Hello friends! My family has recently returned from a wonderful two-week vacation in Maine and I can’t wait to share with you some of the photos. That post is coming soon. Until then, please enjoy this guest post from a traveling extraordinaire, Kendra Thornton!
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Summer may be well on its way, but it’s not quite time to pack the
kids off to school. This can be a great time to plan a family vacation and make
sure you get the most out of the season—before it ends! The key to a fun family
vacation is proper preparation. This may sound obvious, but it’s something too
many families overlook before taking off for their destination. Most problems
that occur on family trips are predictable, so make sure you avoid them and
soak up the fun this summer! Here are 5 tips to help you do so:
kids off to school. This can be a great time to plan a family vacation and make
sure you get the most out of the season—before it ends! The key to a fun family
vacation is proper preparation. This may sound obvious, but it’s something too
many families overlook before taking off for their destination. Most problems
that occur on family trips are predictable, so make sure you avoid them and
soak up the fun this summer! Here are 5 tips to help you do so:
1. Plan Ahead –Way Ahead
One of the worst mistakes you can make is waiting until the last
minute to pack and plan the trip. Create an ongoing list for weeks leading up
to your departure; this will save you from numerous headaches while you’re on
vacation. If something like a list is sure to be lost in your purse or under a
car-seat, try
out an app like Packing Pro, which lets you create a list right on your
mobile phone.
minute to pack and plan the trip. Create an ongoing list for weeks leading up
to your departure; this will save you from numerous headaches while you’re on
vacation. If something like a list is sure to be lost in your purse or under a
car-seat, try
out an app like Packing Pro, which lets you create a list right on your
mobile phone.
2. Choose a Place That Will be Fun For All
When choosing your accommodations, try to find a place that is
both fun and family friendly. This will allow everyone, the kids and adults,
something to do. Look for places that have a pool or are in close proximity to
a water park, and even a spa for mom and dad! Kids clubs are also a great
feature, as they supervise the kids and provide you and your spouse some alone
time. I used Gogobot to look through a great
list of Orlando hotels, and was able to find an affordable family friendly
hotel.
both fun and family friendly. This will allow everyone, the kids and adults,
something to do. Look for places that have a pool or are in close proximity to
a water park, and even a spa for mom and dad! Kids clubs are also a great
feature, as they supervise the kids and provide you and your spouse some alone
time. I used Gogobot to look through a great
list of Orlando hotels, and was able to find an affordable family friendly
hotel.
3. More Fun Than Flying
Flying nowadays can be a hassle, not to mention expensive. That’s
why it can be a good idea to plan an old-fashioned road trip instead. To make
this as interesting as possible, have the whole family help plan the itinerary.
Having the kids involved in the decision-making process will give them more reason
to enjoy the trip as well. Plan
to stop somewhere fun during the drive, and also remember that comfort is
key for long rides. Bring a pillow and blanket for your kids as well as
yourself, and consider car
window shades to help block the sunlight and help the little ones get rest.
why it can be a good idea to plan an old-fashioned road trip instead. To make
this as interesting as possible, have the whole family help plan the itinerary.
Having the kids involved in the decision-making process will give them more reason
to enjoy the trip as well. Plan
to stop somewhere fun during the drive, and also remember that comfort is
key for long rides. Bring a pillow and blanket for your kids as well as
yourself, and consider car
window shades to help block the sunlight and help the little ones get rest.
4. Mobile Devices for Educational Purposes
Kids often get lost in their electronic devices when they are
bored. On your next trip, provide them with something interesting and
educational to play on their iPod or MP3 player. Audiobooks will give kids
something to concentrate on for long periods of time. These can be downloaded
from various sites and even public libraries. Since they’ll be listening with
headphones, they won’t be disturbing anyone else while “reading” the book.
bored. On your next trip, provide them with something interesting and
educational to play on their iPod or MP3 player. Audiobooks will give kids
something to concentrate on for long periods of time. These can be downloaded
from various sites and even public libraries. Since they’ll be listening with
headphones, they won’t be disturbing anyone else while “reading” the book.
5. Have Your Diapers Shipped
If you have a baby and you’re tight on space, it can be a hassle
to bring along lots of diapers. One way around this is to order them and have
them sent to your vacation destination. Diapers.com has next day shipping, so
you can have diapers waiting for you at your vacation home or beach house upon
arrival.
to bring along lots of diapers. One way around this is to order them and have
them sent to your vacation destination. Diapers.com has next day shipping, so
you can have diapers waiting for you at your vacation home or beach house upon
arrival.
I hope these tips are pertinent to you and your family as you
prepare for a summer vacation! Be safe, and enjoy your trip!
prepare for a summer vacation! Be safe, and enjoy your trip!
Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I’ve found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
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