Choosing a family destination

[paul]

If you're planning a family vacation, you might find the article at http://www.accessnorthga.com/articles/afullstory.asp?ID=73043 quite helpful.

It runs through everything from selecting your destination, what to pack, and what to do while you're there. It includes some good tips so if you have a young family, you might like to take a look.

Paul
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[toddieg]

thanks paul.

i'll keep that in mind.
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[traveler]

Informative article...I enjoyed reading it. I've traveled with my son since he was 3 months old (he's now 13) and also run a travel business. Thought I would add a few tips I've learned over the years:

Flying with young children:
Book your flights early and request the bulk head seats, it will give your children (and you) more room to stretch, play, etc. It will also ensure your children won't kick the seat in front of them or have an improperly fastened tray come undone and bop them in the head. If your child rides in a car seat while in the car make sure you bring a car seat on board and have them sit in it for their safety.

Selecting a destination - one way to allow everyone to participate in the decision is for everyone to write up a wish list of what they would like to do or see on vacation. This can be used for a family discussion or if preferred you can read them and use it as a basis for deciding on where to go.

Getting information from areas chambers is a great idea just keep in mind it's their job to promote an area. A well seasoned travel specialist can honestly advise you about a destination.

Ask friends who have been there, read travel magazines and or books for ideas. Often a destination is made up of several communities all with their own character.

For instance, Myrtle Beach is a great family destination. There are several distinct communities and each one will provide a different vacation experience.

Accommodations - hotels vs vacation homes. When my son was very young sharing a room was not a problem. We have always enjoyed staying in resorts but now choose primarily to stay in a vacation home as it allows everyone to have privacy and yet have a place to gather, all for less than it would cost to stay in a hotel. If you have never stayed in a vacation home before you might consider this as an option. There are many places to view vacation homes for rent and you can work with a rental agency or you can rent directly from the owner. Both have advantages. One place you can find vacation homes that have been selected as family friendly is on www.rent101.com - click on family vacations.

Happy Travels
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[activefoodie]

I agree with Traveler that vacation homes can be a much better experience over hotels. We are traveling to Italy this summer and booked vacation homes on Vrbo.com

In fact, we just returned from one month in a beautiful Florida beach vacation rental home in Venice Beach Florida. Only $2495 for the entire month and it was 3 bedroom house.

http://rentalo.com/properties/palm_venice_florida_beach_vacation_rentals_home.html

[aaron]

Hello activefoodie and welcome to the forums.

If you have a moment, please complete your profile and sign in here.

I'm sure the "A home against a hotel in Florida" thread will interest you also.

Aaron
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