Making a Family Vacation Easier in 5 Simple Steps

Summer is almost over, but until every drop is gone, I'm happy to share a guest post from Kendra of ThorntonTravel.

 Photo Credit: marcovdz via Compfight cc

It’s Time for a Family Vacation!

Although summer is slowly fading away, it is certainly not too late to plan a trip for your whole family before school starts. Take advantage of the warm weather and escape to that destination you’ve been dreaming about. Below I’ve listed some tips that will help you have a stress free, enjoyable family vacation.

1. Think Outside of the Box.

This summer, try something new and travel somewhere different! Your kids will be much more excited about vacationing somewhere new, and it may even inspire some adventure within them. Family vacations are the best way to create new memories and lift everyone’s spirit with a heavy dose of excitement. So, instead of going to that same old beach, switch things up a bit and perhaps try a trip into the mountains!

2. Breeze Through Airport Security.

If you are traveling with a baby, getting through airport security can consume a large amount of your travel time. Rememberto check to see what you can and can’t bring through airport security. One thing that is easily allowed through security is baby food, as long as it is in the original container. Baby foods that come in squeeze packs can also be transported easily, and is a popular choice for airports.

3. Finding the Best Deal

Whether you are booking a hotel or a flight, make sure you do it as early as you can. As we all know, the closer the vacation gets, the higher the prices are going to get. Take a week or two to plan in advance about where you should stay and which flight is best. If you are unsure of what the best options would be, using a review site can really help sort through the options available. I used Gogobot to find a family friendly Orlando hotel that even offered a free continental breakfast!

4. Pack Like a Pro!

In the week leading up to your trip, make a list of everything that needs to be done before you leave. Items on this list can include (but are not limited to): putting a stop on the mail, packing your kid’s bathing suits and towels, buying extra sunscreen, and snacks for the car. This will help prevent you from having that gut wrenching feeling when arriving at your destination because you forgot something at home. If you are like me and prone to losing lists, try downloading this packingapp where you can create a list right there on your mobile device.

5. Portable DVD Player

Whether you are going on a road trip or flying internationally, having a DVD player (or iPad) is great for entertaining your little ones. It is an easy way to calm down anxious kids who are nervous about flying. Although it does require an investment, the purchase will be more than worth it as it last for years to come. You can find them at your local Walmart, or search for a great deal online.

I hope these tips help you in planning a summer vacation! Remember, there is still time, so don’t wait any longer and start planning today! 

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I have a confession to make...

I don't know how to ride a bike.

"Of course you do", you say, because everyone knows how. That's why there is a saying "it's like riding a bike".

Except, that whie I will freely admit that I did at one time know how, it's been the relearning that hasbeen problematic. I tried in Florida with Gigi, my husband's grandmother. That was pre-kids, possibly even pre-wedding, and I made it around her friend's cul-de-sac once. Then gave up.

I tried in Lake Tahoe, (twice!) on my mom's mountain bike, and hated it each time.

So I was happy to just carry on as a non-bike rider. Except for one problem, I had promised my husband that I would learn to ride a bike before our kids (imaginary at the poitn this promise was given) were old enough to realize I couldn't ride a bike.

Needless to say, our almost 6 year old caught on to the fact that I didn't own a bike, while our garage is full of tricycles, scooters, a balance bike, and two-wheelers with training wheels...

So it was time to learn.

I told my husband I would learn if we bought a bike of my very own that:

1. was aqua or pink
2. had a low enough seat for me to reach the ground while riding
3. had a bell
4. had a kickstand so it wouldn't fall over (this elicited a *lot* of laughter)
5. had giant can't-fall-over wheels
6. and had a matching helmet

So sure, that this mythical bike was just that, mythical, and didn't actually exist, off we headed to a bike shop.

Yup, it's everything I asked for.

Except for the part where I didn't even want it; it's perfect. Even my daughter approves.

So far, I can ride it in laps up and down our street, up and down, up and down. It took a few days for me to be able to turn around at our end, where the street narrows, but I think I can do it now. One of our elderly neighbors is often out gardening and gives me lots of encouragement:)

I'm not street-ready yet, but I think by the end of the summer, I should be able to manage a flat, paved, no intersections, no other bikes, no cars, no one watching, bike path:)

Jessica

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