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Psychology 101
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!"
Avoid Combo Trips:
Ask yourself
why you're taking a trip. Is it for yourself or for the kids? Many people take one
big vacation a year and think this is going to satisfy the whole family's needs.
This isn't always the case. Combo trips can't be everything to everyone.
After all, moms have different
goals in getting away. Maybe it's to spend quality time with your kids, special
moments with your spouse, or try something new or to simply relax? How can you expect
to get all of that done in one trip?
I recommend breaking 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!
Avoid Fix?it Trips:
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!
Know your limits:
Not everyone is going to get along. Sometimes there are people you can can't get
enough of or take only so much of. Don't plan a 5-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 who you are traveling with and plan accordingly.
Now that you are all healthy
and mentally adjusted ? it's time to start strategizing!!
Strategy 101
Gather Your Resources:
The following resources are invaluable:
- Internet -
Full of useful travel sites (like the one you're on)!
- AAA, Travel Magazines
- Get ideas
and sound advice.
- Friends -
Never underestimate
word of mouth suggestions.
Present Your Case:
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.
Just the facts ma'am:
For women dealing with men, keep in mind, men just don't think in the same general
terms as we do. Be sure to get specific and get to the point! Give your partner
a few choices. Outline prices, dates and requirements in order for them to make
an informed decision. Men appreciate simplicity and directness. 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 and Bribery 101
Many of you will have
to resort to trickery and bribery depending on what age your kids are.
Six and Under: Getaway
Without Going Away!
Stay at a hotel with a
pool and take a picnic to the zoo. Your kids won't know its only 5 miles away from
home! The kids are happy and so is your wallet. Check out our
Hometown Haven's section -- NYC lodgings offer specials and discounts
to stay near home. Great for adults too!!
I'll bet that not many
adults can remember much about trips they took before age six. And if you can, the
details are probably sketchy.
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. Something in our brain tells us we've been there before
so why bother paying a return visit as adults. Sad but true.
With that in mind, save
the biggies like Disneyworld and Washington D.C. 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 U.S., these types of set-ups are also available at other major
budget-minded chains, such as Howard Johnson and Travelodge.
Friends and Allies:
Consider bringing one of your children's friends along. Instead of being forced
to follow the family's every move, they can adventure around together, or at least
have the illusion they are on their own. Pal-ing around may even cut down on the
inevitable sibling scuffles (you're on your own if friend vs. friend bickering erupts).
Also consider bringing a teen niece or nephew along to help with toddler care. They'll
get a free trip and you'll get a little more peace of mind.
Budgeting 101
The Jones': Who
needs'em?! Eliminate the pressure of trying to keep up with others. Worrying about
cost every time you whip out the credit card is anything but relaxing, so cool it
with the competitive spending already!
Set a Budget and Spend
in Style! Whatever your family's finances, after setting your limit, go with
gusto. It's easier to enjoy yourself when everything's accounted for. If having
a blast means shortening your stay to afford a nicer vacation, by all means do so.
Make the most of the time you do have together rather than stretching a thin dollar
and burning out on each other's company.
Involve Your Kids in
the Finances: Make a game out of saving for the trip. Clip coupons and create
cost-cutter ideas together. Not only will you be saving money, but you'll also be
teaching them an important lesson about the value of money and that credit cards
are evil!
Planning and Organization 101
Timing is Everything:
With modern
over-scheduled lives, making time for togetherness can be tricky. While summer and
holidays are popular vacation times, going off-peak has its rewards as well. You're
likely to save more money and beat teeming crowds too. Don't rule out daytrips or
weekend excursions either. Yep, it's the old quality, not quantity adage.
Picking Your Location:
Consider your
kids' current, and even future interests. How about a dance performance for the
budding ballerina or a tennis match for the Olympic hopeful? Of course mix-it up
with "no-brainers" like theme parks, beaches and the like.
Daytrips: Plan
a mini-trip around a special event or festival in your region. Check our monthly
event calendar for hundreds of ideas!
Lodging: Check
websites for coupons or for internet-only specials. Always try to book directly
with the hotel and ask about upgrades or special packages when reserving. You may
be surprised at what you find. Just about every hotel has special offers for children,
you just need to ask. Save the bed & breakfasts for adults only. After all,
your fellow guests probably chose a bed & breakfast to get away from kids in
the first place.
Vacation ownership is
the new trend (a.k.a. time-shares). They are a great kid-friendly alternative! Many
properties offer cheap all-inclusive weekends in exchange for you attending a short
presentation at the end. Most properties are very respectful and not too "sales-pushy."
Hopefully you¼ll enjoy your stay so much you¼ll sign up on the spot.
A special word on camping
and RV-ing: Both are economical and fun! If you or your kids aren't especially outdoorsy
types don't fool yourself by trying to play "Survivor." Leave the hard-core
roughing it to the pros and bring along some creature comforts. KOA members, should
be sure to order KOA's great kid's road-trip kit - complete with map and markers!
Transportation:
This is one area where it's best not to wing it. Map out your route ahead of time.
Maps aren't only informative, they can keep children occupied too. Make mini-navigators
out of the back seat drivers. Better yet, leave the driving to someone else! Public
transportation is especially fun for younger kids as well as economical! Nothing
beats Northeast public transit!
Potent Portables:
Kids have been crying, "Are we there yet?" since the dawn of time and
you can quell the inevitable question with a crafty use of potent portables. Disposable
cameras are a must - kids love pictures! Keep the kids busy by bringing along games,
travel teasers, etc. Rent a car-tv/vcr and pop in a video or better yet give them
a scrapbook, tape and markers and let them create their own travel memoirs. Get
antsy-ness out of the system with plenty of rest stops and side trips.
Meals: Skip the
fast food while traveling if possible. Picnics are perfect. You'll save money
and stay healthier in the bargain. Of course a trip to Burger King is always a treat,
but in 10 years they won't remember Burger King meals as much as how great Mom's
turkey sandwiches taste. Also consider resorts and hotels with meals included or
where kids eat for free!
Emergency 101
Trickery and Bribery
102: When you've
reached your limit of family time, save the day with little extras like a trip to
the movies, or snacks and souvenirs. Always pack a few surprise toys, games or fun
distractions. Tuck them in your purse or the glove compartment for when desperate
situations arise.
Let Rain Work in Your
Favor: There's plenty to do inside on those yucky gray days. Make a list of
5-10 fun places to go on a rainy day and tack it to your fridge. When the next raindrop
falls, you'll be prepared. If you are already on the road when the storm hits, ask
the hotel manager for a behind-the-scenes tour, or help in creating a scavenger
hunt. Most hotels have in-room movies or vcrs. Order room service and catch up on
their favorite videos. Think on the bright side, at least you're spending time together.
The dishes are washed, homework is done --quality time may sound like a cliche,
but it's precious all the same. So you're stuck inside together? Why not learn to
appreciate each other's company?
Keep your sense of
humor! Don't let minor setbacks spoil your fun. You may have to change gears
when the weather decides to turn on you, or things don't go as planned. Flexible
itineraries and flexible minds are essential!
Have fun and happy trails!
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