Family Travel - Traveling and Exploring Together

Planning a family vacation now seems to be harder than ever before with busy school and work schedules. Everyone has something they can’t miss like the big soccer tournament, a presentation, or a project that they waited to start until the week before it is due. With these conflicting schedules and widespread interests, you'll definitely need time to map it all out.

The goal sounds simple enough, do something that everyone wants to do. Easier said than done with teenagers and small children – everyone wants something different. But it is obtainable, as long as you know what your family enjoys and what travel options you have at your disposal. With that said, before planning your family's next vacation, check out what the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has to offer.

Visit family friendly destinations

·         Be adventurous and visit a national park or take a safari – be creative and keep the activities interesting for kids as well as the adults. From glaciers and geysers to canyons and deserts, there is something that will wow every age group. At the tip of your travel tongue may be Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, but dig a little deeper and you will find many surprises.

·         National Parks are perfect for kids. Most of the larger parks run Junior Ranger Programs, allowing kids to participate in fun activities while learning about the area's natural habitat and historic significance.

·         Cruise ships are a family vacation planner's best friends. Picture a floating, mega-resort with tons to do for everyone in a confined space where you know your kids are supervised and safe. Some cruises have even developed onboard programs that not only feature family together time, but also arrange crucial alone time for parents.  

Teenagers and younger kids

·         Try and let teens sleep in as much as they can.

·         Set a budget with your teens for incidental spending and stick with it.

·         Give your teens a night off. Allow older teens to go out on their own for a few hours and trust them to be back at the hotel at a designated time.

·         Give teenagers space by having your travel agent select accommodations that offer more than just one room, such as a suite, or book adjacent rooms if the budget permits.

·         Keep the kids involved by putting them in charge of at least one aspect of the trip. If they're good with maps, make them the navigator.

·         Plan for lots of bathroom breaks and always have snacks and water with you for younger kids to avoid grumpy passengers

Work out a budget

·         Money is a big part of any travel experience, and the more value you feel you're getting, the more you'll enjoy yourself. Travel agents understand this principle more than anyone, which is why they work within your schedule, budget and expectations to produce an incomparable vacation experience.

How to get started

·         Find your local ASTA travel agent! Your travel agent can save you time and money while relieving stress. Log on to TravelSense.org and search for the travel agent near you.

Cheryl Hudak, CTC, is serving a second term as ASTA president and CEO. Drawing on her 22 years of experience as a travel agency owner and a Certified Travel Consultant, Cheryl Hudak is a reputable and knowledgeable source on
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