The first phase of planning is definitely up to you. Only you know the guest list and where everyone will be able to enjoy some time together. Of course, the affordability range should exclude as few as possible. But where can you find additional assistance in your family reunion vacation planning?
Tourism Bureaus and Chambers of Commerce
Every area has at least one. Start with the state and then narrow down to the county, major cities, and towns. There are also regional bureaus and chambers, as well as visitor bureaus for parks and wine countries, resort areas, and so on.
Hotel and Resort Chains
Chains can be very advantageous for a number of reasons: You know what to expect there. Chains often offer group discounts, and tickets to nearby attractions, among other things.
All-inclusive Resorts
These resorts have already done all the work for you. They have put together great locations, provide all the normal needs of a family, and sponsor a seemingly endless variety of activities. And, of course, they have group deals, too!
Cruises
Most cruises have various activities, ranging from bridge to race walking to libraries to gyms to shore excursions to lectures, and there's more! Surely, there is always something for everyone. Along with activities and groups for only kids and teens, there are also parties, dancing, and performances all around the ship for the adults. Of course, there is always the natural beauties of ocean sunsets, sparkling waves, frolicking dolphins, and shining stars, all of which are just beyond the balconies. With groups, there are usually discounts, sometimes a free room or two, and even special group activities if you tell the cruise line ahead of time. Actually, with large groups, it's best to plan well ahead of time if you want to be in the same area of the ship.
Reuniting Abroad
Various accommodation types are available outside the country, which might work perfectly for you and your family. The Caribbean and Mexico both have numerous beach side and hillside villas as well as resorts which are perfectly willing and able to handle groups. You can get your own villa, complete with maid and chef if you want.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Rules for Traveling with Teens
1. Give them some space both physically, by opting for multiple rooms, and mentally, by not planning an overloaded touring schedule.
2. Get them involved in the planning stage. Guide books might be a new and exciting experience, and contacting state and local departments of tourism and chambers of commerce will help them sharpen their communication skills.
3. Go where teens are. Kids often like the company of their peers.
4. Choose an area or resort with some time of nighttime activities. Night life is always big for teens.
5. Set a budget for incidental spending, and stick to it. Teens often need help in saving those dollars.
6. Allow them some free time to pursue their own interests. Maybe even give them a few dollars for pizza while you have a romantic dinner for two.
7. If they pack it, they have to carry it. Even if they have to practice carrying all their things around the block
8. Let them sleep in sometimes. They have to get up early during the school year as it is. Besides, while they're sleeping, you have your own free time.
9. Make them your trip chronicler, photographer, and/or navigator. They should greatly enjoy such an incredible opportunity of great responsibility.
10. Considering bringing along a friend of his. This would allow your teen to have fun with a peer instead of pestering you.
11. Go somewhere they very much want to visit. This is especially good for the unmotivated.
12. Teenagers usually love luxury. The mere thought and prospect of staying in a resort, lolling by the pool, ordering room service may entice them.
13. You can even consider a one-on-one trip, with one parent and one teenager vacationing together. It can be more adventurous, and you'll certainly better your relationship.
14. Enjoy the time together while you can. Soon, they may not even want to vacation with you anymore.
2. Get them involved in the planning stage. Guide books might be a new and exciting experience, and contacting state and local departments of tourism and chambers of commerce will help them sharpen their communication skills.
3. Go where teens are. Kids often like the company of their peers.
4. Choose an area or resort with some time of nighttime activities. Night life is always big for teens.
5. Set a budget for incidental spending, and stick to it. Teens often need help in saving those dollars.
6. Allow them some free time to pursue their own interests. Maybe even give them a few dollars for pizza while you have a romantic dinner for two.
7. If they pack it, they have to carry it. Even if they have to practice carrying all their things around the block
8. Let them sleep in sometimes. They have to get up early during the school year as it is. Besides, while they're sleeping, you have your own free time.
9. Make them your trip chronicler, photographer, and/or navigator. They should greatly enjoy such an incredible opportunity of great responsibility.
10. Considering bringing along a friend of his. This would allow your teen to have fun with a peer instead of pestering you.
11. Go somewhere they very much want to visit. This is especially good for the unmotivated.
12. Teenagers usually love luxury. The mere thought and prospect of staying in a resort, lolling by the pool, ordering room service may entice them.
13. You can even consider a one-on-one trip, with one parent and one teenager vacationing together. It can be more adventurous, and you'll certainly better your relationship.
14. Enjoy the time together while you can. Soon, they may not even want to vacation with you anymore.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Vacation Scrapbooks
Scrapbooks often help families relive great vacation experiences and remember things they had previously forgotten about previous travels. The key is to collect all sorts of things on the trip, and let each family member join in. You can even take an empty scrapbook with you and assemble things as your vacation progresses. If you do take everything home with you, make sure to develop the photos and assemble your memory book as soon as possible.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Saving in Tourist Hot Spots
Package deals are often great ideas, but there are ways to trim the miscellaneous costs which can really add up.
Food is often the third most expensive part of our vacations, after transportation and lodging. Pizza delivery, or just about any delivery to your hotel room, is often a very inexpensive alternative. You can also go grocery shopping, which might seem rather boring while on vacation, but it can save you lots of money. Use the room fridge as required, even if that means taking out all the overprices drinks and snacks already in there. You can even have a picnic in the park if you shop well. When you do decide to go out to eat, seriously consider ordering off the childs' menus if the restaurant allows for it. Of course, you can always split a meal between two people. You'll save a good bit of money either way. And, certainly, if you want an extra-special meal, go to that extra-special restaurant for lunch instead of supper, and you'll save even more while still splurging.
Bring as many necessities from home as possible: film, disposable diapers, toiletries, and bandages, just to name a few. Sure, get some souvenirs, but do shop around for good deals. And don't go over your budget for too many, or too expensive, little trinkets. In fact, if you buy them at the end of the day, you can shop around while saving that money.
Food is often the third most expensive part of our vacations, after transportation and lodging. Pizza delivery, or just about any delivery to your hotel room, is often a very inexpensive alternative. You can also go grocery shopping, which might seem rather boring while on vacation, but it can save you lots of money. Use the room fridge as required, even if that means taking out all the overprices drinks and snacks already in there. You can even have a picnic in the park if you shop well. When you do decide to go out to eat, seriously consider ordering off the childs' menus if the restaurant allows for it. Of course, you can always split a meal between two people. You'll save a good bit of money either way. And, certainly, if you want an extra-special meal, go to that extra-special restaurant for lunch instead of supper, and you'll save even more while still splurging.
Bring as many necessities from home as possible: film, disposable diapers, toiletries, and bandages, just to name a few. Sure, get some souvenirs, but do shop around for good deals. And don't go over your budget for too many, or too expensive, little trinkets. In fact, if you buy them at the end of the day, you can shop around while saving that money.
Monday, September 3, 2012
3 Vacations You Won't Find Advertised
Day Trips
Sometimes the effort of packing for an oovernight stay is just too much to face and that can be the perfect time for a day away. Plan them around places you want to see in your area, but never seem to get the time to see them, usually within four hours each way. To get the full benefit of this, you have to treat it like a vacation. Plan ahead, pack the night before, and get an early start. And, of course, have breakfast on the road! Plan to arrive mid- to late-morning. Bring a picnic or plan to eat at a local restaurant. For supper, eat on the way home, or stop for some pizza. And, after you get home, stay on vacation mode the next day as well, without working or projects.
Same Old-Same Old
Sure, it's fun to vacation in a new place each time, but it's also sometimes a little cumbersome and requires all sorts of planning. Many families already go to the same place each time, such as the family cabin or beach condo. The familiarity alone heartens all. With people moving at such a fast pace, it's reassuring to kids to return to a favourite destination. The returning friends come into play even more as they grow older, and as hanging out with their friends become more important in their lives.
Vacation at Home
Sometimes the thought of planning an itinerary, making reservations, and packing makes a vacation sound like drudgery. So, why not consider vacationing at home for a change. Home vacations can give you the break you need without the stresses involved in getting your family there. Start with a clean house, then forget about it! Don't do your fix up projects now, or even mow the lawn. Have many quick-fix foods on hand, frozen entrees, or pre-prepared meals, and of course take out menus. Plan at least two meals with parents, but not children, preferably out of the house. You can do things outside of the house things you don't often get time to do, but they really should be very close to your house, even if it's simple like flying a kite in the park. Check out places and tourist locations nearby you've never been to before.
Sometimes the effort of packing for an oovernight stay is just too much to face and that can be the perfect time for a day away. Plan them around places you want to see in your area, but never seem to get the time to see them, usually within four hours each way. To get the full benefit of this, you have to treat it like a vacation. Plan ahead, pack the night before, and get an early start. And, of course, have breakfast on the road! Plan to arrive mid- to late-morning. Bring a picnic or plan to eat at a local restaurant. For supper, eat on the way home, or stop for some pizza. And, after you get home, stay on vacation mode the next day as well, without working or projects.
Same Old-Same Old
Sure, it's fun to vacation in a new place each time, but it's also sometimes a little cumbersome and requires all sorts of planning. Many families already go to the same place each time, such as the family cabin or beach condo. The familiarity alone heartens all. With people moving at such a fast pace, it's reassuring to kids to return to a favourite destination. The returning friends come into play even more as they grow older, and as hanging out with their friends become more important in their lives.
Vacation at Home
Sometimes the thought of planning an itinerary, making reservations, and packing makes a vacation sound like drudgery. So, why not consider vacationing at home for a change. Home vacations can give you the break you need without the stresses involved in getting your family there. Start with a clean house, then forget about it! Don't do your fix up projects now, or even mow the lawn. Have many quick-fix foods on hand, frozen entrees, or pre-prepared meals, and of course take out menus. Plan at least two meals with parents, but not children, preferably out of the house. You can do things outside of the house things you don't often get time to do, but they really should be very close to your house, even if it's simple like flying a kite in the park. Check out places and tourist locations nearby you've never been to before.
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