Journal Entry

How to plan an unforgettable family vacation

Traveling with your family can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences, leaving you and your children with many lasting memories. Planning these unforgettable family vacations, however, can be a challenge. Many parents struggle with deciding on a suitable destination that will not only be appropriate for their children, but where they can find enjoyment as well. Taking the time to research all of the available choices can be time-consuming and stressful. Here are a few tips and ideas to make planning your family vacation a little easier.

First of all, be sure to include your children in the decision-making process. Getting your entire family involved is the best way to get your vacation off to a good start. Take into consideration each child’s ideas, and look for a common theme that could tie the vacation together.

If one child wants to go to Disney World, another one dreams of the beach, and yet another insists on visiting the Kennedy Space Center, it will be easy to plan a family vacation to Orlando, Florida. Even though Orlando is not located on the coast, many resorts offer “beach pools” with real sand and simulated waves. These family-oriented hotels are fun and full of entertainment, and most offer free shuttles to Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. Kids will love the lively, fun-filled atmosphere that surrounds sunny Orlando, and parents will enjoy quality dining and beautiful scenery. And the Kennedy Space Center is only 45 minutes away.

If you’re looking for something a little different, I suggest taking a trip to America’s Midwest, specifically Wisconsin Dells. While Wisconsin is mostly known for its bitterly cold winters, it also boasts of being home to the indoor water park capital of the world. Over twenty resorts offer huge indoor water parks, some of them over four stories high. Your kids will have a blast swimming and sliding in a warm, indoor pool while blizzards rage outside.

Visiting in the summer gives you the opportunity to visit Noah’s Ark, America’s largest outdoor water park. Not interested in getting wet? Take advantage of Wisconsin Dells many other attractions, such as miniature golf, wax museums, go-cart tracks and riding stables. For a truly memorable experience, take a ride on the “Dells Ducks” along the Wisconsin River. You’ll be surprised at how many different activities are available to you while visiting the Wisconsin Dells.

Another popular family vacation destination is the located out in the wild west of Arizona. Over five million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year, drawn to the spectacular views and thrilling hiking opportunities. Plan your trip out west in the spring or fall, especially if you want to go into the Canyon. Summer temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees! You’ll also beat many of the crowds of tourists who typically flock to the Grand Canyon during the months of July and August.

If you really want to splurge on an adventure you’ll never forget, take a raft ride down the Colorado River. I recommend this vacation spot for families with older children who are interested in horse-back riding, hiking and camping. And if you’re up to it, the new, all-glass Sky Walk provides stunning views of the canyon.

Wherever your family decides to take their vacation, plan your budget carefully, remembering to factor in dining, car rentals, souvenir shopping and parking. You’ll get the most out of your trip if you don’t try to do too much. Plan one or two side-trips or excursions, but leave plenty of time for relaxation and quality time with your family. Stick to a schedule the best you can, but don’t be rigid or uncompromising. When disagreements or complications arise, keep your cool and remind yourself that you’re on vacation!