an incident arises. Make sure to take all of your, and your children's medicines with you, as well as their related generic prescriptions just in case. If you or your child has a special condition, such as asthma, before your trip, try to find a specialist in your vacation area, just in case. Babies aren't best in the Caribbean, because of the possibility that their young bodies might not be strong enough to fight the tropical diseases, or weather conditions. Everyone needs to drink a lot of water in the Caribbean!

It only gets better. Keep on the lookout for more great family travel tips! And make sure to book that family vacation only at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!