11/19/20092:25:00 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Top Ten Commandments for Family Travel

According to an informal survey organized by the U.S. Tour Operator Association (USTOA), when planning family trips, the biggest challenge is creating an experience that appeals to everyone. As families look for more ways to spend quality time together, family travel is on the rise. To help pay the path to a successful family trip, the experts at USTOA have created a "10 Commandments" list for parents:

1) keep expectations realistic - Knowing that traveling with your children won't necessarily be the same romp you took during your single days., for example, will help keep everybody's expectations in check.

2)Select the destination wisely - Try to interest children in the destination before leaving on vacation, aedvises Tauck World Discovery. Use interesting books, fun movies or stories about the destination to generate interest with your family members.

3) Keep kids involved - Get everyone to participate in selecting the destination and activities advises Abercrombie & Kent, Inc. When children (especially teens) have a choice, they feel more invested in the trip.

4) Stay Aware of your Families needs - Uniworld says parents should know whether their children will respond well to specific kinds of travel, such as a river cruise, while Collette Vacations suggests parent remember that escorted tours are usually best for adults.

5) Pack Lightly -  The less you carry, the less likely you are to lose the items most important to your children. Plus all that extra room leaves more space for souvenir and gift shopping.

6) Understand Children's limitations - It is important to be flexible. Parents shouldn't feel compelled to do everything on the itinerary if their kids need more leisure time than others. Parents need to make sure there is enough down time for kids to rest and relax. Goway Travel suggests scheduling time so kids can laze on the beach or visit a park or zoo.

7) Keep Children Occupied - Take a DVD player with the kids favorite movies - great for plane rides or for relaxation after a day out. Give kids a daily allowance so they know what they can spend, and provide them with a journal and a camera so that they can record the vacation. Keep snacks and games on hand for motorcoach rides and for travel in foreigh countries.

8) Do not leave Children unattended - Always be sure that your children are attended by a trusted family member or by a childcare professional.

9) Let children know that behavior counts - Be sure children understand that it is important to be polite and respectful when traveling with other people.

10) Consider Scheduling Night flights - When traveling long distances, pre-nights are recommended - especially for families with young kids. Additional nights will help acclimate kids to a new time zone and will get them into a more normal routine.

Be safe, have fun spending quality time with your family.