The Perfect Family Vacation? What Does It Mean To You and You and You?

What is your idea of the perfect family vacation?

If you posed that question to 100 different people you would probably get 100 different answers. There would be similarities in the answers, but no two stories would be exactly the same.

And therein lies the problem. I assume since you are planning a "family" vacation that you will be traveling with your family, which means that there will be more than one person with expectations about what their "perfect family vacation" is supposed to be like.

So how do you please everyone? The simple answer is you don't-at least not all of the time.

These tips will help you to plan at least part of your vacation that each person in your family will enjoy.

    Remember that part of what makes a family successful is compromise. Everyone will not get everything they are hoping for on any one trip. But, if each person is willing to give a little then the trip will be more enjoyable for all.
    Early in your planning spend some time brainstorming with the entire family. Ask the question, "What would you like to do on our vacation this year?" Take notes on all of the suggestions and then have someone compile the list into similar categories.
    If you will be traveling with a child under the age of 3 they should be easy to please-they don't yet know what a theme park is or that you can actually meet Mickey Mouse. But their needs still need to be met. Be sure to allow some downtime in each day's schedule or you will be trying to enjoy yourselves while dealing with a tired, cranky baby.
    A huge factor in what you do on your vacation will be your vacation budget. You can automatically rule out some suggestions just based on their cost. Try to find substitutes if possible. For example, if someone wants to go on a gondola ride in Venice, but tickets to Italy are definitely not in your price range perhaps you could choose to go to Las Vegas and stay at the Venetian instead.
    If one person wants to ride roller coasters and another person wants to go surfing choose a theme park near the ocean. Many vacation choices, while being very different from each other, can be consolidated into the same location.
    If you cannot agree on how to spend some of the time on your vacation then perhaps you could separate for a day. Dad could take the older children to the beach and Mom could take the younger children to the zoo. Don't plan your entire vacation this way, though, or you will not be enjoying having the whole family together.
    If Mom and Dad would like to spend some of the vacation time alone there are many options to allow this to happen. You could stay at a resort that has planned activities for various age ranges of children, you could take a cruise that offers programs for children, you could bring along a nanny to help with the children and also to stay with them while you enjoy some alone time, or you could employ your older children to babysit for an evening or an afternoon.

Pleasing everyone during your family vacation is possible. It requires planning, patience, and compromise, but the memories you create and the bonds you form within your family are so worth it.

3 Great Travel Destinations for Your Next Family Vacation

When it comes to planning a family vacation it can be hard to please everyone in the family. This is especially a problem when you have children of all ages. However, there are 3 great vacation spots that offer up activities for children and adults of all ages and interests.

1. Walt Disney World - This vacation spot is no secret to anyone but it continues to be one of the most ideal vacation destinations for families. For young children it is the trip of a lifetime getting to see and meet all of the popular Disney characters. Young children will simply be in heaven the second they step foot in Disney World. It is also a popular vacation spot of older children because of the exciting rides. They may not be excited about seeing all the Disney characters, but you can be sure they will love all of the theme parks.

2. Oahu, Hawaii - Who could argue against a trip to Hawaii? With so much to do on one small island it is a top choice for any family vacation. Children, young and old, will have the vacation of a lifetime while they play at Waikiki Beach. Old children can venture to the north shore to do some surfing, while the entire family can enjoy a tour of Pearl Harbor. Mix in an eco-tour and attending a luau and you have one amazing vacation the entire family will remember forever.

3. Wisconsin Dells, WI - Known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World", this lesser known vacation spot is a hidden gem. Everyone from adults to young children are sure to find something to do at one of the many Wisconsin Dells attractions that include; waterparks, amusement parks, go karts, mini golf, scenic tours and live entertainment. There is no threat of bad weather because the family can always head back to one of the numerous Wisconsin Dells resorts that offer indoor waterparks.

When it comes time to play your next family vacation, plan a trip to one of the destination above and you will have happy vacationers no matter what the age. More importantly, you will make family memories that will last a lifetime.

Planning a Family Vacation on a Budget - Affordable Family Vacations

You want an affordable family holiday but don't want to turn it into National Lampoon's Vacation? For a household on a budget, the idea of a great family vacation might seem out of reach. Read on for the best tips for planning a budget family vacation no matter how tight money seems to be.

The American Autoclub estimates that a family of four might look to spend at least $244 per day for meals, travel and lodging costs. And that figure doesn't include entertainment or shopping.

As usual the best way to plan a budget family holiday is to start with a look at your resources and how much money you have available. You need to budget realistically. If you're driving, set a fixed spending amount ($170 per day for example) and stick to it. Include all your expenses like gas, meals, admissions and an entertainment/special activity allowance.

Involve the whole family in the process. Tell your kids how much you have to spend and why. Most children will understand, and might even relish the challenge. It is also a great way to teach your kids the value of money and sensible budgeting.

Here are some family vacation planning tips including some you have probably never even thought about:

BEST WEBSITES FOR DISCOUNT HOLIDAYS

The internet is the best tool for finding the latest deals and vacation packages. Start with the bigger names such as expedia.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com and lastminute.com. Holiday sites like priceline.com allow you to name a price you are willing to pay. For example, you can state that you are willing to pay $200 for an airline flight and priceline.com will find a suitable flight for you. It might mean flying redeye in the middle of the night, or arriving in an airport which isn't the closest available to the city you want, but being flexible is key to budget family travel.

PICK CHEAPER DAYS

Try to travel on days other than Friday, Saturday or Sunday which are the busiest and therefore the priciest days of the week.

CHECK YOUR LOYALTY SCHEMES AND FLIER POINTS

Don't forget to check your credit card points or airline frequent flier miles. If you are short of the required points, many companies allow you to top up points with cash.

And don't throw away your junk mail. There might be discounts or vouchers for family vacation packages in there.

CONSIDER TAKING THE TRAIN

Today's trains can be as comfortable as first class airplane seats. Taking the train can also be a romantic and less stressful for young children: you won't have to consult your map at every turning for directions and you can watch the world go by gently and smoothly. Train fares too have discounts, vouchers and package deals. Offer the train fare is much cheaper if you book well in advance.

THINK ABOUT A HOME EXCHANGE

Home exchanges, where you swap houses with someone else in another city and/or country isn't as risky as it sounds. There are reputable home swap companies who make the vetting and payment process much easier. One of the most famous home swap companies is exchangehomes.com. You could drastically cut your vacation cost and get to experience a city like a local.

Family Vacation Destinations To Visit On Your Next Getaway

For people around the world that have to deal with either a demanding work life or even just really awful weather, there is nothing they look forward to more than going on vacation. As the time gets closer to break out, you and your loved ones start putting together a list of potential family vacation destinations in the hopes that no matter where you actually go, everyone will find their own personal oasis.

The toughest part of choosing where to go on vacation with your family is narrowing it down to one location somewhere on the planet. Once you've gotten past the areas of the world that are either inhabitable or out of your budget, you still have whole areas of Earth to choose from. It can be a daunting task, and when you travel with family, there can be other considerations so that all parties involved in the trip are happy.

In the event that you're looking to start your own family vacation planning, here are a few destinations to add to the mix:

Carson National Forest - Carson National Forest is one of five National Forests in New Mexico and covers over 1,000,000 acres and has its highest peak hit heights over 13,000 feet! The weather in the area allows for people to enjoy the entire year, which is great for those looking to vacation but aren't sure if they can take time off during what would be nicer weather times of year. Visitors can enjoy great activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and, of course, skiing and snowboarding.

Taos - One of the most interesting places in the United States, Taos has earned a reputation for being one of the greatest places to ski anywhere in the world, and that's saying something! However, residents of Taos, as well as visitors, can tell you that there is more to see and experience than just skiing and snowboarding. You are, of course, able to explore the legendary Rocky Mountains, one of the many beautiful landscapes you will encounter. The town also boasts one of the most vibrant art scenes in the country. Taos is also an amazing place to explore for those interested in the original inhabitants of the area, the Pueblo tribes. An area as rich with culture as Taos is, it is no wonder that the area has one of the most impressive tourism statistic anywhere.

Angel Fire - If there is one thing to say about Angel Fire, it's that there is actually something for everyone throughout the year. Given the usual reputation for Angel Fire to be more of a skiing destination, Angle Fire has made a place for itself during every season of the year. Temperate weather during both the colder and hotter times of the year, great sunshine and clear skies for stargazers, tremendous spring blooming, and an actual Autumn make for one of the nicest places to simply get away from it all. What's nice is that while ski resorts are very much a part of life in the area, Angle Fire prides itself as being more small town than resort area, something that certainly bodes well visitors. With the Rockies surrounding the town with over 11,000 feet of mountain heights, you'll really get a true sense of the word 'getaway'.

Family vacation destinations should be about one thing - family. It can be really easy to get caught up in the minutiae of everyday life, and this is certainly the case when planning a getaway of any kind. It's always important to never lose focus on spending time with each other & cherishing the little moments that make any family vacation memorable.

How to Take a South American Family Vacation in a Good Way

South America is the right place you have to visit if you would like to get the best vacation for your family. Here, you will see wide options of places you could visit so you will not feel bored while taking a vacation over there. If you have a plan to visit South American, it is better for you to take a family vacation plan that will help you in creating the best plan so you can make your vacation better. For more information, just check this article out.

1. The first step you need to consider is to teach your kids about social responsibility and the importance of playing a part in saving the world. In this case, you have to make a plan which is related to a green or eco-friendly vacation so you will be able to make the best vacation for your family. Here, you can see some options of places for vacation such as the rain forest, raft down rivers, and also a wildlife world.

2. The next step you must understand is to own an unforgettable time with your kids and family by taking an adventure travel. If you love challenges, this kind of travel will be functional for you because it will be suitable with your willingness and needs.
3. For the next idea in this vacation, you can consider about visiting a small country of Ecuador. Here, you will be able to enjoy any kind of entertainment that will help you to refresh your mind. There are many volcanoes, beaches, colonial cities, rich local culture and also a natural rain forest that will be great to consider. In this case, you can do many good activities that will be great for you such as hiking, rafting and also kayaking. By spending your time here, you will be able to gain the best experience that will be great for you.
4. Another idea you can take is to choose a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. Here, you will be able to do many great things and you will see the beautiful scenery that will refresh your mind better. In fact, these islands are really remote, and the best way to leave everything behind.
5. Besides, you can do visiting at the giant nation of Brazil which offers you with any kind of experience that you never imagine before. Here, you can shop for anything, dine and dance at the night and, lie down at the beaches and also explore some forests which are had.

Alaska Family Vacations - Planning the Trip of a Lifetime For the Whole Family

Despite its reputation as a destination for retirees, Alaska is an increasingly popular choice for families. The sheer range of sights and activities that a family can partake in will ensure that a visit to Alaska will be just as memorable for youngsters as it is for their parents. Alaska family vacations require some planning and preparation that may not be as important for other destinations, but with a little foresight it can be a highly enjoyable journey that the family will talk about for years to come.

So Much To Do, So Little Time

Alaska is a huge place with tons of exciting activities available that will easily fill up your entire vacation time. One of the best things you can do before your trip is get the whole family involved in the planning process. This will not only help clarify what everyone's expectations are, it will get the kids excited about going in the first place. For many, the 49th state is largely an unknown, and kids particularly may wonder why you would want to go there. But once you start to explore all the great things there are to do, the excitement will build, which will go a long way toward making the trip exceptional.

The Great Great Great Outdoors

One of the biggest attractions for most people visiting Alaska is the incredible scenery. Even young kids enjoy looking at mountains and glaciers, and sightseeing is a must. However, kids also like to be active against that backdrop of magnificence, so plan plenty of activities that let them burn energy while enjoying the view. This is easily accomplished in most places, since hiking and walking trails abound. Don't overdo it, however, or you'll end up with a lot of whining. Try to get a sense of what your kids can manage, and break up sightseeing with activity time that just lets them be kids. A visit to a playground or comic-book time may not seem like the thing to do on vacation, but it will go a long way toward making the trip an enjoyable one for all.

Animal Insurance

Kids love animals, but many have not seen them in their natural habitat. Wildlife viewing is a big part of an Alaska vacation, but animals in the wild are often elusive, and searching for them can be tedious. If possible, try to fit in a trip to the Alaska zoo in Anchorage, preferably early in your vacation. That way, you can introduce your kids to the animals they are about to look for outdoors, and this will go a long way toward increasing their enthusiasm for the search. A good pair of binoculars is a must, but bring along a second pair for the kids if you can, since they are sure to fight over who gets to use them.

There are also many tours available which will greatly increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Bear-viewing and Whale-watching tours are popular and plentiful, and most tours will also try to take in some other species that are known in the vicinity as well. The costs for a whole family can be high, but even one excursion can make your whole vacation really exciting.

The Endless Highway

One very popular activity for adults may not be a great one for kids, and that is to drive Alaska's highways. Renting an RV and cruising the roads is a very common thing in Alaska in the summer, however, the distances are long and the drive can become tedious for kids. If you do opt for this route, make sure that you schedule plenty of stops where the kids can have a chance to play and break up the monotony a little. Also, it is a good idea to bring lots of Alaska-themed activities they can do in the car, such as colouring books.

If your kids like fishing, or if you want to introduce them to it, this is a great place to do it. There are so many lakes and rivers and streams teeming with fish that it is likely they will make a catch. Also it is a great way to break up a drive; pulling over to some pristine lake by the highway and tossing a few casts into the water.

There are plenty of tour-operators that are family friendly, and some have special packages designed with kids in mind. Don't expect a break on the price though; the biggest drawback to taking a package tour in Alaska is the price, and discounts for children are practically non-existent. Do your research before signing on.

Alaska family vacations may seem like an impossible goal, but with some careful planning it can become a highly-memorable reality. There are so many great things to do in Alaska, your whole family will feel like you've just scratched the surface before it is time to head for home. But then, there's always next year!