Making Memorable Vacations

Author: Lisa A. Crayton

Warm weather often sparks a yearning for fun in the sun. As temperatures soar, so does the amount of vacation travel—locally, nationally and internationally. Before embarking on family travel, consider these steps designed to help make your next trip fun and memorable and affordable.

Plan Early

Spontaneity works well for day trips, but is not as effective for longer jaunts. Cheaper fares and available accommodations are but two of the benefits of early planning. Additional advantages include the opportunity to budget and save for your trip, invite extended family and friends (if desired), and receive passports, vaccines, and any other must-haves for your destination.

As you plan:

Be flexible.
Flexibility equals maximum pleasure. That's especially true when you have both teens and tots, or when aversions, illnesses, or disabilities make it difficult to participate in an activity.
Clue them in.
Many parents often don't elicit their children's involvement while planning family travel. But, getting such input may make it easier for you to garner increased enthusiasm. Once you've selected a destination, share copies of your travel brochures with your family. Then watch the excitement skyrocket.
Make lists.
Planning a family trip often sparks more questions than answers. Thanks to lists, however, you'll have the answers at your fingertips. My "Last-Minute List," which I use before departing includes: "Don't Forget," "To Do," and "Pack Now." It's a great time-saver, and ensures such non-replaceable essentials like the cords for my son's nebulizer, are not left at home or elsewhere.

Budget

Nothing spoils a great vacation more than overspending. So, as you plan, consider establishing a budget just for your trip. The budget should include costs for essentials - such as transportation, accommodations and food - and non-essential items. Of course, what's essential to one family may be a non-essential to another.

If the budget reveals that your trip will cost more than you anticipated, consider saving for it. Another option: examine the amount of money your family spends weekly or monthly on family entertainment and fast food restaurants. Then reduce that amount, storing the remainder away for your trip. So that a pending vacation doesn't become a joy-buster, shop around for freebie and reduced-cost entertainment options to enjoy during the months before you depart.

Spend Less

Part of the fun of traveling is getting a good deal. As you explore ways to spend less, remember to redeem frequent flier or hotel frequent stay awards for which you may be eligible.

When traveling in the U.S., contact local tourism departments for free brochures and maps, and any money-saving coupons.

Spend less on other aspects of your family travel by booking hotel rooms that include free continental breakfast, or meal deals for children under age 12; buying snacks at nearby convenience stores or using the hotel's vending machine, rather than the mini bar; and staying at hotels that offer "per night" rather than "per person" specials. Renting a condo or cottage may also help you save money, especially if you cook most meals.

Also, inspect your junk mail. I've redeemed discount airfare coupons like those found in "Val Pak" envelopes - something I considered "junk mail" until I saved more than $100 that first time I redeemed such a certificate. Threw away your Val Pak mailing? No problem. Surf for savings at: www.valpak.com/index.jsp.

And while you're surfing, cruise the Internet for reduced prices on everything from lodging to airfare to car rentals to entertainment - and everything in between. Wherever your dream destination, you can point and click your way into an affordable, enjoyable vacation without ever leaving home.

Some general websites to consider include:

Ethnic/Multi-cultural websites include:

If these don't generate a big enough deal, surf to your favorite search engine and input your criteria. And, as always,carefully review the website (including restrictions and fees) before making any reservations online, or by telephone.

Maintain A Routine

It's tempting to set aside bed times and other daily routines while traveling. But sticking as closely as possible to normal routines—like meal times, and bed times—will help your family to enjoy each day's activities and return home less stressed.

Schedule Down Time

Because family travel can be so expensive, parents often attempt to book as much activity in a day as humanly possible. Unfortunately, that whirlwind approach can be more tiresome than fun—for parents and children. One option: schedule a mid-day "rest stop" to unwind, or finish activities by 7 p.m.

Plan For Contingencies

Being on vacation doesn't exempt you from emergencies. Thus, be prepared to respond to emergencies while away.

Pack needed medications and related equipment for family member who require them. Carry more than enough for your planned trip. Since my son has asthma, for example, I always carry his nebulizer and ample medicine for more days than I plan to be away. Save on over-the-counter medication by bringing it with you, rather than buying them "on the other side."
Carry a copy of your medical and dental insurance cards, physicians' contact information, and a list of illnesses, prescription drug and food allergies of which any family member suffers. While these may come second nature at home, in an emergency situation you could easily forget pertinent information while under pressure. Also bring along at least one emergency contact number for a family or friend who can reached should emergency personnel need to contact them for you. Thinking about such eventualities isn't pleasant, but it's better to be prepared should they arise.
Leave a copy of your complete itinerary, including your airline and hotel reservations and daily activities, if known, with at least one extended family member. It will come in handy should someone need to contact you concerning an emergency back home.

Regroup And Reconnect

Coming home can be anti-climatic after spending days living out of suitcases and participating in new, exciting activities. After each trip, carve out a portion of the first day or two to unwind. Doing so will help everyone to gently return to your family's routine.

Following these steps can help make your next vacation a memorable one. Albeit, the most memorable vacations are always the good ones—those we consider well worth the time and money spent. Once family travel reaches that peak, it's easier to generate enthusiasm when we ask, "So, where shall we go this time?"