1.This is hard to deal with, so get ready because the first step is to leave your laptop, card readers and non-vacation paraphernalia at home. Take your cameras, cell phone and lots of film or memory cards, but leave the computer at home. Nothing is more irritating to family members than to watch you sort and edit your images during downtime. You are supposed to be relaxing, so leave the editing for when you get home. You will have a better vacation and so will they.

2. By all means, take pictures of the family. This is my wife and daughter years ago in Paris, a very important image for me. Know when to stop, however. One happy photo like this is worth a thousand forced smiles in front of monuments. The next vital rule you need to break is to NOT take your camera everywhere. You are not covering your vacation for “Newsweek” and you don’t need to lug your camera to every dinner and night out. I know we all learn to carry our cameras at all times, but for the sake of your family, leave it behind sometimes.

3. Plan your photography junkets. My wife likes to sleep longer than I do and early morning light IS the best. Plan to get up early and get to your photo target. Plan your target location the night before, so you can be efficient. Shoot until you are satisfied and bring some coffee and croissants back to the hotel room for you to enjoy as your spouse awakes. You get pictures of some local color and nobody gets hurt.

4. Make sure you get some images the family will like when you are out on your junkets. This will make them like your photography more when you make them look at the pictures. Take photographs that “describe” your location. This was taken at the famous Kukenhoff Gardens in Amsterdam. How could you go to Holland and not take pictures of tulips? If you are in the Midwest, photograph the cornfields; in Colorado take pictures of the mountains. Take pictures that will help you recall the fun you had on your vacation

5. Take the postcard pictures. Every location has some key sites that you must take just to remind yourself that you were there. In Paris it is the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame. In New York it is the city skyline. In this picture is Place de Armes in Montreal. These key sites will help you remember your trip, and if you go a lot of places you will have your own “postcard” pictures from around the world. It’s your vacation, so enjoy it. They are your memories, so record them carefully. Most of all, they are your family–so be kind and considerate.

Have fun!!!

Plan ahead. Create a general itinerary before you travel. Grab pen and paper and jot down your travel times, hotel check-in/check-out times, and a list of activities/places you’d like to visit. This will help you make sure you have allowed enough time to get to your destination, and whether or not you’ve scheduled too many activities for one day.

Create a checklist to help you pack. Keep it on the computer so you don’t have to write it over every time you leave home. Use it as a template and update it before each trip to include anything new such as medications, toiletries, accessories, etc.

Keep all information related to your trip in one place. Create a folder for papers such as reservations, confirmations, and tickets. When you look for the information you need before or during your trip, you’ll have it all at your fingertips.

1. Take your vehicle to an auto-mechanic to check all the systems for safety on the road. Buckling the children in their seatbelts isn’t enough if you have a high-speed blow out or lose control of your brakes.

2. Give the children enough activities in the car to make the travel a little less stressful for you and for them. Bored children get cranky and can make you irritable and stressed when you need to pay full attention to the road. Pack a bag with a portable video game, coloring books, and crayons.

3. Watch children closely in busy areas where they can easily get lost. Be extra vigilant near water, cliffs or dangerous locations.

4. Hire a babysitter in hotels, but make sure that you get good referrals, and find out from the concierge the policies the hotel uses in their hiring. Going out without the children in the evening can make your days together more enjoyable, but you should always consider their safety while you are away.

5. Use the travel experience to teach your children how to act in public and how to follow rules. It’s a great time to teach them about airport security and how to board a plane. Talk to them before leaving about how to behave in various situations. Being loud and raucous on a plane, for example is completely inappropriate and they should know this in advance. Explain why certain rules are made for their safety.

Enjoy your fun day out and travel Mom’s and Dad’s!

1. Establish your family’s goals and interests. Engage in a conversation with your child about his or her interests. Discuss potential types of camps – sports, language, leadership, etc. and identify the area or areas he or she is interested in or would like to learn more about.

2. Identify your needs. Realistically evaluate your needs for care for your child. Do you need full days, part days, all summer, certain weeks of the summer, etc? Think about the flexibility of your job situation and the other commitments you may have during the summer. Ask for the program’s definition of a ‘full day’. Some full day programs only operate hours such as 9am to 3pm. If you work full time or have commitments throughout the day, this kind of program may present big challenges.

3. Look for camps that present variety and flexibility for your child and for you. Like adults, most children want some variety in their day and across a week or weeks. Look for programs that have a range of activities, experiences, and types of opportunities. Consider the availability of active and quiet activities, field trips, activities that encourage social interactions with other children, and more. Also, consider the program’s ability to be flexible to your needs. Can the program accommodate extra hours, days, or weeks of care should you need them? Can the program be flexible to your summer schedule for vacations and other commitments?

4. Balance learning and fun. Most children think of summer as a break from school and learning. And, certainly summer should present fun filled activities that give children an experience different from their typical school day. At the same time, research shows that summer ‘academic slump’ in which children lose valuable gains made during the school year, can be combated by choosing a program that incorporates some learning activities into the camp day. These activities should be offered in a way that encourages children and stresses fun while learning, rather than rote drill of academic ‘facts.’

5. Remember all domains of development. Children need daily experiences in all developmental domains – social, emotional, physical, and intellectual. Ideally, look for a summer program that incorporates activities across all domains. Not only will children in these types of programs benefit from the variety, they will actually enjoy the program more because it has wide ranging topics and is more interesting over time.

6. Insist on health and safety basics. Look for centers or programs that are licensed and meet stringent health and safety requirements for the care of children. Some summer programs do not participate in state or local licensing or regulatory programs based on exemptions as recreational or seasonal offerings. Be warned that these programs may not meet basic health and safety guidelines for teacher to child ratios, safety practices, or health inspections.

7. Visit the program and preview the plans for the summer activities. Enrolling in a program is best accomplished during a visit to the facility and after having had a chance to preview the program offering. Look for well organized plans of activities, thoughtful preparation, and a safe and inviting environment for your child.

8. Meet the program staff. Of course you will want to feel comfortable with the people who will be caring for, instructing, and interacting with your child. Meet the program manager and as many of the staff members as possible. Look for people who are eager to work with this age group of children and who have been trained to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of children throughout a full day of activity. Also, ask about the program’s plans for including families and communicating with you about daily and weekly activities.

1. Discuss vacation plans with the family to decide what accommodates everyone’s wishes. Give suggestions for themes such as relaxation, exploration in nature, seeing somewhere new or going to a favorite spot and see what the family thinks of your decision.

2. Plan ahead but leave room for spontaneous choices. Start looking at weather, flights or driving routes, dates and other information such as sites, restaurants or shows you want to see for which you may need tickets. Don’t schedule your whole trip minute by minute, but do give yourself a rough outline of things you’d like to do on your vacation of a lifetime.

3. Book your flights, hotels, rental cars and other tickets early to ensure you get the dates you want. Find a reasonably priced flight and hotel combination online or through your favorite travel agent.

4. Pack for changes in weather. It may be warm most days, depending on your destination, but pack a light jacket and umbrella for that rainy day. Pack as light as possible while getting in all types of clothes for your plans–clothes that you plan to actually wear, not just items to take up space in your suitcases.

5. Take photos or videos to capture the best moments of your vacation. Cherish the time you have together and take a great family shot to send to friends and relatives later.

6. Set aside some time for yourself during the trip. Go golfing, visit a spa, pack a picnic and take the kids to a park where you wan catch up on reading or other pastimes. The best vacation of your life is the one you create for yourself.

7. Send the kids to a relative’s house and go alone to an arts and crafts getaway, writer’s workshop, cooking school retreat or boat building vacation. Choose something you’ve always wanted to do and do it, making valuable memories along the way.

Tips & Warnings
* Pack extra clothes for the kids and sunscreen for sunny getaways.
* Make a travel bag for your family including snacks, books, crosswords, toys and music. Keep it easily accessible so the kids (and adults) don’t get bored during travel.

From eHow, of course!

1. Clearly outline how trip expenses will be divided. For example, decide how hotel room fees will be paid for, how taxi rides will be split up, etc. I once embarked on a road trip with a college friend, only to wind up paying for most of the gas. We had originally agreed to take turns filling up the tank when it was on empty; however, towards the end of the trip, I realized that said friend was only filling up the tank half way when it was her turn to purchase fuel. Pay attention!

2. Set expectations with your itinerary. Different people like to do different things when traveling. You can save yourself unnecessary grief by devising a rough itinerary before embarking on your journey. If one of you wants to see all of the sights, but the other prefers to lounge by the pool, you will need to work out a compromise.

3. Determine your budget and get an idea of your travel partner’s budget. Discussing money can make people feel uncomfortable, but not discussing one’s travel budget can lead to awkward situations. I once traveled to Europe with a friend who wanted to dine at five star restaurants and order expensive bottles of wine every night. As this was beyond what I had budgeted to spend, we came up with a compromise that suited us both. We ate at modest dining establishments throughout our trip, but celebrated our last night of vacation at a top-notch restaurant.

4. Have a plan of action thought out in the event your travel partner becomes ill or otherwise indisposed. I once was on a weekend trip to London when my travel companion fell ill, and didn’t leave the hotel room from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. Thankfully, we were traveling in a location where I had many friends, and could speak the language. If you don’t have these comforts, how would you cope?

Saw this in eHow.

2. Once your clothes are packed for your beach vacation, you can begin to focus in on your checklist for the essential beach accessories. This should include a beach bag to carry things, flip flops, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

3. Next on your packing list, include any beach equipment you will be using. This section should include things like a beach blanket, beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella, and beach toys such as pails and shovels for the kids to play in the sand and build sand castles. Also add cameras, batteries for any electronic devices or cameras, cell phone, iPod, and any chargers for your electronics. Also consider adding other items in the equipment segment of your beach vacation packing list such as a cooler, goggles, a snorkel, fins, flotation devices or floats, fishing poles, and a football or frisbe.

4. The next segment of your packing list should be health and body items that you’ll need on your beach vacation. This section should include things like sunscreen and or sunblock, bring both an SPF 15 and SPF 30 if you can. Also toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, prescriptions, deodorant, face cleanser, lip balm with SPF 15, first aid kit, aloe vera gel, antibacterial wipes or gel, moisturizing lotion, glasses, contact lenses with case, solution, and cleaner. If you have a backup pair of glasses or contacts, bring them along. Also a brush or comb, hair dryer, insect repellant, vitamins, aspirin or acetaminophen, antacid, antihistamine, motion sickness, and gas relief or anti diarrhea tablets.

5. Next on your beach vacation packing checklist, include miscellaneous items such as a travel pillow or blanket, travel journal, travel itinerary, printouts of reservations, tickets, passports if needed, cash and atm/credit/debit cards, maps or directions, snacks, a bottle of water, and books, magazines, or other reading materials.

From eHow.

1. No matter where you are going, underwear is a must. Bring along a pair for each day, and a few extras. Fold them how you would normally fold them. Ladies remember, bras can be worn for more than one day and bringing one for each day is unnecessary and takes up space. If you’re going somewhere warm, you can probably get away with wearing a bathing suit top during the day and only using the bra at night or have a bra for wearing only during the evening-so you can get more days of use out of it- and use the rest for during the day. If you’re going somewhere cold, you can get away with a few days’ use…you’re on vacation after all.

2. Decide on a wardrobe. Again, clothing can be worn for more than one day. Take a shirt for every 2 days, with maybe 2 extras. One pair of jeans or one pair of shorts will do- you can wear the other pair while traveling. Take as little as possible- it’s a vacation, not a fashion show.

3. When it comes to toiletries, everything come in travel size. Get everything you need, shampoo, toothpaste, soap etc. in travel sizes. They may seem small but you’d be surprised how long a travel size tube of toothpaste lasts. If you run out of anything, odds are you’ll be able to find a store to get something temporary for your time there.

4. Shoes. There is no need to take 8 pairs of them. If you’re going somewhere warm sandals,flats, and maybe a pair of sneakers should get you through. If your destination is cold you’re pretty much set with a pair of heavier shoes, a pair of lighter shoes, and maybe some slippers for when you’re inside.

Tips & Warnings

* Remember that you are going somewhere where, odds are, there will be stores. If you forget anything, you’ll be able to buy it.
* Pack everything in plastic bags- it keeps things in a contained area, keeps out the suitcase smell, and gives you a place for putting dirty laundry later.
* IF you need to bring something bulky like a sweatshirt, wear it while to travel. You can always take it off, and this way it’s not taking up half your suitcase.

1. Airlines

Check directly with your favorite airline to find great deals on travel, vacation packages, cruises, hotels, airlines, car rentals and vacation rentals. Airlines now offer many more services such as complete vacation packages and other travel deals and discounts.

When you are looking for a cheap airline flight, make sure you check alternative dates to see if traveling on a different date would save you money. Usually traveling Tuesday through Thursday is cheaper than other days of the week. Most likely you will save money if you stay over a Saturday night.

Look below in the Resources section if you need more information on saving money on your next vacation.

2. Discount Travel Websites

Visit a discount travel website such as Travelocity, CheapTickets, Priceline or Expedia to compare travel costs of many different airlines, hotels and car rentals at the same time. Compare each of the sites to each other as well.

You will be able to purchase services and lodging individually or in a package to save even more money.

Discount travel website will offer extra special deals to vacation destinations that are currently out of their normal season. You will be able to travel to France certain times of year cheaper than you can travel across your own state.

Knowing how to find last minute travel deals will help you to save money and avoid crowds.

3. Travel Agents

Use a travel agent if you need help with choosing a place to go on vacation or the adventures and excursions while you are there. Travel agents are familiar with many destinations and activities available in the area.

Travel agents are offered excellent deals that are sometimes better than you can find at other places. If you are willing to be flexible on your travel dates, you may find and excellent deal and have a great time.

There is no need to pay full price for airline tickets, car rentals, hotels, motels, vacation rentals or all inclusive resorts when there are so many deals available.

If you want more information on how to find last minute travel deals, please look in the Resources section below.

1. Start shifting your sleep-wake cycle to match that of your destination several days before departure, changing at the rate of one hour per day.
2. Begin adjusting to the time zone of your destination by resetting your watch at the beginning of your flight.
3. Sleep on the plane when it is nighttime at your destination. Earplugs, headphones and eye masks can help diminish noise and light.
4. Stay awake on the plane when it is daytime at your destination. Read a thriller with the light on and the window shade open, or cruise the aisles.
5. Drink plenty of water. The air on planes is extremely dry, and dehydration can worsen the effects of jet lag.
6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine while flying. They increase dehydration.
7. Exercise as much as you can on the flight during waking hours: stretch, walk down the aisles and do leg lifts.

Enjoy your trip!