Before going on that much anticipated vacation either alone or with your family, it would be a good idea to follow these tips a day or two in advance of leaving:
1. Make sure that you confirm all vacation reservations which include hotel, plane, car, train, dining and any activity reservations that may be on your schedule. Placing a few telephone calls beforehand may just save you much headache and stress later on.
2. If you get the local newspaper, remember to put a hold on it until you return from your vacation. You may also want to curtail your mail delivery as well.
3. It would be a smart thing to go to your bank to get travelers checks instead of using cash. Organize any credit cards you are planning to take with you, and make a list of emergency numbers to call in the event that your credit cards or travelers checks are stolen or lost.
4. If you plan to visit a foreign country, make sure that you have a small amount of that country’s currency to take with you.
5. Try to pack on the light side. If you have very large bags such as ski equipment or a golf bag and clubs, you may want to consider having such things shipped to your destination.
6. Be sure to check the weather at your arrival point so that you are able to make any last-minute wardrobe changes.
7. If you are planning to fly, call the airline to confirm that your flight is leaving on schedule.
8. Pack any video equipment and cameras at least the day before you leave. Charge or change any batteries to make sure everything is ready to use. Take extra batteries along.
9. If you are traveling by plane, pack a small carry-on bag with much-needed essentials in the event that your bags get lost or are delayed.
10. If you are driving, make sure you have a road atlas handy. If you belong to AAA, they can map out the directions for you.
Now that you know what to do before you go on vacation, the next thing to do is to choose a place that you know the whole family will enjoy. Children usually cannot wait for the summer to come because they are waiting with bated breath to see where their vacation spot will be. Here are some great ideas for you to consider:
– Family Dude Ranch – Dude ranches across our country and in Canada offer many programs that the whole family can enjoy. There are such things as horseback riding, fishing, swimming, rafting and wildlife watching. Plan to spend a whole week there so that you can get in some good family bonding time.
– Whale watching – This would be considered one of the more unique summer vacations. Some of the best whale watching destinations are Cape Cod, Vancouver Island and the California coast.
– Visit a national park or other historic sites – The United States has many beautiful national parks to choose from. If camping is your thing or you just plan on taking day trips, this is a good vacation idea that will fit any vacationer’s budget. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a wonderful place to visit.
– A trip to the Hawaiian Islands can be relaxing for parents and loads of fun for the children. There are many vacation resorts in Hawaii that cater to families.
– City vacations – Two big cities that I would recommend visiting are New York City and Washington, D.C. There is something about the big city that mesmerizes children. There are so many things to do and see! They offer such things as theater performances, museums, zoos and other famous sites.
No matter where you plan to go or what you plan to do, try to make this vacation time one of relaxation and pleasure. This is also a very good time to become ‘re-acquainted’ with your family amidst the hustle and bustle of ordinary life.
Being an experienced travel agent, Alex Olson wrote a lot of articles about travelling.In the articles she gives a lot of useful tips to bear in mind when you’re going somewhere.
