Viator.Com

San Francisco (PRWEB) July 21, 2008

Summer is in full swing and with plenty of time left, families hoping for amazing experiences need look no further than Viator.com, the leading online resource for booking more than 5,500 trip activities and experiences at the best prices. There are the traditional theme parks like Orlando’s Disney World and L.A.’s Disney Land, but beyond the rides, families can create extraordinary experiences that make things like kissing dolphins and space exploration a reality.

Viator’s catalogue of more than 50,000 traveler-submitted reviews and photos will also help families turn their dreams into memories.

To the Stars

The moon may be 240,000 miles from the Earth, but the Kennedy Space Center is just 45 minutes from Orlando’s theme parks. Two-day passes for NASA’s launch headquarters are available for the price of one at Viator.com (from $ 40.50 for adults / $ 30 for kids). Add in lunch with a NASA astronaut and the NASA Up-close guided tour for $ 85 for adults and $ 60.50 for kids. Travelers who have visited the Space Center and shared their feedback agree it’s out of this world:

“My five year old grandson and I spent a wonderful day at the Kennedy Space Center. He     was not too young to enjoy and understand the wonderful exhibits and hands on experiences. And, I was not too old to enjoy the ability to move around the grounds at our own pace. Everyone     at the site was friendly, helpful and genuine in their enthusiasm in sharing the Space Program     with young and old alike. It was a wonderful side trip from the make believe world of Disney, and even more awesome.” — Darlene H., USA

Travelers can blastoff for a once in a lifetime experience during the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Launch Day (from $ 115 for adults / $ 99 for kids) subject to Mother Nature’s cooperation. Upcoming launches include: August 28 – Shuttle Atlantis heads to the Hubble Space Telescope; October 16 – the 27th U.S. mission to the International Space Station; and December 4 – the 28th U.S. mission to the International Space Station.

Swim with the Fishes

There’s just something about dolphins, and Viator has nearly 40 activities during which families can experience these engaging mammals in places like Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand and the British Virgin Islands.

Encounters include:

Shallow water activities like the Dolphin Encounter at Ocean World in Puerto Plata ($ 115 adults / $ 80 kids 4-12 / free kids 3 and under) so even the tiniest tot (with adult) can participate.
Deeper water swims in a freer environment to thrill the bigger kids like the Hawaii Dolphin Royal Swim in Oahu (from $ 199 per person ages 8 and up)
Full-on training sessions that teach basic skills of caring for and training dolphins, like Be a Dolphin Trainer for a Day in Cabo San Lucas (from $ 399 per person).

Each dolphin experience has a unique set of guidelines regarding minimum ages and parental participation so travelers should review all details carefully to avoid any disappointment on site. Viator carefully pre-screens all tours and activities for quality and service, making booking ahead easy and safe:

“I was afraid to book this online, but was very pleased. It not only saved me money but was an awesome time for me and my 8 year old daughter. Will book with you in the future. Thanks for     making it so easy!” — Lisa H., USA, Swim with Dolphins Program in Ocho Rios

Explore by Land and by Sea

A real kids’ favorite sure to entertain the adults too is the tour by road and river, also known as the Duck Tour. Authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicles provide the transport for unique tours through cities like Baltimore, Boston, London, New York, Philadelphia, Saint Thomas, San Francisco, San Juan and Washington, D.C. It is a fun time for everyone, rain or shine:

“Took a 6 year old and a 14 year old who both absolutely loved it. What made it such fun was the commentator on the trip who was extremely funny. Excellent, even though it rained.” — Carol W., United Kingdom, the London Duck Tour

Kids can find more travel tips and inspiration to share with their parents at the Viator travel blog with features like visiting Rome with the Kids, Top Ten in Family Travel for 2008 and Top Things to Do in Orlando.

About Viator

Viator is the world’s leading online resource for travel experiences, providing access to more than 5,500 tours, attractions and activities in 400-plus destinations in 75 countries. Viator – the Latin world for traveler – offers travelers a one-stop shop to plan, research and book trip activities with helpful resources like customer reviews, star ratings, suggested itineraries and the Viator Travel Blog. Viator’s in-house travel experts have picked respected and trusted local operators to ensure a quality experience, value and service, all baked by Viator’s low-pricing guarantee. Founded in 1995, Viator sells its products directly to consumers at http://www.viator.com and through its global network of more than 1,000 affiliates that include major hotel and airline companies, online travel agencies, city-specific sites and more. Through its collection of company operated and affiliated sites, Viator welcomes nearly 2 million visitors per month. Viator is headquartered in San Francisco with regional offices in Sydney, London and Las Vegas.

Contact:

Kate Sullivan

pr @ viator.com

1 (973) 568-7589

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
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The National Railroad Passenger Corporation was created by Congress in 1970 to take over the passenger rail services previously required to be operated by private freight railroad companies in the United States. Those companies reported they had operated the services without profit for over a decade.  The vast majority of passenger rail routes in existence at that time were shut down to focus the service on the most heavily used lines.  The popular nickname “Amtrak” was created as a blend of the words “America” and “track.”

Amtrak provides a number of rail pass programs to entice prospective passengers and their families on their trains.  Here are three tips/hints for travelling on Amtrak rail passes:

One:  Buy the pass that fits your vacation need.  You must consider the number of days and the number of segments on which you wish to travel.  A segment takes place any time you get on and then get off a vehicle (train, bus, ferry or other allowable leg) regardless of length.  Therefore if you travel from Chicago to Whitefish, MT on the Empire Builder, get off the train to visit Glacier National Park for a week and get back on the Empire Builder to Seattle, you have used two segments.  The 15 day USA Rail Pass allows eight segments, the 30 day pass allows 12 segments and the 45 day pass allows 18 segments.  Alternatively, the California Rail Pass gives you the ability to travel in the Golden State on any seven days in a 21 day period.  If you are on a train that arrives at your destination at 12:15 am, you have travelled on two days.

Two:  You must be cognizant of the pass’ restrictions.  Both passes cannot be canceled if it has been used for travel.  The rail pass is for travel in regular Coach Class seats.  Certain trains are excluded for travel.  Business Class or Sleeping Accommodations require additional fees.  You are restricted to four one-way journeys over a given route segment.  You must make advanced reservations for travel in addition to holding the pass.  Rail passes are not transferable.

Three:  On the positive side, children passes are discounted.  Up to two children riding with a fare-paying adult may receive a rail pass for half-price.  One child under two may ride free with each fare-paying adult.  Also, American and Canadian citizens can by the USA Rail Passes.  Previously, only non-North Americans could get Amtrak’s best deal!

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Sandusky, OH (PRWEB) October 26, 2010

Ultimate Yacht Vacations’ charter yachts include a full crew with a highly trained captain, chef, and stewardess. Safety and comfort are the top priorities, with the yacht’s crew providing everything from navigation to chilled cocktails. A vacation week will include an unmatched level of service and comfort which is highlighted by the personal accommodations aboard the vessel. Most of the yachts feature three configurations to choose from priced according to their size, amenities, and appointments and are the Master, the VIP and the Deluxe stateroom. All staterooms are fully air-conditioned, and most have state-of-the-art entertainment systems and of course, private bathing facilities. Each yacht will have variations in itsspecific configurations and complete details for each vessel can be viewed by clicking on the individual yacht photos located on the company’s Yachts page.

Vacation itineraries include the absolute best yachting areas in the world. Caribbean charter yachts and Bahamas chartered yacht vacations allow you to explore natural islands and beautiful beaches oall while aboard a private luxury charter yacht. Caribbean vacation itineraries can include the beautiful islands of St Barts, St Martin, The Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, BVI, Canouan, Grenada, Grenadines, Leeward Islands, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, Tortola, US Virgin Islands, and, Virgin Gorda. Each fully crewed motor yacht visits destinations no cruise ship is able to navigate. Charter experts will help individuals book the finest charter vacations to suit both personality and destination requests.

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First Time Cruiser Specials: Save up to $ 1500.00 per person on charters through 2011 when booked by February 15th. Mention promotional code “FTC”.

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This past Christmas my husband and I took our kids on a ski vacation. But rather than drive through the snow and ice to someplace close or brave the airport to go someplace farther away, we chose to take book an overnight train trip on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from Seattle, WA to Whitefish, MT. The skiing was great but I think that the train trip to and from Whitefish was the best part for the kids.

The ticketing and baggage check-in experience for Amtrak is unbelievably simple and easy. No lines, no security hassles, no problems. You could literally arrive minutes before your train leaves the station.

While on board we experienced some of the country’s most exciting and colorful sights: the Cascade Mountains. It didn’t take us long to get into the mountains were we could enjoy beautiful snow-capped vistas. And we didn’t have to drive in the snow or strap chains on the tires.

We banned portable DVD players, Nintendo DS, and iPods from the trip and instead favored the scenic views from the train, books, card games, board games, and good old fashioned conversation. And our ten year old had so much fun that she didn’t suffer any technology withdrawal symptoms. And our two and a half year old was so excited to be on a real train (like Thomas the Tank Engine) he was practically beside himself. Movies, games, etc. were in available in the Lounge Car but we chose to quietly relax on our own.

The kids loved the train tunnels! A mile-long tunnel under downtown Seattle leads out from King Street Station. And later on during the trip you pass through the 7.79 mile Cascade Tunnel, bored under Stevens Pass.

The trip from Seattle to Whitefish is a little more than 13 hours. And because departure is in the late afternoon or evening much of the trip is spent sleeping. We reserved a family-sized (sleeps four) room on the Sleeping Car. A friendly, traditionally dressed conductor came by to smile and punch our tickets. The kids thought he looked like the Tom Hanks character for The Polar Express. And a few minutes later the attendant arrived with champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for the kids.

Seating on the train is unbelievably comfortable as compared to airline seating. There is lots of leg room, room for your carry-on baggage, you can reserve a room with your own lavatory, and you can move around as much as you like.

After relaxing for several hours we proceeded to the dining car (dinner included in the fare for sleeper car customers) where we sat in a large, comfortable booth with a white table cloth and candles. The food is not world-class; but, the meal was much better than your typical reheated airline dinner.

Later when we arrived back at our room on the sleeping car the seats had already been converted into bunk beds for us by the attendant. The kids LOVED sleeping on the train. And of course, they loved that the room had bunk beds. I have to say that I didn’t sleep as well as I would have in my own bed or in a hotel room but there is something strangely soothing about the rocking motion of the train.

Wake-up calls are available and the attendant will bring the morning paper. The following morning we awoke just in time for a hot breakfast in the dining car before rolling into Whitefish.

The kids loved the trip so much that we have been scouring the map looking for other vacation spots that we can reach by train.

More Thomas The Train Books Articles

Connecting with animals in a natural setting can put a child at the beginning of a lifelong sense of relationship with nature. A deep respect for nature as an adult often starts with experience as a camper.

Swift Nature Camp best known as a Environmental Summer Camp has a pond aquarium that offers a unique way to see the world from from a frogs point of view. This Wisconsin camp also maintains a live animal collection called Natures Neighbors. Campers can bring their own small animals to camp with them where the animals can live in the camps Nature Center and be available to all the children

Kids at Swift Nature Camp have the opportunity to understand the natural world from hands-on learning experiences. These include field trips to a fish hatchery, to watch goose banding projects and butterfly counts, and even a close encounter with a live wild owl.

Animals are a part of Swift Nature Camps voluntary merit program, in which campers can earn special patches by learning skills in categories such as insects, bird watching, pet care, and horseback riding. Acquiring skills is never separate from the fun and play that is a part of being a camper.

The summer camp you choose should facilitate a blend of play and challenge that is free of the stress of the school environment. The presence of animals in a natural environment can open the door to discovery, adding depth to the fun of going to a traditional summer camp.

To accomodate that range with a voluntary merit program that includes experience with animals. A camper’s interaction with animals can be refined into skills involving horseback riding, insects, pet care and bird watching. These opportunities never come at the expense of fun!

The joy of discovering nature is the joy of discovering the world we live in. Living in a natural environment with access to animals is a perfect invitation for expansive play. Camp is a place where children can learn about animals as a participant rather than just receiving information. Camp is more fun and less stressful than school, and the world becomes the classroom.

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful summer camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

Jeff Lorenz has been the owner of Swift Nature Camp for over 15 years. Swift is a , a non-competitive, traditional Wisconsin Summer Campfor Boys and Girls (6-15 years). At this Animal Summer Camps kids enjoy aniamls and nature as well as traditional camping adventures. Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as teen campers.

Getting to know animals through first hand interaction reawakens a childs sense of connection with nature. Experience with animals as a camper can begin a growing and lifelong respect for nature.

At Swift Nature Camp, also known as a Science Camp, there is a unique pond aquarium gives kids a chance to see pond life from a frog’s point of view, while our Nature’s Neighbors live animal collection provides opportunities for up-close study and care of several common Northwoods residents as well as a few exotic immigrants. Campers with their own small animals are encouraged to bring them to camp to share with others. The animals live in the Nature Center, where all campers can enjoy and learn about them.

Children at Swift Nature Camp have the opportunity to understand our environment from hands-on learning experiences. These include field trips to a fish hatchery, to watch goose banding projects and butterfly counts, and even a close encounter with a live wild owl.

Swift Nature Camp has a voluntary four-level program that rewards campers with a special patch of merit, and the categories include recognition of special skills with animals in categories like insects, pet care, bird watching, and horseback riding. Campers can choose just the right mix of play and learning to suit individual preference and need.

The summer camp you choose should facilitate a blend of play and challenge that is free of the stress of the school environment. The presence of animals in a natural environment can open the door to discovery, adding depth to the fun of going to a traditional summer camp.

Every camper is an individual and benefits from his or her own particular mix of play and skill development. Swift Nature Camp has found a way to accomodate that range with a voluntary merit program that includes experience with animals. A camper’s interaction with animals can be refined into skills involving horseback riding, insects, pet care and bird watching. These opportunities never come at the expense of fun!

The joy of discovering nature is the joy of discovering the world we live in. Living in a natural environment with access to animals is a perfect invitation for expansive play. Camp is a place where children can learn about animals as a participant rather than just receiving information. Camp is more fun and less stressful than school, and the world becomes the classroom.

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful summer camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Find a Summer Camp

About the author: Lonnie Lorenz has been the director of Swift Nature Camp since 1996. Swift is a , a non-competitive, traditional Overnight Summer Camp for Boys and Girls (6-15 years. At this Science Summer Camps all enjoy nature, animals along with traditional camping activities.

What’s the camp’s Purpose? Is it Sports? Is it Traditional? Os it Science? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? Do you want religious observances or practices? Try to understand all parts of the program

How does the camp recruit, screen and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing?

What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you’re given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better. Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Wisconsin Summer Camps

What’s the ratio of staff to camper? Guidelines for overnight camps are for a 1:6 ratio for ages for younger children, and 1:10 for older teens.

What’s the age of Staff ? Eighty percent of the staff be’ or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

Is a Nurse at hand? The ACA recommends that an sleepaway camps have a physician or nurse on the site daily. If your camper has medications, food allergies or a medical condition, be sure you ask all your questions and are comfortable.

How does the camp handle conflicts and Discipline? Find out what the camp’s rules are and what breaches would result in a camper being sent home. You should be comfortable that the camp’s practices are in line with your parenting practices.

What is a day at camp like? This will help you know if your child will find happiness with the level of activity. Is their choice in selecting activities.

How does the camp provide transportation? How often are the van inspected? Who is driving, what’s the training.

References,References, References Most important, get the names of parents with children the same age who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special

Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Summer Camps

Still looking for a resource to help you sort out all the summer camp confusion? Try Summer Camp

About the authors: Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, traditional coed Wisconsin Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals and science along with traditional adventure camp activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as adventures for teens. Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz have been the Directors since’96. Summer Camp Wisconsin

categories: Wisconsin,Wisconsin summer camp,Summer Camp,Camp,Overnight Camp,Kids camp,Youth Summer camp,Kids,Children,Vacation,Leisure,Outdoors,Families,Parenting

Famed author Richard Louv, of Last Child in the Woods: is alarmed by this untouching of nature. He calls it Nature-deficit disorder and sad situation in child development. He feels there is a link between lack of outdoor play and increase in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

When thinking about a Minnesota children’s Summer Camp think about Swift Nature Camp. We are only a few short hours from Minneapolis and many of our campers are from Minnesota. For others, Minneapolis and St Paul, the largest cities in Minnesota is where our campers fly in from all around the world. Some parent even plan a little vacation in the city of Minneapolis. It’s diverse and grand with many exciting things to do and see, including the world famous Mall of America. The great variety of food and entertainment alone are well worth visiting this great city to take advantage of. So make sure to plan enough time to visit the city when you bring your child to resident camp this summer. You may even plan on seeing some of our local campers form Minneapolis.

Swift Nature Camp is only a few short miles from Minnesota. It’s like having a Children’s summer camp in Minnesota. We are so fortunate to be able to avail ourselves to the natural beauty of Minnesota. Near Lake Superior, the largest of the great lakes. Many Swift Campers hike along the scenic bluffs of the Superior Hiking Trail. A little further north in Minnesota, campers participate in canoe trips to the Boundry Waters of Minnesota. This National Park is untouched by man. Here in this Minnesota camp, the views are breathtaking from the deep dark forests to the sparkling lakes, the naturalistic and simple beauty is evident while canoeing from lake to lake or just taking it easy while picking blue berries.

So what can you do a camp that you cant do at Home? How bout shooting guns? Yep, one of the fun activity at this kids camp is riflery. This is one area at camp where there is no clowning around. We take teaching riflery very seriously. It may be a tradition at many summer camp. But we are very proud that our riflery range is our safest area at camp. At Swift Nature Camp we only shoot at targets and we shoot from the prone position (thats lying down) , our guns are single shot .22 caliber rifles. Our campers try to earn our camp Marksman awards. Often parents ask why have rifles at camp? The answer is …we want to teach children how to properly and safely operate a gun. Campers also learn life lessons, like you need to practice and as you do practice bit by bit, you improve and before you know it you are loving Riflery.

When most folks think of a science they think of school and all those books and studying. However, Swift Nature Camp is all about having Fun while helps children to learn how and why to become good stewards of the environment. It is through direct experience and hands on activities that we inspire kids to be environmentally conscious when they return home. Our first goal is to be a kids summer camp but it is so much more,, it’s our dedication to the environment. Swift Nature Camp is fun with a purpose.

For additional information on how to pick the perfect camp for your camper see Find a Summer Camp

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed Overnight Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature, animals and science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as wonderful Adventure Teen Camp.

categories: Family,Parenting,Children,Home life,Vacation,Travel,outdoors,women issues,Kids,education,leisure

Getting a good feel for a summer camp is not all that easy, checking out a camp blog can help. Here are just a few things you might find at Swift Nature Camp’s Blog. Camp Blog

What do you know about Wisconsin? Chances are you imagine cows, Harley Davidson motorcycles and the beautiful capitol of Madison. Yet, north of all that is the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Filled with all its natural beauty. In the sky you can see eagles all around swooping down to catch a fish in a nearby lake or stream. If your quiet you might just hear a loon or a wolf in the background. This is what America looked like 100 years ago. Until you experience the simple beauty, you can’t begin to imagine what you will find there. Wisconsin is also home to many children’s summer camps. Choosing a summer camp in Wisconsin offers your child a chance to experience nature and the environment unlike any other place in the Midwest. At Camp Nature Swift your child gets the opportunity to play, make friend sand learn new skills, all this in the warm sun of the wonderful northwoods of Wisconsin.

Charter into new waters this summer. For many kids, coming to camp is a big adventure! One of the biggest challenges is swimming in a lake. We all have had experience swimming in a nice blue pool. There is security in being able to see the bottom of the pool. Lake swimming is to enter the wild water and to cross a border. You pass the lake?s edge and you break the surface of the water itself. In doing so, you move from one realm into another: a new realm of freedom, adventure, magic and occasional danger. Watch out for those Turtles and Fish! Swimming in open water is a new experience that’s not to be feared, but embraced. Once you feel comfortable swimming in a lake, the world will open up to you and wherever you see water you will see a new adventure waiting. Swift Nature Camp Summer Camphas over 1500 acres of water right out your cabin front door. At Swift Nature Camp we have a wonderful swimming area full of fun toys, not to mention Wally (the water trampoline) & Sally (the slide). “Free Swim” is one of the most anticipated times of the camp day, but “Instructional Swim” is there to help give you build the confidence for those free swims. You can even earn American Red Cross Swimming levels

The Russell W. Hogrefe Fresh Start Fund was established by Russell W. Hogrefe during his tenure as Executive Director of the American Camp Association, Illinois Section. He served in that position from 1979 until his retirement in 1996. Russ spent his entire professional career providing children’s summer camp and other services to families with very low income. Teachers, social workers, counselors or other professionals refer campers. ACA Illinois Section staff and the person making the referral select an appropriate day or resident camp program. Camps must be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camper’s family is encouraged to pay whatever they can afford for the camping experience. The camp provides a partial campership and the Fund pays the balance. If you would like to donate fund to help an underprivileged child attend summer camp in 2009 please send a check or make an online donation. Summer camp is an experience that enriches lives and all children should have the opportunity to attend kids summer camp. To learn how Swift Nature Camp can help your child attend camp visit our website.

Horses! Enough said. Today’s children often have their first interactions with a horse at summer camp. For most of us living the urban dream it is hard to have enough time in a day or space to own a horse. Yet at camp, children have the opportunity to get back to our American roots and have a relationship with a horse. Yes, a relationship! Horses have personalities, even more so than your family dog. Because they can do so much more, carry you through the woods on trails to places campers have never seen before. Our goal at Swift Nature Camp is to help children build this relationship while understanding basic horse care while learning how to ride.

We at Swift realize the importance that campers feel special while at camp. That is why we have created a special First Timer program for children who have never been to camp. Our goal is to help children feel self confident while quite possibly being your child’s first extended time away from home. We do this by having extra staff on hand for each and every camper needs. We are extremely proud of the fact that during Discovery Camp we limit each cabin size to only 8 campers with 2 staff members. That’s only 72 campers (ages 6-12) and 26 staff members ! We also have an Orientation Day, when campers not only get a tour of the camp, complete with a visit to the Health Center and the Mail Box, but also go to each activity area learning about safety in that activity. Within the cabin our staff works hard to promote a nurturing and harmonious friendships. This starts with a Respect List for all to agree to and sign and each night ends with a bedtime story. Due to the fact that all campers are new to this camp they are all on equal ground right from the start. We encourages each child to learn independence in a safe, age appropriate non-competitive environment. Our twelve day program is the perfect length of time for your first time camper to gain autonomy, leaving their homesickness behind, and feeling comfortable with their new-found independence. For many campers the greatest lesson camp teaches is that they can leave home, return days later and very few things will have changed, especially your love for them. Swift Nature Camp’s Discovery Program is the perfect match for any camper that’s a little concerned about leaving home for the first time.

For additional information on how to pick the perfect camp for your camper see Find a Camp

Keep Boredom at Bay with Child’s Play

“Are we there yet?” Why is it that those words are always uttered exactly at the moment when mom and dad’s own energy levels are at their worst, making it easy to lose patience? Prevent a tired response you’ll have to apologize for later. Make sure your children have something to play with. It will keep them entertained, alert, and, hopefully, behaving kindly towards one another. Magnetic board games, portable video games and classics such as the license plate game, “I Spy” and the alphabet game will keep your kids in good spirits and actively engaged no matter how long the highway is.

Remember to Stay Clean at Rest Stops

The smart parents take a liberal amount of rest stops. Not only does this keep the kids from pulling each others’ hair out, it keeps the drivers fresh. But stopping at rest stops often means coming into contact with the germs other people inadvertently leave behind. Keep your trip from becoming a sickness incubator. Carry hand sanitizers and apply them often. And remember to have anti-bacterial wipes for the accidental messes kids will make in the back seat. Remember, “Godliness is Next to Cleanliness”, and there’s no reason to stray from God during a road trip!

Eat Right

Obviously, you can stop at any rest stop for food — along with the thousands of other people traveling with you on the road. But roadside dining rarely offers the most economical or healthiest choices. As a smart alternative, keep your family’s collective belly full with snacks that they can eat right in the car, such as trail mix, string cheese, fruit roll-ups, bottles of water, and fruit. These easy, convenient snacks are yummy (for them) and healthy (for you).

Not enough room to keep a cooler in the car? You can still find a way to eat healthily on the road by going past the fast food restaurants just off exits. Travel a few miles farther, preferably with the help of your car’s on-board satellite, to the local grocery stores. They’ll be full of the fresh fruit, vegetables, trail mix, water, and other healthy goodies you’ll want. And it will be far less expensive to boot.

Keep Everyone Happy

Pick a vacation destination that everyone in the car can enjoy. While it’s certainly a temptation to pick places that focus only on the kids’ enjoyment, there are plenty of choices to keep everyone in the group entertained regardless of age. Parents and grandparents can have just as enjoyable a vacation as the kids in the camper with proper planning. What are some family-oriented vacation spots that cater to the kids as well as the adults? Consider Yellowstone National Park, Orlando’s Disney World, or California’s Disney Land.

Family vacations can either bring your family together or drive a wedge between its members. Make sure your next trip together results in the former. With just a little thoughtful planning and the right attitude, you can make your next vacation an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.

Have a reminder of your family’s great trip waiting for you when you get home — create custom postcards made from your digital camera to your home address! Go online or use your iPhone to upload your pictures, compose your message, and mail your postcards with HazelMail.com.