 Family Vacations I grew up with a family that went on many vacations. We used to go at least three times a year. I wouldn't trade those memories for anything! What made our trips even more special was the company of my grandparents. Traveling from the east coast to many parts of the country in the same car as my parents, grandparents, and sister created a special bond between us. With this in mind, I have made family vacations a special part of my own family's experiences. In this section I would like to share the importance of family vacations with you and some tips for planning them in the best way possible.  The family sits around the dinner table and begins to recall their many vacations. The stories, often accompanied by gales of laughter, come spilling out one after another. Remember when Mom went into the Men's bathroom while we all watched from the car? What about the 9 foot angel that Nana thought she could crochet in the car? Remember the bear we saw on the picnic table in the Great Smoky Mountains? How about the time we were in New Mexico and couldn't find a place to spend the night? Remember Dad and PopPop actually considered spending the night in a hotel that had horses in some of the rooms? What about the time we had to drive home to New Jersey straight from Colorado because PopPop was very sick. Why do Larry and I always get lost on our first day of traveling? The memories continue on with some perfect family vacations and some that turned into disasters.Family vacations become "mental movies" of each family's unique story. It doesn't matter how much money you spend or where you go. Vacation memories make us feel good and recalling them during the hard times can help sustain us. They remind us that we are connected to those who share our history. The good times remind us why we are working so hard and remind our children that we love them a lot. In today's times when families are stretched between jobs, sports, church, and community commitments, it's very important that we plan some special family time together. It doesn't have to be expensive, involve complex logistics, or be the "Perfect Family Vacation". Wherever you go and whatever you do, remember to concentrate on each other. The mountains, museums, monuments, and oceans will always be there for you to enjoy but your children will not. Our children will leave home someday but they will take with them important memories of family time together.  For me, planning a family vacation months ahead of time is an enjoyable experience. I take pleasure in researching our destinations and deciding what will work out best for our family. I scour the library for travel books on our destination, search the Web for anything that contains information on where we will be going, and I call all the 1-800 numbers and order free publications that are offered. I enjoy involving my children in this process as well. They enjoy looking at the pictures of where we will be going and pointing out on a map the states or countries we will be visiting.There are many benefits to planning a vacation early. To get the best rates (there are only limited numbers of cheaper rooms and they tend to sell out early) and the best rooms at peak times, you need to plan early. If you would like to get the most bang for your vacation buck, find out when the rates change from peak to off-peak season. Sometimes it's just a matter of adjusting a vacation schedule a few days for substantial savings and fewer crowds. To build on the excitement of the journey, create a countdown calendar and put it on the refrigerator. You can do this by searching through brochures or magazines specific to the region you'll be traveling in. Cut out pictures of some of the fun things you will be seeing or doing together while you are away. For example, if you are traveling to Orlando, Florida you may want to cut out pictures of Mickey Mouse, Disney World, Universal Studios onto a large sheet of construction paper, then tape small squares of construction paper to cover each picture. Your children can take turns opening a flap everyday until you leave for vacation!  It's the day we are leaving for our carefully planned and anticipated vacation. Why in the world am I so uptight? I am positive that I have forgotten to pack the most important essentials! Are we going to make it to the airport on time? What if there is a car accident and we get held up? Will the hotel still honor our reservations that we made in advance or did they lose them in a computer mess up? Is that me, shrieking and screaming at my family over the slightest mishap? Everyone has learned to stay clear out of my way as the suitcases begin to get loaded in the car.There are some things that can be done to help avoid the frustation that comes as the departure day draws nearer. First, don't leave all the packing until the last moment. For less stressful packing, make a list of what you'll need and pack a little each day. Even small children can help pack their own suitcases. Many companies make small, inexpensive upright suitcases with wheels, designed specifically for children. If you are traveling by airplane, your children will enjoy wheeling these suitcase behind them just like Mommy and Daddy! Second, line your suitcase with plastic garbage bags, which will keep your clothes free from outside moisture and provide you with bags that will come in handy for everything from packing laundry to lining bed mattresses. Third, pack as many dark-colored interchangeable oufits as you can (the dark colors won't show as many stains). Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself as you are packing: Fourth, make sure that wherever you are going has laundry facilities. Fifth, keep a small toiletry kit packed with extra toothbrushes, travel-sized deodorants, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.. The samples they give you in hotels and on airplanes work great. This way it won't be a total disaster if someone does forget their toothbrush or other such items.  Your family photo albums have been collecting dust for a while when you stumble across them while looking through your bookcase. You open up the album and begin your trip down Memory Lane. Look, there's the picture of my son playing on the boat deck! The castles of the Rhine may have been passing by but he was more interested in the playround. Here's another picture of my son picking flowers in an alpine field. I can remember the frustration of chasing after an energetic toddler but there was also the joy of seeing his little face light up when he was allowed to roam freely. What fun that was! Is that my son being shy with Mickey Mouse? Look at my pregnant belly as I held him next to all the Disney characters. The memories go on and on. Family vacation time is a time to get to know your family better. They offer everyone the opportunity to stretch a little, to see new places, try new food, and to watch parents act a little goofy! I really believe that family vacations should not be an "extra" only undertaken once in a while. Frankly, I believe that they are are essential to keep families together in today's world of broken homes. Sure, not all of your family's vacations are going to be perfect. Yes, they do involve a lot of planning, packing, laundry, and maybe extra expenses. However, the memories and closeness that were shared during the time you were away can never be replaced. Your children are only young once. Consider your family vacations a wise investment and time well spent! Don't forget to leave one day for sleeping in, unpacking, resting, and enjoying your children at home before returning to work!!! To read some of our tips for traveling with children (these have been tried and tested!) click here!
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