Spring Break is about to come and go… and soon, summer will follow, bringing with it the desire to capitalize on that long school vacation with a family vacation of your own. From the family travel expert Candyce Stapen, here are some tips prepared just for Executive Moms to make your planning easier.

GREAT WEB RESOURCES

There are plenty of resources on-line to help you plan a great family getaway. One of them, WWW.AWAY.COM, is geared to active individuals and families seeking soft adventure. Check this site out for realistic preparation on (or just a vicarious peek at) adventures like sea kayaking in Belize, diving the Cayman Islands, viewing grizzlies in Alaska, and rafting in Idaho.

Another great web resource is the FAMILY TRAVEL NETWORK. Get scoop on the best resort pools, living history sites, kid-friendly cruises, dude ranches, children’s museums and hot deals. The site breaks down travel with younger kids as well as with teens. Click on their link below. And should you be heading for more exotic travel, two key references are WWW.CDC.GOV, for information on inoculations you might need, and the U.S. State Department’s site (WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV) for information on travel warnings and advisories plus visa and entry requirements for international travel.

One to check out: familytravelnetwork.com

FIVE GOLDEN RULES FOR FAMILY TRAVEL

1. MEET THE NEEDS OF THE YOUNGEST FAMILY MEMBER. Your raft trip won’t be fun if the rapids are too wild for your three year-old. 2. ENLIST THE KIDS’ COOPERATION WHEN PLANNING. Ask them what kind of vacation they want and consider how their wishes can be accomodated to make for a satisfying experience for all. While you might not want to spend a week roughing it at a dude ranch, book a resort with a good riding program for your 9-year-old.

3. UNDERPLAN. Allow time for the spontaneous. Let your kids linger at museums and parks that interest them, instead of pushing them into the next activity. 4. BLOCK TIME TO BE ALONE WITH EACH CHILD. This can be as simple as a morning walk to the deli to pick up some bagels, or some splash time in the resort pool. 5.MAINTAIN A SENSE OF HUMOR. (You probably knew this one already). Nonetheless, it’s true: Kids spit up, cars break down, planes are late and tourist attractions can be crowded. Just remember why you came on vacation in the first place–to enjoy time away together, as a family.

INTERESTED IN MORE? CHECK OUT CANDYCE STEPAN’S MANY FAMILY TRAVEL BOOKS

With 23 books to her name, Candyce Stapen is a certifiable family travel specialist. Should you be thinking specifically about the white sands and aqua waters of the Caribbean, check out her newest: National Geographic Guide to Caribbean Family Vacations.

Guide to Carribean Family Vacations at BarnesandNoble.com

Enjoyed this Momorandum? Forward it to your friends, and don’t forget to visit us at www.executivemoms.com.

Sincerely,

Executive Moms