Family Trip Deals

Sometimes Mom and Dad need a little alone time. Nothing against traveling with the kids, or other family members, we just need some alone time. So parents to make the most of your treasured time together here’s where to start. Begin by making some travel resolutions together, regardless of your time and budget restraints. Put aside those old travel habits and make some new ones! Too often it’s the wife that makes the plans. And yes, we do any excellent job, we’d like a bit more input. “Whatever you want”, isn’t always the best answer. Let this be the year that your travel designs focus on fun, fantasy, and festivities!

(1) Plan a real vacation. No, it doesn’t have to be an around the world cruise or first class getaway (but if you can afford it, what are you waiting for?) It does have to be an honest-to-goodness vacation, though. No cell phones, no laptops. Mark the dates on the calendar and keep it like you’d keep any business appointment. Planning romantic travel, though, is a fun activity and one that can take months to plan. Consider this stage part of the adventure.

(2) Involve each other in the trip planning. If one partner does all the planning … that task quickly becomes a bore. Plan your trips together! Remember anticipation is half the fun. Visit a travel agent. Collect brochures. Buy a guidebook. Rent a video about your destination. Search the web for information. Get into the spirit!

(3) Do something you’ve rarely or never done. Here you can be as mild — or as wild — as you dare. Go whitewater rafting. Rent a houseboat. Take a hot air balloon ride. Spend the night in a local bed and breakfast. Learn to scuba dive. Dance the whole night away under the stars. The choice is yours.

(4) Make it a habit. Now here is where you do have to be realistic in regards to budget and family obligations. How about a mini-vacation every couple of months. Whether it’s for the night or for the night out, get into the routine of just the two of you getting away. The only rule: you must pretend you are on vacation. Book a night at a local bed and breakfast. Call your local hotel and find out their non-peak nights (in business-oriented cities, it’s usually Friday and Saturday) then plan a short romantic getaway.

(5) Get creative. This is the think outside the box option. Check out festivals and other special events. Special events take place in about every community around the world. Whatever your interests — from square dancing to sandcastle building — you’ll find a festival celebrating with a day or one of fun and food. If you don’t have the time or budget to go far, contact area chamber of commerce or tourism offices within a day’s drive of your home for their calendar of events. If you can, extend your trip into a long weekend. If you have got the time and resources, check out the biggies: Carnival, Mardi Gras, and Rio’s Carnivale. Don’t forget your costume and your sunscreen. Don’t worry about the kids but don’t forget to have some fun things for them to do while you’re away.