Make Vacations With Kids More Fun

When you are planning a family vacation the one thing you have to consider is that it should appeal to the whole family. Thank goodness, regardless what age group or level of risk you must work with there is one thing that 97% of all kids will appreciate: Water!

Water to splash in, water to wade in, water to swim in, water to ride on. Strangely enough, that does make Disney World a perfect place to think about going to, huh?

But let your mind expand because when you think of WATER you also have most of the Florida destinations, the Bahamas, Hawaii, the east coast, the west coast and inland water fun areas like Wild River Country. Even Alaska is in the running for water fun with its magnificent streams and bays. Cruise ships with their constant access to swimming opportunities let you plan trips to distant lands that consume your interest.

Now that I have your mind expanded, Let's start with those adventure sites all around the world, then narrow the field farther and farther down to ideas for people who just want a few days of rest, and maybe not even leave town.

Recent adventure movies have children sighing for adventure travel to exotic places. While Madagascar may not be the most family-friendly destination you can think of, other options, such as Costa Rica or Kenya, can be surprisingly light on your pocketbook and turn out to be true cultural learning experiences as well.

In Costa Rica, children can learn Spanish while exploring lush rain forests or watching live volcanoes erupt, while you bounce in a hammock, listening to calypso tunes and sipping on something wet.

In Kenya, the whole family can wrap their tongues around a bit of Swahili while watching and listening to the wildebeests migrate. Listening to the sounds of the rain forest or sleeping under the stars on safari is sure to be more fascinating for you and your children than a fourth trip to Disneyland.

Where else can we go?

Travelers of all ages are turning eyes Eastward in increasing numbers. Beijing, Seoul and Bangkok spark thoughts of pure adventure.

The idea of personally seeing the Great Wall of China or the silent parade of Terracotta Warriors of Xian is ten times more memorable than a trip to Epcot.

Personally experiencing different foods, different money, and a totally different lifestyle has a way of awakening vibrant interest. The best part of it is that trips to the East can be surprisingly inexpensive because of the competition. The only drawback seems to be that entry to these Eastern countries may require passports or a visas for everyone in the family. Consequently, planning your trip well ahead of time is critically important.

European locales, such as Germany, the U.K., Spain and Italy, are increasingly popular and increasingly expensive, trips for families with children. The wealthy and industrialized Western European countries will certainly offer more family friendly discounts and amenities than more exotic destinations, such as Kenya or China.

However, children will still enjoy the opportunity to experience a different culture. Tying your trips in with genealogy research can create intense memories that will last a lifetime as your family explores ethnic roots.

It seems almost strange, but as fuel prices sky-rocket past the $3.00 a gallon mark, more and more families are discovering that traveling by plane to their vacation destinations is a financially viable option. Especially if you are headed overseas, flying will give you days more time at your destination.

However, airplanes offer little room to squirm in and kids that are bored, hungry or uncomfortable can make the shortest trip feel like an eternity. Here are some simple tips for making your airplane ride pass like a dream instead of lingering on and on -- like a nightmare.

While finding flights online is fairly simple these days, your travel agent should know which airlines and airports are more kid friendly. They can guide you, for example, to airlines that provide activity packs and special fun meals for children.

Carefully consider arrival and departure times and possible layovers. When preparing for a flight from the east to west, a late evening departure may encourage your children to sleep, allowing you to rest as well. When traveling from west to east, try to arrive at your destination in late evening. That quickening darkness may encourage kids to sleep sooner and lessen jet lag. A stopover in a foreign city may provide not only a chance to rest but also a chance to explore yet another location before you reach your final destination.

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About the Author: Lin Stone is a contributing editor to ShareYourState dot com -- Check out his articles on horses, Alaska, adventure, Arkansas and Oklahoma. This article is only part of a Free Book that is yours for RIGHT CLICKING on Kid FUN

Make Your Vacations
With Kids More Fun!

Other Important Subjects

Make Your Vacations With Kids More Fun!

Other Important Subjects

Make Your Vacations
With Kids More Fun!