Universally, the term "gone fishing" is associated with vacations. In that case planning a fishing vacation should be nothing more then a natural choice. Fishing combines sport, relaxation, communing with nature and free food and hence qualifies as the perfect vacation. From a weekend trip to the closest lake front camping ground to an adventurous and long packaged tour to the best fishing locales of the world, one has plenty of choices that could be made. While planning a long fishing vacation, there are a couple of obvious choices to be made.First one being what type of fishing is most appealing. The most basic breakdown here is a choice between freshwater and saltwater fishing. Fishing vacations come in various sizes and forms. They can be started with loading your car with fishing rods and sleeping bags or calling a travel agent or professional fishng guide. These trips can be taken all the year round. Although the first thought is generally to catch the bass biting at the very onset of spring or the blues running in autumn. Trips can be made absolutely anytime of the year, even in the dead of the winter, just in case he angler has no aversions to cutting holes in the ice.A properly planned vacation can be fun for all, irrespective of whether you are a novice or a very serious sportsman. The only essential purchase required is the fishing license, rest all can be rented. Rods and reels, boats and crews, which can even cater lunch, can be rented out.It can be a way for families to spend time together while simultaneously enjoying the outdoors. Although the idea of skewering worms onto hooks may sound gross yet the vacation can be fun for the entire family. Fishing is a leisurely pastime and you don't have to excel at it to enjoy, and a total beginner might be just as good or even more than a seasoned pro.Just because you are vegetarian, doesn't mean you can't have fun while fishing. One may use catch and release techniques for the fun of the sport.While as said earlier, their can be several ways of going for fishing, however packaged tours certainly has some advantages. Best part here being that all the essentials are included right in the price. One need not carry all the equipment around, and thus the trip becomes more fun. Along with the trip, the vacationer also gets the expertise of the trip provider. Thus one need not hunt around for the best 'fishing hole' and thus the chances of returning empty handed are considerably reduced. Also at fairly reasonable prices one may also get lunch included in the package deal.Toughest decision to be made while planning a trip is, where to go. Think globally as ther are plenty of scenic fishing spots which are a real treat for anyone interested. British Columbia in Canada boasts of beautiful wilderness and streams filled with great number of fishes of an ample of species. There are also the less exotic but easier on the pocket destination which can be good value for money. Prices for accommodations may range from 100$ to 300$. One may also like to make it a learning experience, by opting for a Fishing School package. It generally includes hands-on and personal tutoring regarding the ins and outs of fishing. All the equipment is provided by the school. Prices may be around 300$ per session , travel expenses excluded.About the author:Mansi gupta writes about fishing vacation . Learn more at http://www.uniquefishingvacations.com.
Tropical Vacations Introduce You to Nature's Glory
A tropical vacation usually evokes images of images of sultry summer days lounging on the beach and soft breezes caressing you in the evenings while you sip a drink in the evenings. There are so many wonderful tropical vacation packages that give you just that in Mexico, but if you'd like to take it to the next level, consider traveling to the interior as well and experience the full spectrum of nature's glory. Tropical also means exotic plants, gorgeous birds and chattering monkeys, mountain cliffs and amazing wildlife!Jungle and Tropical Rainforest VacationsEcotourism is one of the most incredible adventures you can embark on in Mexico and other tropical areas of the world. These eco adventures give you the opportunity to see and hear things you would never be able to experience outside of a zoo or museum. In tropical regions of the world there are jungles and rain forests that shelter an amazing array of plants and animals that are colorful, unique and exotic. Traveling with an experienced guide through the interior of a rainforest or jungle will bring you into a world where time has stood still for thousands of years. Imagine trekking along a stretch of sandy beach your first day, then heading spending the next few days in a rainforest where brilliantly plumed parrots fly overhead, calling to one another and flashing feathers of emerald, ruby and gold. The chatter of monkeys as they swing overhead will delight your group as your guide explains the delicate balance of Mexico's ecosystem. There are coral reefs to explore, natural springs and underwater rivers with stunning rock formations and always the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea.In the evenings you'll view glorious sunsets from atop majestic Mayan ruins or high natural ridges, all part of the protected heritage of the Mexican people. The warm breezes will sweep away the humidity of your jungle day as you relax with your small group of fellow travelers, suspended in time under a brilliant blanket of stars. Challenge Yourself in the TropicsIf you're up to something a bit more physical, tropical vacations offer a vast range of topographies for every activity from mountain biking to scuba diving. The mountains of the Yucatan Peninsula offer extremely challenging mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities for solo or group trekking. Check out some of the stunning vistas you can see from various mountain locations, including views of several of the largest volcanoes in Mexico like Pico De Orizaba, Iztaccihuatl and the still active Popcateptl (which erupted spectacularly less then ten years ago, causing the evacuation of two villages). Near Mexico City you can visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, another spectacular example of early Mayan culture.If you're a fan of scuba diving, there's nothing more exhilarating than a tropical vacation for scuba. Cancun offers a variety of packages for exceptional open water diving and cave or cavern diving. Even experienced scuba divers agree that there's always something new to discover in the elaborate underwater caverns along the tropical beaches of the Mexican shore. Did you know that the second largest coral reef in the world, the Great Belize Coral Reef, is in Mexico? This tropical reef system stretches from Playa del Carmen to the Gulf of Hondoras and is a paradise of stunning plants and fish that can be explored by scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Your whole family will be enchanted by the flashes of rainbow color darting through the diamond-clear waters of this vast expanse of one of the world's most beautiful ecosystems.Soaking Up the AtmosphereTropical means warm days, warm nights and plenty of sunshine, and on tropical vacations you expect plenty of both. In Mexico you'll find them - the average temperature is 85ยบ in the daytime and in the 70's at night, with warm rains of short duration only occasionally interrupting the mornings. Warm breezes keep things comfortable year-round and the sunsets are always spectacular! And tropical means atmosphere.it's that special combination of warm weather, sandy beaches, exotic locale and that indefinable something extra that comes from the people. The Mexican people are friendly, generous and family oriented. You'll discover that shops are closed for lunch breaks and that Friday afternoons are made for relaxing. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations and make new friends; the mood is relaxed when you take a tropical vacation. There's no fussy dress code and you'll never have to put on a necktie or suffer through an evening in stockings and high heels (unless you want to!). Casual is the standard when you're on a tropical vacation - even for dinner, you're fine in a polo shirt and sandals are encouraged. This is a vacation, after all! And kids are welcome everywhere!It's a tropical pace that encourages taking full advantage of the simple joys of walking on the beach, sampling fresh seafood, bartering in the local marketplace and sipping a Sea Breeze in the evening with your spouse while the sun goes down over the waves in a blaze of oranges, reds and golds.The beaches stretch for miles with the finest white sands in the world and new and unusual sea shells washing ashore with every wave that gently laps the shore. Palm trees stir in the breeze, adding the quiet rustle of their leaves to the winds and providing shade for the many hammocks you'll find strung between them. Time loses meaning in the TropicsThe sound of pounding surf and the cry of seagulls overhead will lull you into a relaxing sense of peace as you realize there's nowhere you have to be, nowhere to rush off to, because in tropical Mexico, no one operates by their watches. It's free and easy, based purely on what you want to do and when you feel like doing it. Doesn't that sound good for a change?So for the ultimate in relaxation or adventure, a tropical vacation has it all - sunsets, warm breezes, natural beauty, adventure, friendship, and incredible, lush beauty. Go somewhere tropical for your next family vacation - you'll never want to go anywhere else!
About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about tropical vacations, mexico vacations, and family vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, "Hot, Hot, Hot," throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. Beach-Vacations-4u.com
FIND ADVENTURE WITH SAILING VACATIONS
If you're looking for an adventurous and safe way to enjoy yourself, consider sailing vacations. With a variety of locations and packages, sailing vacations call to the explorer in everyone.
Sailing vacations are offered in such diverse spots as the Great Lakes, Maine, the Caribbean and India. No matter your inclinations, you should be able to find a location that will call to your soul.
Sailing vacations can be as luxurious or as spartan as you wish. With no sailing experience, you would need a crewed boat. Even with experience, you may want the freedom to just enjoy the breeze as you glide over the water, without having to worry about making the boat do that gliding.
If you're experienced and enjoy the challenge of sailing, then a barebones charter may be the thing for you. Barebones is a boat that is fully supplied with everything you need except a crew. Sailing vacations using a barebones package will be a bit more work and less pricey.
What if you want the barebones experience but have never set foot on a sailboat? Many sailing vacations are offered with lessons, so that you can become certified or at least experienced enough to take out your own boat. If you enjoy sailing, this may be the type of gift to yourself that just keeps on giving.
Other options include sailing vacations that provide the crew but invite guests to work alongside them, handling the sails and riggings.
So, what can you expect with sailing vacations? What should you take? What costs will there be? These questions vary from company to company. Be sure to look for information about food. How is food handled? Who provides it? If this is a crewed ship, does the crew cook? Do you have a responsibility for feeding them? Sailing vacations will be much more fun with a full stomach, especially if you know in advance who is expected to do the cooking.
Make sure you find out before your trip what clothing is appropriate. While sailing vacations in the Caribbean will likely be much warmer than some other locales, being on open water may be significantly cooler than you'd expect.
Other questions to ask of the outfitter or sailing company include how many people will comfortably fit on the boat? What are the sleeping accommodations? This is important to know. If you aren't getting enough sleep, it may ruin your sailing vacations.
What facilities are there? How do you take care of waste? While these are very basic questions and not something most people want to think about, knowing ahead of time will help ensure all your sailing vacations are fun, not drudgery.
What emergency procedures are in place in case of a problem? While the likelihood is nil of a company letting you sail out with the threat of a hurricane, Mother Nature likes to shake things up once in a while and sailing vacations aren't immune. Is there more than one radio? How many batteries? Life preservers? Flotation devices? Emergency rations? No, this isn't the most enjoyable topic when considering a vacation, but it's one that is vital to your continued good health.
Finally, be sure to compare companies at http://www.logonsailing.com/sailing/sailing_vacations.html or a similar site when looking at sailing vacations. Look at professional and former client reviews, find out each company's safety ratings. While you may not want to pay top dollar for your adventure, neither do you want a bottom of the barrel company if it's not one with a good proven record.
No matter what option you choose, sailing vacations can provide the adventure of a lifetime.
If you enjoyed this article see more sailing information at http://salingfever.com/ and http://salingdaily.com/
Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole Family
by: Lori Wilkerson
Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole FamilyIt¡¦s time to plan the family vacation and you¡¦re running into trouble again. Just once you¡¦d like to find something that everyone will love, but you don¡¦t think you can find it; after all, you have the twins who are six years old, a terminally bored teenager, and a preteen daughter whose idea of the perfect vacation is a trip to the mall. Your husband loves to golf, and your idea of a vacation, frankly, is anywhere you can just relax and take it easy for a change!You could try asking the whole family where they¡¦d like to go for a vacation, but you could get answers like this:"« Somewhere I can go shopping for some really cool stuff!"« The beach, so I can get some surfing in."« A golf resort would be nice ¡V I¡¦d like to improve my handicap."« Can we go someplace where there are rides? And lots of games?"« I think the kids should learn something on this trip; let¡¦s go someplace cultural.There¡¦s no place that meets those standards anywhere in the world better than Mexico! If you want to everyone to enjoy themselves and spend a week or two without ever hearing, ¡§There¡¦s nothing to do,¡¨ then Mexican beach vacations are the perfect choice!Sun, sand and surfFamily beach vacations have always appealed to every generation, and for good reason. There¡¦s something universal about the pull of the ocean. Warm, white sands that are soft under your feet and lapis blue waters that are crystal clear invoke relaxation and a sense of peace and renewal that can¡¦t be found anywhere else. Mexico has thousands of miles of soft white beaches that are family-friendly with miles of gorgeous surf.While you relax with a Pina Colada and a good book and enjoy the sea breeze, the twins can be dashing in and out of the tide, collecting sea shells and admiring hermit crabs as they dart into their holes. Your daughter can work on her tan or stroll over to one of the booths where locals wait to cornrow her hair. And don¡¦t forget the terminal case of boredom ¡V he¡¦s trying out a surfboard that he rented from the cabana at the hotel. Tomorrow he plans to try his hand at windsurfing or parasailing. Your husband is catching everything on film for later.And when evening rolls around¡KWhen night falls there¡¦s still plenty to do on a beach vacation. Most resorts offer a choice or restaurants from family-friendly pizza parlors to fine dining with a great wine cellar. Or you can explore the local town for a sampling of local cuisine that¡¦s sure to surprise and delight you and your children. If you enjoy seafood, there¡¦s nothing that beats finding a local seafood joint with seating on the beach for atmosphere and fun. After the sun goes down, take a stroll on the beach at night and look for sea turtles if the season is right. These magnificent creatures are an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. If you head to the boardwalks that abound along most beaches, you¡¦re sure to find games and rides for the whole family. Your six year olds will be delighted with a Ferris wheel ride with a spectacular view of the ocean while your daughter gets her caricature done by a local artist. When you step away from the beach, there¡¦s still plenty to doBeach vacations in Mexico don¡¦t stop at the edge of the water. All of those fabulous beach resorts are located near wonderful little resort towns that have colorful bazaars and market districts, so the shopping is fantastic! Remember to do some holiday shopping, and look for a few colorful pieces of clothing to show off when you get back home!Mexico is full of cultural and historical bounty, so don¡¦t forget to visit some of the rich historical treasures of the area while you¡¦re visiting. Your family will be amazed by the impressive size and grandeur of Mayan ruins just miles from the beaches. These ancient ruins are a reminder of the area¡¦s rich heritage and shouldn¡¦t be missed.When visiting the ruins take the time to admire the villages and towns you pass through; Mexico is a rich mix of heritages. Descendants of the Maya, Inca and Spanish settlers all make up the rich heritage of today¡¦s Mexico.Meanwhile, back on the beach¡KAfter a few days of sightseeing, shopping, and golfing even the most energetic family members will want to relax, and that¡¦s why beach vacations are the best thing going ¡V total relaxation! Close your eyes and think about the beach and you can almost feel yourself relax, can¡¦t you? Imagine your children building elaborate sand castles in toasted white sands and decorating them with delicate sea shells they¡¦ve collected along the shore. Picture your teenagers lazily swimming on the rolling waves, ducking under the crystal-clear blue of tropical waters to watch fish flicking about around their legs. Beach vacations can also give you the opportunity to learn something new and exciting together. Try parasailing ¡V there¡¦s nothing as exhilarating as sailing through the sea breezes as you look down on the coast from the air like a seagull! If you¡¦ve always wanted to try sailing, a beach vacation will give your whole family the opportunity to go out on a sailboat for the day. There are so many tremendous opportunities to do things when your family takes a beach vacation to Mexico. Whether you want to enjoy the sand and sun, try a little bit of adventure, sample great local foods and wines or make the kids squeal with laughter, you¡¦ll find more than enough to fill every day on our fabulous Mexico beach vacation packages!Finally, keep in mind that, since family vacations usually mean traveling in the summer months, a Mexico beach vacation can be a great bargain. Since these months are considered ¡§off season¡¨ in this area of the country, you¡¦ll be surprised by just how affordable a really fabulous stay on a stretch of white sand beach in Mexico can be while your kids are on summer break.
About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about Hawaii Vacations, Beach Vacation Deals, and Cheap Beach Vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, "Hot, Hot, Hot," throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. beach-vacations-4u.com(True story!)
Sailing vacations are offered in such diverse spots as the Great Lakes, Maine, the Caribbean and India. No matter your inclinations, you should be able to find a location that will call to your soul.
Sailing vacations can be as luxurious or as spartan as you wish. With no sailing experience, you would need a crewed boat. Even with experience, you may want the freedom to just enjoy the breeze as you glide over the water, without having to worry about making the boat do that gliding.
If you're experienced and enjoy the challenge of sailing, then a barebones charter may be the thing for you. Barebones is a boat that is fully supplied with everything you need except a crew. Sailing vacations using a barebones package will be a bit more work and less pricey.
What if you want the barebones experience but have never set foot on a sailboat? Many sailing vacations are offered with lessons, so that you can become certified or at least experienced enough to take out your own boat. If you enjoy sailing, this may be the type of gift to yourself that just keeps on giving.
Other options include sailing vacations that provide the crew but invite guests to work alongside them, handling the sails and riggings.
So, what can you expect with sailing vacations? What should you take? What costs will there be? These questions vary from company to company. Be sure to look for information about food. How is food handled? Who provides it? If this is a crewed ship, does the crew cook? Do you have a responsibility for feeding them? Sailing vacations will be much more fun with a full stomach, especially if you know in advance who is expected to do the cooking.
Make sure you find out before your trip what clothing is appropriate. While sailing vacations in the Caribbean will likely be much warmer than some other locales, being on open water may be significantly cooler than you'd expect.
Other questions to ask of the outfitter or sailing company include how many people will comfortably fit on the boat? What are the sleeping accommodations? This is important to know. If you aren't getting enough sleep, it may ruin your sailing vacations.
What facilities are there? How do you take care of waste? While these are very basic questions and not something most people want to think about, knowing ahead of time will help ensure all your sailing vacations are fun, not drudgery.
What emergency procedures are in place in case of a problem? While the likelihood is nil of a company letting you sail out with the threat of a hurricane, Mother Nature likes to shake things up once in a while and sailing vacations aren't immune. Is there more than one radio? How many batteries? Life preservers? Flotation devices? Emergency rations? No, this isn't the most enjoyable topic when considering a vacation, but it's one that is vital to your continued good health.
Finally, be sure to compare companies at http://www.logonsailing.com/sailing/sailing_vacations.html or a similar site when looking at sailing vacations. Look at professional and former client reviews, find out each company's safety ratings. While you may not want to pay top dollar for your adventure, neither do you want a bottom of the barrel company if it's not one with a good proven record.
No matter what option you choose, sailing vacations can provide the adventure of a lifetime.
If you enjoyed this article see more sailing information at http://salingfever.com/ and http://salingdaily.com/
Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole Family
by: Lori Wilkerson
Fabulous Beach Vacations Appeal to the Whole FamilyIt¡¦s time to plan the family vacation and you¡¦re running into trouble again. Just once you¡¦d like to find something that everyone will love, but you don¡¦t think you can find it; after all, you have the twins who are six years old, a terminally bored teenager, and a preteen daughter whose idea of the perfect vacation is a trip to the mall. Your husband loves to golf, and your idea of a vacation, frankly, is anywhere you can just relax and take it easy for a change!You could try asking the whole family where they¡¦d like to go for a vacation, but you could get answers like this:"« Somewhere I can go shopping for some really cool stuff!"« The beach, so I can get some surfing in."« A golf resort would be nice ¡V I¡¦d like to improve my handicap."« Can we go someplace where there are rides? And lots of games?"« I think the kids should learn something on this trip; let¡¦s go someplace cultural.There¡¦s no place that meets those standards anywhere in the world better than Mexico! If you want to everyone to enjoy themselves and spend a week or two without ever hearing, ¡§There¡¦s nothing to do,¡¨ then Mexican beach vacations are the perfect choice!Sun, sand and surfFamily beach vacations have always appealed to every generation, and for good reason. There¡¦s something universal about the pull of the ocean. Warm, white sands that are soft under your feet and lapis blue waters that are crystal clear invoke relaxation and a sense of peace and renewal that can¡¦t be found anywhere else. Mexico has thousands of miles of soft white beaches that are family-friendly with miles of gorgeous surf.While you relax with a Pina Colada and a good book and enjoy the sea breeze, the twins can be dashing in and out of the tide, collecting sea shells and admiring hermit crabs as they dart into their holes. Your daughter can work on her tan or stroll over to one of the booths where locals wait to cornrow her hair. And don¡¦t forget the terminal case of boredom ¡V he¡¦s trying out a surfboard that he rented from the cabana at the hotel. Tomorrow he plans to try his hand at windsurfing or parasailing. Your husband is catching everything on film for later.And when evening rolls around¡KWhen night falls there¡¦s still plenty to do on a beach vacation. Most resorts offer a choice or restaurants from family-friendly pizza parlors to fine dining with a great wine cellar. Or you can explore the local town for a sampling of local cuisine that¡¦s sure to surprise and delight you and your children. If you enjoy seafood, there¡¦s nothing that beats finding a local seafood joint with seating on the beach for atmosphere and fun. After the sun goes down, take a stroll on the beach at night and look for sea turtles if the season is right. These magnificent creatures are an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. If you head to the boardwalks that abound along most beaches, you¡¦re sure to find games and rides for the whole family. Your six year olds will be delighted with a Ferris wheel ride with a spectacular view of the ocean while your daughter gets her caricature done by a local artist. When you step away from the beach, there¡¦s still plenty to doBeach vacations in Mexico don¡¦t stop at the edge of the water. All of those fabulous beach resorts are located near wonderful little resort towns that have colorful bazaars and market districts, so the shopping is fantastic! Remember to do some holiday shopping, and look for a few colorful pieces of clothing to show off when you get back home!Mexico is full of cultural and historical bounty, so don¡¦t forget to visit some of the rich historical treasures of the area while you¡¦re visiting. Your family will be amazed by the impressive size and grandeur of Mayan ruins just miles from the beaches. These ancient ruins are a reminder of the area¡¦s rich heritage and shouldn¡¦t be missed.When visiting the ruins take the time to admire the villages and towns you pass through; Mexico is a rich mix of heritages. Descendants of the Maya, Inca and Spanish settlers all make up the rich heritage of today¡¦s Mexico.Meanwhile, back on the beach¡KAfter a few days of sightseeing, shopping, and golfing even the most energetic family members will want to relax, and that¡¦s why beach vacations are the best thing going ¡V total relaxation! Close your eyes and think about the beach and you can almost feel yourself relax, can¡¦t you? Imagine your children building elaborate sand castles in toasted white sands and decorating them with delicate sea shells they¡¦ve collected along the shore. Picture your teenagers lazily swimming on the rolling waves, ducking under the crystal-clear blue of tropical waters to watch fish flicking about around their legs. Beach vacations can also give you the opportunity to learn something new and exciting together. Try parasailing ¡V there¡¦s nothing as exhilarating as sailing through the sea breezes as you look down on the coast from the air like a seagull! If you¡¦ve always wanted to try sailing, a beach vacation will give your whole family the opportunity to go out on a sailboat for the day. There are so many tremendous opportunities to do things when your family takes a beach vacation to Mexico. Whether you want to enjoy the sand and sun, try a little bit of adventure, sample great local foods and wines or make the kids squeal with laughter, you¡¦ll find more than enough to fill every day on our fabulous Mexico beach vacation packages!Finally, keep in mind that, since family vacations usually mean traveling in the summer months, a Mexico beach vacation can be a great bargain. Since these months are considered ¡§off season¡¨ in this area of the country, you¡¦ll be surprised by just how affordable a really fabulous stay on a stretch of white sand beach in Mexico can be while your kids are on summer break.
About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about Hawaii Vacations, Beach Vacation Deals, and Cheap Beach Vacations. Lori once led a Conga line to the tune, "Hot, Hot, Hot," throughout an entire cruise ship sailing to Nassau. beach-vacations-4u.com(True story!)
BEAUTIFUL VACATIONS FOR CHILDREN
Traveling with children will be a memorable event ? the question is "What kind?" Your chances of a lifetime memory you will cherish increase significantly with some advance communication and preparation.
The book, Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever, outlines a five-step process you can apply to organizing any area of your life ? including traveling with children of any age. Make the children a part of the trip by letting them help you plan. Your children will enjoy the trip more if they feel they have some say about the agenda. Get books from the library, or do an Internet search, on the area you plan to visit. Give them some options of what to do and actually use some of their suggestions. Who knows? You may enjoy their suggestions more than you think.
Here is a guide to vacationing with children, using the 5 steps:
1. Design your vision.
The first step to happy memories is good communication. Start scheduling family meetings to plan ? the earlier the better. At the first meeting, ask each member of the family to describe what he or she would like to have in order to have a wildly successful vacation. It's a great idea to put some structure into this discussion. Use a flip chart and have family members take turns recording answers. Subsequent meetings can be used to work out each of the next steps.
2. Eliminate your obstacles.
Mark Twain is credited with saying "Progress starts with the truth." Certainly that applies in this situation. For example, some teens simply do not think it's "cool" to travel with mom and dad. If you want your teens to enjoy their travel experience, make sure you understand what they like and dislike. With young children, keep in mind "less is more." A swim in the hotel pool may be a much better choice than another two hours at the theme park.
3. Commit your time.
There could be several issues here. If your teens are working, they may resent having to miss work ? or they may be delighted. In either case, find out their preferences, and see what you can do to accommodate them without jeopardizing your own needs. One of the issues likely to come up is the daily travel schedule itself. Young children need naps, teens may want to sleep late, while parents relish the idea of "getting an early start." Compromise is probably the best solution here.
4. Select your tools
Growing up on a farm in Nebraska, one of the things my daddy taught me was "Half of any job is having the right tool." While you may think it's ridiculous to think about "tools" for a vacation, it is really essential. For example, if it is impossible to reach a compromise about the music on the car CD player, headphones for individual players could be a godsend!
Tools can also include systems for the way you handle situations. One of the major keys to success in organizing any activity is focusing on individual strengths ? if one child is particularly adept at photography, make them the official family photographer, while another might be a great navigator.
5. Maintain your success
At the end of each day, take a few minutes for a "Check-In" session. What was the best thing that happened that day? Why? How can we make sure we have more like it? What didn't work? Why? How can we eliminate the situation in the future? Make sure you use this process at the end of the vacation ? make some notes and put them in your GO System File (LINK HERE to http://productiveenvironment.com/index.asp?name= GO%5FSEMINARS&new=true&leftnav=true&lid=66) for next year's planning.
Here are some general tips you can use to ensure a great vacation:
? Choose age appropriate destinations. This doesn't mean every trip has to involve a theme park or sports event; it simply means keep the trip's educational value at a level they can comprehend and appreciate. If your children's ages span a wide range, have at least one activity geared to each child. Picking a hotel with a pool can make a big difference!
? Lay the ground rules early. Before you even leave the house, make sure your children know what is and isn't acceptable behavior on the road. As elementary as this may seem, if you don't tell your children what you expect, how can they oblige?
? Let the children pack their own suitcases as much as possible. Make sure each child has a small carry-on bag for which they are responsible. Include things they can do on the road or in the air--a walkman and tapes, comic books, handheld video games, etc.
? Decide ahead of time about seating arrangements and make contingency plans in case requested seats are not available.
? Establish a meeting place at each stop. Nothing could be worse that having a child get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Whenever you visit a location, identify a spot where the family can meet if you happen to get separated, or carry cell phones or pagers.
? Carry current photos of your children. That way others can help you locate your lost child. If your child can tell time, make sure they take a watch!
? Pack a first aid kit. Face it. Kids will be kids. That means scraped knees, bug bites, and cuts and bruises. When traveling with children, always keep a first aid kit handy.
? Check for children travel specials. Pre-planning can save you lots of money. Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels offer discounts for children, whether it's a "kids stay or eat free" deal or a "half-off children's rate." Let Internet-savvy children put their mouse to work for a happier vacation.
The most important thing to remember ? flexibility. Traveling with children of any age is always a challenge. Spend more time enjoying the precious memories you will be creating and less time fretting over what could go wrong. Keep your sense of humor in full swing and happy traveling.
© Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com
The book, Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever, outlines a five-step process you can apply to organizing any area of your life ? including traveling with children of any age. Make the children a part of the trip by letting them help you plan. Your children will enjoy the trip more if they feel they have some say about the agenda. Get books from the library, or do an Internet search, on the area you plan to visit. Give them some options of what to do and actually use some of their suggestions. Who knows? You may enjoy their suggestions more than you think.
Here is a guide to vacationing with children, using the 5 steps:
1. Design your vision.
The first step to happy memories is good communication. Start scheduling family meetings to plan ? the earlier the better. At the first meeting, ask each member of the family to describe what he or she would like to have in order to have a wildly successful vacation. It's a great idea to put some structure into this discussion. Use a flip chart and have family members take turns recording answers. Subsequent meetings can be used to work out each of the next steps.
2. Eliminate your obstacles.
Mark Twain is credited with saying "Progress starts with the truth." Certainly that applies in this situation. For example, some teens simply do not think it's "cool" to travel with mom and dad. If you want your teens to enjoy their travel experience, make sure you understand what they like and dislike. With young children, keep in mind "less is more." A swim in the hotel pool may be a much better choice than another two hours at the theme park.
3. Commit your time.
There could be several issues here. If your teens are working, they may resent having to miss work ? or they may be delighted. In either case, find out their preferences, and see what you can do to accommodate them without jeopardizing your own needs. One of the issues likely to come up is the daily travel schedule itself. Young children need naps, teens may want to sleep late, while parents relish the idea of "getting an early start." Compromise is probably the best solution here.
4. Select your tools
Growing up on a farm in Nebraska, one of the things my daddy taught me was "Half of any job is having the right tool." While you may think it's ridiculous to think about "tools" for a vacation, it is really essential. For example, if it is impossible to reach a compromise about the music on the car CD player, headphones for individual players could be a godsend!
Tools can also include systems for the way you handle situations. One of the major keys to success in organizing any activity is focusing on individual strengths ? if one child is particularly adept at photography, make them the official family photographer, while another might be a great navigator.
5. Maintain your success
At the end of each day, take a few minutes for a "Check-In" session. What was the best thing that happened that day? Why? How can we make sure we have more like it? What didn't work? Why? How can we eliminate the situation in the future? Make sure you use this process at the end of the vacation ? make some notes and put them in your GO System File (LINK HERE to http://productiveenvironment.com/index.asp?name= GO%5FSEMINARS&new=true&leftnav=true&lid=66) for next year's planning.
Here are some general tips you can use to ensure a great vacation:
? Choose age appropriate destinations. This doesn't mean every trip has to involve a theme park or sports event; it simply means keep the trip's educational value at a level they can comprehend and appreciate. If your children's ages span a wide range, have at least one activity geared to each child. Picking a hotel with a pool can make a big difference!
? Lay the ground rules early. Before you even leave the house, make sure your children know what is and isn't acceptable behavior on the road. As elementary as this may seem, if you don't tell your children what you expect, how can they oblige?
? Let the children pack their own suitcases as much as possible. Make sure each child has a small carry-on bag for which they are responsible. Include things they can do on the road or in the air--a walkman and tapes, comic books, handheld video games, etc.
? Decide ahead of time about seating arrangements and make contingency plans in case requested seats are not available.
? Establish a meeting place at each stop. Nothing could be worse that having a child get lost in an unfamiliar environment. Whenever you visit a location, identify a spot where the family can meet if you happen to get separated, or carry cell phones or pagers.
? Carry current photos of your children. That way others can help you locate your lost child. If your child can tell time, make sure they take a watch!
? Pack a first aid kit. Face it. Kids will be kids. That means scraped knees, bug bites, and cuts and bruises. When traveling with children, always keep a first aid kit handy.
? Check for children travel specials. Pre-planning can save you lots of money. Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels offer discounts for children, whether it's a "kids stay or eat free" deal or a "half-off children's rate." Let Internet-savvy children put their mouse to work for a happier vacation.
The most important thing to remember ? flexibility. Traveling with children of any age is always a challenge. Spend more time enjoying the precious memories you will be creating and less time fretting over what could go wrong. Keep your sense of humor in full swing and happy traveling.
© Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com
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