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Have Kids, Still Travel!
by Caylin Sanders
With people staying a little closer to home these days, local travel is on
the rise. Many people are exploring what's next door and what's in their own
backyards. Here are a few tips for moms to make that local adventure a
special one!
Set realistic expectations
What was the first trip you remember as a kid? Chances are it was great or
absolutely horrible! I guarantee you'll want to make trips with your kids
live up to the wonderful times you had or make up for the not so great times
you wished you hadn't. The first thing to do is dump unrealistic
expectations! There's no such thing as the "perfect trip!" You should focus
on the goal of the trip. Is it to relax? Learn something new?
How can you accomplish it all in one vacation? Break your vacation into
smaller trips: one with the kids and one for adults only. That way you can
keep your focus. Define the purpose of the trip and stick to it! The last
thing you want on a vacation is to be fighting. Strained relationships,
guilt and obligation are all big issues to deal with. Delaying travel until
family problems are resolved is highly recommended. Also, leave reality at
home! Any mention of bad study habits or your teen's shady significant other
is off-limits!
Remember that not everyone is always going to get along. Sometimes there are people you can't get enough of or only take so much of. Don't plan a five-day vacation with kids and Grandma if your spouse and Grandma tend to rub each other the wrong way. Maybe a daytrip is the way to go? Know whom you are traveling with and plan accordingly. Now that you are healthy and mentally adjusted -- it's time to start strategizing!
Strategy 101
Gather your resources: Internet, AAA, travel magazines and friends -- never
underestimate word of mouth suggestions.
Just the facts ma'am: Chances are you are going to have to confer with your
spouse or partner before you embark on your trip. Before you bring anything
up, make sure to do your research. Prepare before you present. Be sure to
get specific and get to the point! Give your partner a few choices. Outline
prices, dates and requirements for them to make an informed
decision. You'll make a better argument for getting away with all the facts
in front of you.
"7-Up" survey: Don't leave the kids out of the equation. If your children are seven and older, ask them what they would choose from the possibilities you've come up with. After all, the trip is for them too. Allow them to feel privy to the decision making process.
Trickery & Bribery 101
Many of you will have to resort to trickery and bribery depending on what
age your kids are. Not many adults can remember much about trips they took
before age six. And if you can, the details are probably sketchy. Getaway
without going away! Stay at a hotel with a pool and take a picnic to the
zoo. The kids won't know its only five miles away from home! The kids are happy -- and so is your wallet.
People assume that since I traveled through Arizona, I must have gone to the
Grand Canyon. I did, but I was only five years old, so I don't remember it
very well. The next time I saw the Grand Canyon I was 27 years old and
30,000 feet up on a plane on the way to Denver. It was breathtaking but not
the same as actually being there. Honestly, I don't think I'll ever make it
back there again. We all get this kind of "been there, done that attitude"
about visiting places again. Our brain tells us we've been there before so
why bother paying a return visit as adults? Sad but true.
Interact with other parents - click here to share your travel stories, questions or advice with other parents!
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With that in mind, save the biggies like Disney World and Washington DC for
when your child can appreciate them, and more importantly, remember them.
They will thank you later.
Twelve and up: Bribery works! I hate to say it, but money talks. A promise
to stop in the gift shop or pick up a treat on the way home can sweeten the
bargain with museum or history-reluctant teens. On longer vacations, give
teens a set amount of mad money to spend however they wish. You don't have to give them the world; even a small wad of cash can make a difference.
Allow older kids their independence from your own itinerary. Consider a
suite so they have their own room (this works for little ones too). In
addition to the 1,100 Kidsuites in Holiday Inns throughout the US, try
"Crayola Rooms" at Howard Johnsons and "Sleepy Bear Dens" at Travelodges located throughout the Northeast.
 Go to the Next Page
Links, information and more for you
Family Vacations: Getting Along
Car Travel Tips
Planning a Family Vacation
Directory of family articles
Directory of all articles
About the author: Caylin Sanders is the founder and owner of EscapeMaker.com: a guide to local weekend getaways from NYC -- with or without a car. For discount coupons, reviews and more information on last minute specials, local special events and destinations, visit: www.EscapeMaker.com. Enter to win a free
local getaway every month!
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