Can Babies Go On A Cruise?

Sally Black — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 12:57:00 GMT

Absolutely!...and mom & dad can actually enjoy a fun family vacation too.

There is something for kids of all ages on board a cruise ship (and we're including all parents, siblings & grandparents in this statement too).

In addition, a cruise vacation let's you explore and visit exciting and exotic ports of call. With some cruise lines, baby sitting can be arranged while you're in port giving mom and dad time to go sight seeing, shop, snorkel or what ever!

Do bear in mind that the cruise lines have specific rules in place regarding the age that infants are allowed on board cruise ships, just as they have rules for pregnant moms (Most cruise lines restrict pregnant moms on board during their final trimester).

All cruise ships do have a medical unit staffed with a doctor and nurses for any medical emergencies at sea. Still they endeavor to prevent risking the health of all passengers. These rules have been established for the comfort and safety of all passengers, and the cruise lines do strictly enforce these rules. Every cruise line is different so do check with one of our Vacationkids Cruise Agents who can answer all of your questions.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE - is the winner when it comes to baby cruises. Disney Cruise Lines will allow infants as young as 12 weeks on the day of embarkation to sail on their ships. Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks to three-years old at Flounder's Reef Nursery on the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. The Disney Dream offers baby care at their ‘It's a Small World’ nursery. There is an hourly charge for this service. It is not free like the kids clubs offered on board for older children. Parents will be given a pager as the nursery staff here does not change diapers for health reasons. The ratio of care givers is 1:4 for infants and 1:6 for toddlers.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE - sets their minimum sailing age for babies at six months, with the exception of Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American Cruises which require infants to be at least one year of age. Children younger than two can play with the toys during designated family-play times in the ‘Camp Carnival’ areas, but parents must be present as all times. There are babysitting services available during limited hours for children younger than two at ‘Camp Carnival’ for an additional fee.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE - requires infants sailing on a cruise must be at least six months old as of the first day of the cruise/cruise tour. However, for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, certain South American sailings and other selected cruises, infants must be at least 12 months old at the time of embarkation. ‘Royal Babies & Tots’ nursery program is available on certain ships and offers supervised care for little ones ages six-36 months. Daytime and evening drop-off is offered for an hourly fee. In addition, Royal Caribbean also offers scheduled interactive playgroups where little ones can come to the nursery and play while in the company of their parents.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE - Infants must be 6 years of age on the first day of sailing. If the itinerary contains 3-4 consecutive sea days then infants must be 12 months old to sail. No private or in-stateroom babysitting is available on any NCL vessel. Norwegian does offer their ‘Splash Academy for Guppies’ for six-months olds to three-year olds, with daily activities for babies, but parents must be present at all times.

MSC CRUISES – Infants must be 6 months of age to age. Group baby care is offered from 1-2pm and 6-7pm in the kids club for a fee. Playgroup time for babies is also offered in the kids club but all children must be accompanied by an adult. No in cabin babysitting is offered.

PRINCESS CRUISE LINE - has a minimum sailing age of six months. There are parent-supervised ’Under 2 Zooplay’ areas on board. After-hour group babysitting is available for a fee for kids older than two. In-cabin private babysitting is not offered.

HOLLAND AMERICA - will not accept reservations for infants less than six months of age at time of sailing. For trans-ocean crossings or other itineraries which their Medical Department feel present a significant risk, infants must be a minimum of 12 months at embarkation. No babysitting services are offered for children under the age of three or for children not yet potty trained.

CUNARD - requires children to be one year of age to sail, however, certain sailings will allow infants six months and older. They have certified British nannies on board to care for babies aged one and above in supervised nurseries with baby toys and cribs. Children must be a minimum of one year to participate in the Children’s Programs without parental supervision. On specific sailings, children between the ages of six months and one year are welcome in the Children’s Centre to play, provided they are accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Private babysitting is not available. However, complimentary child sitting on a group basis is available in the evenings.

Please know that the cruise lines are very strict about their age restrictions and policies towards babies. This is done for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Misrepresenting the age of your child is not allowed. At embarkation, if cruise officials check your child's passport or birth certificate and determine your baby to be under age, the infant and their guardian will NOT be allowed to board the ship. This is called ‘denied boarding’. It is not covered by any travel insurance, and you will simply forfeit the cost of your cruise.

Parents using nursery services at sea will find that there are a few standard procedures:

Registration and initial paperwork will need to be filled out on the first day of your cruise giving details of your child’s preferences and any special care or dietary needs.

Parents will be familiarized with the rules and procedures of the facility.
Liability waivers will also need to be signed in accordance with the rules.
Parents must also bring all necessary gear with them including food, formula, diapers, wipes, sunscreen and changes of clothing. These items are not provided for your baby while in the nursery.

Our Vacationkids cruise agents can help you make sure you and your baby have everything you need on hand so that you can enjoy a fun, worry free vacation. If you've never worked with a travel agent before, find out more of what our staff can do for you.

When Should You Use A Travel Agent

Sally Black — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 19:34:00 GMT

Think of a travel agent as a guide for your vacation planning journey. They are at your service to help you make the right decisions, consult, customize and help you avoid any pitfalls with your vacation plans.

In most cases, travel agents offer their expertise to clients that book with them for free. They earn their keep by sales commissions. Some will charge a small fee upfront for research, large groups or very complicated itineraries that take a great deal of time. In many cases, these fees are deducted from deposits due when you book your trip with them.

BUT...do you need to use a travel agent every single time you travel?

Probably not. If you're booking a flight to visit a friend or need a hotel room for an overnight roadtrip stay, this is an easy enough DIY travel booking best left to an online website.

HOWEVER....There are several types of trips when you should absolutely, POSITIVIELY should call upon the expertise and support of your favorite travel agent:

International Travel- If you're heading overseas you definitely need the help of a travel agent. Additional documentation is necessary and if you are unfamiliar with international requirements you may end up forfeiting your entire trip as well as all of the money you've invested. Small issues like time zone changes, VAT, foreign address formats, distant connections, schedules and local customs can quickly snowball into costly mistakes. Having an experienced agent that you can rely on means peace of mind to enjoy the journey. Many agents have access to industry fares and discounts that you'll never find online. In addition, those with first hand knowledge of your destinations can offer suggestions on local experiences that will certainly enhance your overall enjoyment.

Travel With Kids - Smart parents know if the kids are happy and engaged then everyone will have a fun vacation. Unhappy kids = stressed out parents. Be sure to work with a travel agent that specializes in family vacations. These agents will be able to offer you the right fit of age appropriate activities and experiences for your kids. They will know how to create and customize the right balance of activities so that Mom and Dad actually get a vacation experience too. This is especially true when it comes to Theme park vacations. A Family centered travel agent can not only help save you money on reservations but help create daily itineraries, dining reservations and even get you sale prices even after you make your deposit.

Escorted or Guided Tours- Escorted tour groups offer vacationers access to all the highlights a destination offers along with the hand-holding expertise of a guide to help you every step of the way. It is a wonderful opportunity to relax and leave all the travel details to someone else. While these are fantastic travel experiences, the fine print in these tours can create many costly potholes and detours for DIY travel planners. Different rules and expectations apply to these types of vacations that differ from other types of travel. Again an experienced travel agent can insure that your dream trip goes beyond your initial expectation.

Group Travel - Business meetings, Family reunions, Special interest groups, Fundraisers are all examples of specialized group travel events. Each situation comes with a different set of requirements, fine print, logistics, negotiating and organization. A travel consultant that specializes the large groups can help you create profits, minimize expeditures while maximizing the fun and comradery that group travel events offer.

Destination Weddings or Honeymoons - Congratulations! If a destination wedding or honeymoon is in your future, you'll definitely need professional help! First of all these are the type of events that happen once in a lifetime. They are far too important to leave to google searches or serendipity. A travel agent can help you create the honeymoon of your dreams while taking one less thing off of your long "to do" list. Destination weddings come with all the logistics of planning a travel event for a large group but in addition you have ceremony planning. If that isn't enough stress, add in well meaning family members and the downright crazy relatives (yes, every family has those ;-) and you have a powder keg of possible stress factors. Travel agents can help you plan organize and plan this event while acting as your right arm, confidant, diplomat, juggler, host and cop when necessary. A really great travel agent will make all of this behind the scenes chaos look easy.

Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to peace of mind. Find yourself an experienced and reliable travel agent to be your new BFF. You may not chat with them every single day but when you need them, you know they will have your back!

Why Use A Travel Agent?

Sally Black — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:48:00 GMT

Do you cut your own hair?

If so, then chances are you're the type of person who doesn't need help from anyone, let alone a travel agent. If you're happy to proudly sport a lopsided mullet then via con dios my friend. You probably won't be able to see all that you're missing.

Folks have the internet for vacation planning. The world is at your finger tips. Power tools in the hands of the unskilled can be a recipe for disaster.

Just because you have millions of choices glaring at you from your computer screen, doesn't mean You'll find RIGHT vacation choices. Search ANY vacation spot, hotel, flight schedule, attraction or restaurant and google will deliver you millions of options. Too many choices creates confusion, analysis paralysis, stress and uncertainty.

If you've been slaving all year to afford that anticipated week of vacation bliss what you want is focus, confidence and joyful anticipation - not worry and dread.

Folks often don't realize that having a travel agent at their side is like having a trusted tour guide who will LEAD THEM TO the vacation of their dreams.

A travel agent works to make your life easy, steer you away from any harm and make sure you get to see and experience everything your heart desires. A really great travel agent will go beyond your expectations and offer experiences that you didn't even realize you couldn't live without.

So if you still need convincing, here are a few reasons why you should use a travel agent to help you plan your next vacation...

Save Time -folks don't calculate how much their own time costs. Studies show it takes a minimum of 5 hours to properly research, shop and book a typical vacation. That's almost of full day of work squeezed in between work, homework and soccer practice. A good travel agent has the skills, knowledge and tools to get this done FOR YOU in short order. They also have the resources and contacts to put together highly complex and complicated custom itineraries too. Just imagine what you could be doing if you had a free day to yourself instead of listening to Disney Tunes for several hours to make dining reservations!

In addition, travel agents know how to "time" your itinerary properly to offer you the most fun while avoiding hassles and headaches. Those "cheap" online flights you found online with those short connection times put you at risk for spending several long days waiting at the airport instead of having fun on the beach.

Stay Safe - A good travel agent works with trusted partners. Vacations are suppose to be fun and carefree. Most people don't want to think about any potential problems. a good travel agent has your back! They know which companies are licensed, bonded, insured and in good financial standing. Your agent wants your health, experiences and finances to be protected and free from worry. It's our job to worry about all this stuff so that you don't have to. There are so many travel scams out there it's often impossible to spot the risks when you think you've found a real bargain.

Ever heard the expression, "Friends in high places"...good travel agents not only have friends in high places but they also have friends in every place on earth. The best travel agents have previously visited your vacation destination (on their own dime) and have made important industry contacts that will in turn, help their clients. Travel agents who have a huge contact list means they know exactly who to call to enhance and protect you and your family throughout your entire journey.

Saves You Money - You don't have to pay a travel agent for their services. Most travel agents work on pure commission. Yes, there a "few" that will simply make recommendations based on putting more coin in their pocket. Good travel agents are also very good business people. They know building a trusted relationship with their clients means return business year after year along with many referrals. This sort of business plan means recommending what is best for their clients. This is why a good travel agent looks to give their clients the best value and save them money whenever possible.

Most people don't realize how many different ways a travel agent can make more "cents" for you...

Professional prices - Travel agents have access to some products and pricing that is not available online or to the general public
Price matching - Travel agents work with computers, not crystal balls. Sometimes a particular hotel, website or airline may post a lower price. 99% of the time a good travel agent can match or beat advertised prices. Even more important, there are tons of travel scams out there. Working with a knowledgable travel agent can save you from making very costly mistakes.
Sale matching - If a lower price is advertised, even after you confirm your reservation, a good travel agent may be able to still get you that new lower price. Book the trip yourself and you're stuck with the original price you paid.
Free Layaway - A good travel agent will offer free vacation layaway which can save you tons of hidden credit card interest and fees. Book online and you'll often have to pay in full upfront.
Avoid Costly mistakes - Travel mistakes can cost you bigtime! In many case you may find yourself out of pocket for the entire cost of your vacation. A good travel agent will guide you through any potential potholes and pitfalls to protect your vacation investment.
Smart Suggestions - If budget has been keeping your family away from your dream destination a smart travel agent may have ideas and suggestions to make your dream destination far more affordable and possible.

Enhance your Experiences - Despite the time involved, there are many people who really enjoy researching their own vacations...but that doesn't mean that you still can't use a good travel agent.

Sure, you might have decided on a specific destination or found great reviews of the perfect vacation spot online. A good travel agent, with first hand experience and contacts will be able to make that experience even more memorable. Your travel agent will know where all the locals like to eat or how to find hidden beach most tourists never see. They can offer suggestions and insights to make your vacation even more perfect.

No doubt, you'll have many "how to" questions from navigating foriegn airports, getting around town, what to pack, local customs etc. Wouldn't it be great to be able to easily contact a real person that has all of the answers? (and if your travel agent don't know the answer, they will know who to call to get the answer for you).

It's easy to spot the folks out there who don't use they need a travel agent. These are the people you'll find time and again whining and complaining on travel review websites, family and friends about everything and anything that went wrong during their trip. They are the same folks willing to show you all of their power tool battle scars while bragging about how much money they saved on home improvements. Does wasting time and money for the right to complain sound like a smart idea?

It's even easier to find the folks who use a travel agent. They look happy, well rested and have a great family photo screen saver. You'll often catch them smiling and having really great hair days too.

Best Spring Vacations for Families - 2015 Edition

Sally Black — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:40:00 GMT

For so many families, spring break means dusting off the suitcases and heading out the door for fun and adventure. A majority of schools will take their Spring break sometime between March 22 and April 12 for 2015. Others take a break in February between Valentines day and Feb 21st to celebrate the Presidents. It's the time of year when our staff gets tons of questions like - What are the best spring break spots for Families? Where should we take the kids in February, March, April etc?

We've chatted amongst our team and came up with a few of our favorite family spring break destinations. As always, our choices are a balance of fun, adventure and value.

1. Europe - This is an excellent option for families with kids ages 10 thru teens. Low season rates make spring the best time to live the dream of a vacation in Europe. Flight prices to European cities are the lowest from Januaray until the end of March. Compared to summer flights, it can mean a savings of a few hundred dollars per person. For families, this means a significant savings. In addition, you'll normally enjoy mild weather and fewer tourist crowds, not to mention savings on hotel stays too.

If you have 7 days for school break, this generally translates into a 6 night hotel stay. Many European flights from the U.S. fly overnight, so the first night your family will sleep on the plane. Your first day should have a very light schedule because jet lag will most likely be an issue. Focus on quality and not quantity. This means plan to visit one city or area and avoid spreading yourself too thin. If you do want to visit several countries in the shorest amount of time, opt for a cruise. Mediterranean cruises sail to different countries or ports while you're asleep making them the most efficient way to cover lots of territory. Rates also include all your meals, evening entertainment and child care.

2. Cruises - Speaking of cruises, they are a particularly great value for Spring 2015. Most families in the U.S. live within a one day's drive of a port city. With lower gas prices this spring, travel to port is extremely economical. Cruise prices start at $75 per person per day. This is often cheaper than many hotel rooms. In addition, family cruises include all of your meals, many shipboard activities, evening entertainment and kids clubs offering child care from toddlers to teens. Cruises are a fun and economical way to visit some of the most idyllic beaches in the Caribbean.

3. Beach Vacations - Everyone loves the beach. Whether you are thinking of heading to Florida, the Bahamas, Mexico or even some of the Caribbean islands, depending on geography, some beach destinations may be a bit chilly. Temperatures can vary throughout February and early March. You may find yourself wearing a sweatshirt instead of a swim suit. For the most sun and fun in early spring, select very southern destinations like Costa Rica, Aruba or St. Lucia. If you're traveling late March and beyond you'll definiately need the sun block.

4. City Breaks - If you're looking for a short, fun getaway this spring consider visiting and sightseeing in the City. A Broadway show, shopping and museum visit in NYC, A trip to the Grand Old Opery in Nashville, learn about history in Williamsburg, VA...create a fun itinerary built around the specific interests that members of your family enjoy. Washington DC is especially educational and fun for kids. The Smithsonian Museums offer free admission and that's always fun for parents.

5. Sports Breaks - Fun itineraries can be built around your family's favorite sports. This can meam a ski week in the Rockies or New England, A visit to a Baseball spring training camp or even horseback riding on a ranch. Zip lines, circus camp, fishing, bike tours, hiking - the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Depending upon everyone's activity level this could mean a week on the move or a couple of important day trips built into a more relaxing itinerary.

Often busy parents do not have the time to spend hours researching, planning and comparison shopping the millions of vacation options available. It can be confusing and exhausting trying to sort thru all of the possibilities. Having the help of a professional travel agent will help you to save time, money, sanity and most importantly...they can help you get the most out of your valuable vacation time with your kids.

Vacationkids travel agents are experts at family vacation...it's what we do. Let our Team Help book your family the vacation of a lifetime. Tell us your ideas, needs and vacation wish list and let us go to work for you. Our services are free. We earn commissions from our sales that support our website as well as our own families. Our goal is to make you one of our many fans so that you'll give us the honor of helping your family create a world of memories year after year. Remember parents, we generally only get about 15 chances to create a lifetime of vacation memories for our kids. Make every vacation count!

Free Phone Calls While Traveling Thru WiFi

Sally Black — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 16:10:00 GMT

How to affordably stay in touch with everyone back home while on a family vacation is probably one of the biggest questions we get from our clients.

Admittedly, I've procrastinated writing this post because I'm not the most tech-savvy person. My own kids often complain that I'm not smart enough for my own phone.So on my past couple of adventures, I've tried myself to make Free phone calls and send free text messages while overseas...so if I can do it, anybody can!

The first thing parents and kids really need to appreciate is how expensive international roaming charges can be while you're away from home on a family vacation. The very last thing parents want is to have to face a call phone bill for hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than expected. Depending on your plan, international roaming charges can jump to $1.99 per minute for calls and .50 per text. That kind of "lol" message isn't funny. Making free WiFI calls means you will still be using some of your data plan so be alert to this fact and know your plan.

To help avoid cell usage while away from home (especially with the kids) MAKE SURE everyone's phone stay switched to "Airplane Mode". This will prevent you, the kids or your phone to automatically use cell service while you're away from home. With my Iphone, I need to go into my "settings" to flip this on and off (sorry if you're an android user, you'll need to figure this out as I am not as familiar). You'll need to know how to do this as you'll be asked to do this before take off on any flight. Airplane Mode switches off your phones cell and texting capabilities while still allowing access to WiFi.

There are a slew of apps out there that will let you talk and text for free using any WiFi connection anywhere on the planet. These apps use VoIP technology (voice over IP) and that is as geeky as I will get here. There are all sorts of apps available depending on your type of phone and your preferences. Some of these apps will require both parties to use the same app so you will need to explore your options before leaving home.

Facetime Voice - Facetime is a video chat feature that automatically comes with newer Iphones. To help decrease data usage, you can also make plain voice calls over WiFi using Facetime voice

Skype - Allows you to call or text any phone or landline worldwide via WiFi. There are fees for different plan options.

Google Hangouts - Free video calls via Wifi, photos, text chats and emoji too. Recepients must have a gmail account.

Talkatone - call and text over WiFi or a data connection without using cell minutes. Recipient does not have to be a talkatone user.

Viber- Free messages and calls to other Viber users on any device in any country. Will allow group messaging.

Imessage - iMessage is Apple's built-in instant messaging. It lives inside the Messages app on Iphones and Ipads that will allow you to send text messages for free.

Not only will these apps save you some money but often they are very useful when traveling in areas with very limited cell service. Back home here in PA we have many "black holes" in between the mountains where there is no cell service but often I can pick up a WiFi signal and still make a call using one of these apps. I actually paid for a cell phone call home from high atop Machu Picchu last year simply because I found it SO ironic that I had 4 bars of cell service from high atop the Andes Mountains in Peru but often cannot get enough cell service to order a pizza in my own home tome!

WiFi availability will often depend upon your vacation itinerary. Some hotels require guests to pay for WiFi while others offer free access. Even if your hotel charges guest to use WiFi in their room, often free access will be available from certain areas like the hotel lobby or business center. If not, local cafes (Starbucks, local bars or restaurants) will often entice customers by offering free WiFi.

It's still rather expensive to make calls from a cruise ship even with these Free WiFi phone apps. This is because cruise ships charge for WiFi and date usage. If you must stay connected while on the high seas there is an app called Connected at Sea which offers both cell and VoIP options as well as Walkie Talkie options to stay in touch while on board the ship.
There website offers price comparisons to help you decide if their cell service would be cheaper than WiFI data calls.

Bottom line - Every family needs to decide if it's best to unplug and relax during vacation or to stay connected. These are personal decisions but best discussed prior to leaving home so that everyone is onboard with the rules.

Obviously some parents may have work and family responsibilities making it imperative to stay in touch. If it is important for you to stay connected, remember you get what you pay for. Free VoIP apps may not be as reliable as paid services like Vonage.

Be sure to have a frank discussion about internet security and safety issues with the kids. Sure they can't wait to their swim with the dolphins by posting pics to their millions of friends facebook and instagram. Is it worth the risk of letting everyone in the universe know your home and valuable are sitting empty while you're miles away?

The Real Price of Airline Tickets - Airline Fees

Sally Black — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:00:00 GMT

Planning a budget is an important step in vacation planning. It's easy enough to click onto any major online travel website, type in your departure airport and dream destination and voila! You know the price of airfares.

But do you really?

The advertised cost of your airfare may not be the price you'll ultimately pay due to airline fees. The airlines tack of fees for just about every imaginable travel situation from preferred seats and boarding to food and beverages. When some airlines started charging for luggage, savvy travelers scaled down to just carry-on bags. Now some airlines are also charging extra for carry-on bags. Some airlines now charge you for the privilege of speaking to a human being to make your reserations and God forbid if you need to change your plans!

These airline fees can add some considerable coin onto the advertised price of that airline ticket price. Considerable indeed because according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the airlines collected $6 billion last year on just luggage and ticket change fees.

Most travelers don't consider or calculate all of these extra airline fees into their vacation planning budget. They see a ticket priced $30 per person less and it's click, Score and "high fives" all around. "I just saved my family of four $120 - Sweet!" It's a bit too late when they arrive at airport check-in and have to pay $25 dollars per carry on and $25 per first checked bag times four people - each way! That's an additional $400 added to the price of that cheap airline ticket.

So why are the airlines so shady and how come the government lets them get away with these sneaky tactics? This is false advertising - right?

The airlines and government have been battling about all this for some time and actually it has to do with taxes. It used to be that folks went online, saw a great price for an airline ticket and said "Booyah, Caribbean here we come"! Then after filling out all their details and getting to check out, the government added their taxes and it was more like "WTF"?

So back in 2011, the government said anyone who advertising airline tickets had to advertise the entire price including taxes. There was more of a WYSIWYG approach to shopping and buying airline tickets.

Bundling airline ticket costs with government taxes meant sticker shock for many consumers. Of course the airlines took the heat for all this. Even though fuel and cost of living prices were going up, raising prices would make them look even worse. This is why many airlines took to the "ala carte" list of fees.

Now the airline industry is waving their finger back at the government. They want Congress to pass the Transparent Airfares Act of 2014 which would again allow airlines and ticket sellers the ability to separate base airfare from taxes. Why would a step backwards be good for consumers?

The argument is that when a consumer prices an item in a store, they understand applicable state and government sales taxes will be applied at the register. The problemw with this argument when applied to airfares is that most consumers assume the taxes on airline tickets would be in the typical 5-7% just like other commodity items. Thanks to numerous government taxes and fees, it's really more like 21% in taxes. Airline tickets are taxed like a luxury item while consumers are treated more like cattle.

To make matters even more confusing, your taxes will different with every flight. For example the government charges a segment tax. Basically every time you take off, that's a segment. If you will be flying on roundtrip connecting flights, that means segment taxes times four. If it's a nonstop flight, you'll only be paying twice.

To make matters worse, Congress has failed to pass a budget for the Federal Aviation Administraion. In addition, the laws governing the amount of taxes the government can impose on airlines have also expired. From a consumer's standpoint, the government can keep imposing and increasing taxes which in turn means the airline will continue to create more fees to recoup costs.

So what's the Bottom line for consumers trying to budget for a desperately needed escape for fun and sun?...

Be informed and add any airline fees you deem necessary into the cost of your airline ticket.This is especially true with baggage fees. It will help you sort cheap airline tickets from imposters.

If you're vacationing within the U.S. and your final destination is within 500 miles driving distance from home, chance are it will be much cheaper for you to simply drive. This is especially true if you're planning a family vacation with three or more people. If you're ultimate destination is farther than 500 miles this means you'll probably need to spend more than one night on the road. To determine the most cost effective means to travel you'll need to calculate all of your costs like fuel, tolls, hotel stays and meals against the cost of your flights in order to get a true cost comparison.

If you're heading to the Caribbean or Mexico for vacation, you may also want to consider driving to a U.S. port city and taking a cruise. Close to 75 percent of North Americans live within driving distance of one or more of the country's 30 or so cruise ports positioned along the East, West and Gulf coasts, according to the Cruise Line International Association.

If math is not your forte and you don't want to get taken for a ride with confusing airline prices, Have a Travel Agent book your trip for you. While you may be blissfully unaware, they are experts when it comes to navigating airline pricing. Most are simply paid commission from hotels, tour companies and cruise ships (the airlines haven't paid commissions to travel agent's since the 90's) so their services are free to you. In addition, they have insights, tips and recommendations for their clients which will save money throughout your entire journey.

The Secret to Great Family Vacations

Sally Black — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:30:00 GMT

Once upon a time there was an chef who had a real passion for his food. He learned the basics toiling in hot, hectic restaurant kitchens. He saved every penny he had so that he could go and study with the great chefs of France. He spent years mentoring with some of the finest chefs in the world. Years later he came home and put his name over the door of his very own restaurant. Word quickly spread about how incredible his food tasted. Soon there were lines of people outside his door and Michelin Stars attached to his name.

Every morning at dawn the chef would head to the local farmer's market to buy the freshest ingredients. He enjoyed being one of the crowd and shopping alongside his neighbors. One brisk morning he bumped into a familiar woman who was an avid patron at his restaurant. She was a bit surprised to see him buying the same exact produce and meat she was buying.

Then she asked him a very important question, "Chef, here we are, buying the exact same simple ingredients. So why is it that people will line up to eat your chicken dinner and my family will most likely complain that my chicken dinner is boring. What is your secret"?

The chef answered "experience".

Think about this scenario for a minute. Anyone these days can go online and purchase airline tickets, hotel rooms or buy a cruise. How can you elevate your family's vacation experience with these same simply ingredients? The secret is to work with an experienced travel agent.

In many ways the path of a chef and a travel agent are very similar. We save and travel abroad so that we have a first hand taste of what life is like in other cultures around the world. We learn the rules to add enjoyment and prevent any harm from coming to our clients. We know how to add just the right amount of spice, that unexpected element of delight in just the right amount so that we don't over power the overall experience. We have a great passion for what we do and want others to enjoy the benefits of our talents.

Like the neighbor with the chicken dinner, you may be planning your vacation out of necessity. Everyone is hungry for a vacation and somebody has to do it. Vacation planning becomes another chore. An experienced travel agent can add so much extra flavor to your experience. Chances are they can offer insights and ideas that you may not have considered which could add an incredible amount of enjoyment that your family will long remember.

Just like the chef who spent years perfecting his craft, experienced travel agents prepare and plan hundreds of unique itineraries for all different types of families. Agents may send hundreds of families to the same destination and yet never plan the same itinerary twice. A typical family may plan a vacation once or twice a year. A travel agent spends every day of his career perfecting this skill while learning about all the latest and greatest attractions before they are announced to the public.

Many people out there who may continue to complain but will be satisfied eating the same old chicken dinner every week. Chances are these folks will plan their own vacations, they will think they had the greatest vacation ever and will simply move on with life. They will be blissfully unaware of all that they are missing.

The problem here is that compared to 52 weeks of boring chicken dinners, most of us only have one week to experience a wonderful vacation. If we're looking to share the memories of family vacations with our kids, this means we may only have a dozen or so chances to get it right before their grown.

So if you're the type of person who hungers for the extrordinary, you can have your cake and eat it too...and it will be the best cake you have ever tasted. The next time you are ready to plan a family vacation, enlist the services of a travel agent. Spice up your next family vacation and see how experience can change your perspective.

Why Do I Need a Budget for Vacation

Sally Black — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 14:39:00 GMT

What is more precious...Money Or Time? Tricky question right!

Both are pretty valuable, especially for overworked people in desperate need of a vacation. Everyone wants to take a vacation but many dread the work of vacation planning.

One of the first steps in planning a vacation should be a discussion about budget. Why do I need a vacation budget you ask? It helps by keeping you on track, focused, efficient and most important - it saves you from disappointment.

When it comes to vacation budgets - planning a vacation is just like buying a little black dress. (sorry guys, don't mean to sound sexist but every woman understands this concept)

Let's say you've been invited to some gala event where you need to dress to impress. This event calls for a killer, little black dress - something fun & sophisticated. You are on the hunt. Do you...

Head to your favorite designer to have a couture dress made for you?
Visit to Rodeo Drive
Go to Nordstroms
shop at TJMaxx
Rummage through your favorite Thrift Store

There are millions of little black dresses that can be found in any one of these places. It's all a matter of price point. If you have a black dress budget, you know exactly where to go to shop efficiently and score the dress of your dreams. A budget helps you to stay on track so you can find the dress that will fit your curves and pocketbook.

Sure, everyone wants to find that incredibly expensive, perfect fit, one of a kind designer masterpiece discovered tucked tightly on a thrift store rack for $4 but in reality, how often does that really happen? While you're off shopping in all the wrong places, your perfect black dress might just be walking out the door with someone else.

This same scenario happens when shopping for the perfect vacation! Travelers can visit the same destination and have radically different price points depending on their budget. There can even be a huge price difference at the same hotel depending on whether your room has a parking lot or penthouse view.

There are over 20,000 hotel rooms in Jamaica pricing from a few dollars to several thousand dollars per night. Without a budget, image the amount of time it would take to sort thru all of these different choices for just your hotel room. This is just one example. Fact is, vacation planners are faced with a multitude of choices regardless of the destination.

Having a vacation budget will allow you to focus on the right vacation choices that fit your perfect price range. It helps you to zero in and avoids ADHD "shiney" shopping. It allows you to compare your selections with your other search criteria like availability for your specific travel dates, rooms that will fit everyone traveling with you and those with all the ammenities that you desire. A vacation budget inables you to make intelligent buying choices. It helps you to decipher the best VALUE for your vacation dollar.

If you plan on booking your own trip, having a vacation budget offers you direction and focus that will help you to shop efficiently. It will also help you to relax. Vacations are not relaxing or enjoyable if you're sweating next month's credit card bill. That is not a fun vacation.

For these same reasons, if you're working with a travel agent, expect the question about budget to come up. Some travel agents will ask straight up while others will take a softer approach like asking questions like "what hotels do have you stayed in while traveling in the past". This will give them some idea on your price point.

Some clients are reluctant to discuss their budget with their travel agent. A good agent knows it's not about selling this year's vacation. It's about creating a trusting relationship so that you'll come back year after year while telling your friends to do the same. That said, a good agent doesn't want to waste their client's precious time. Honestly, they don't want to waste their own time either.

Often pricing is based on availability. This is especially true with airline tickets. Buying decisions have to be made fairly quickly to avoid disappointments. Again, having a working budget allows you to make intelligent buying decisions on the fly.

So before you set out to plan your next great adventure, have a frank family discussion about money and set a vacation budget. It will save time and avoid stress. Who knows? By staying focused and on track with your vacation finances, you may find that you have a little spending money left over to buy a sexy little black dress to wear on your next vacation!

12 Tips How To Keep Kids from Getting Sick on Vacation

Sally Black — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 15:37:00 GMT

Anytime and anywhere your kids come into contact with others there is an increased risk for infections and illness. We hear all these scary news stories about the "bug du jour" that is making everyone sick. We all know airplanes, cruise ships and hotel rooms are petri dishes for germs - just like the school bus, classroom or local shopping mall.

Parents especially worry how to keep their kids from getting sick when on a family vacation. Most families get very little time to spend on vacation. Speaking of spending, vacations cost real money. Of course there is also the worry and hassle of finding proper medical care and treatment far from home. Vacations are suppose to be an escape from everyday worries and a time for fun.

Prior to my years as a travel agent, I was a pediatric nurse. I've been taught how to deal with some really nasty germs and what precautions are necessary. My hope is to share a few ideas to help parents make sense of all the news while keeping their kids happy, safe and healthy.

1. Check In with Your Doc- Before you check into your flight, cruise or hotel, the most important person you should "check in" with is your Pediatrician. This is especially true if your child has any chronic conditions like asthma. It is also important for young children who are not yet fully immunized. Ask your doctor's advice for any potential travel issues and make sure you have any prescription meds that your child will need for your travels.

2. Keep an eye on the CDC- The Center for Disease Control (CDC for short) is a federal agency located in Atlanta, GA. It's main task is to keep American's healthy. Its job is to monitor and prevent disease outbreaks, maintain statistics and protocols for disease prevention strategies. Back when I was a nurse, many of the protocols of care we followed in the hospital were implemented by the CDC. As a travel agent, I STILL keep an eye on the CDC. Their website has a huge section specifically devoted to helping travelers stay healthy and avoid risks. There is a wealth of information here for parents to know.

3. Wash Your Hands PROPERLY - Sure you've heard this a million times but to avoid getting sick, a quick rinse won't cut it. Parents need to know proper handwashing rules, be good role models and teach your children these same techniques. Also when traveling and using public restrooms, get a couple of paper towels first and use them on any surfaces that are not hands-free like faucets and doorknobs. Be sure to carry hand sanitizer as well for situations where you cannot wash your hands with soap and water.

4. Mind your Hygiene Manners - Parents need to be mindful of good manners when coughing & sneezing. In turn they can teach and pass along these good habits to their children. Of course, these rules of ettiquette become even more important when traveling in congested areas like airports, theme parks, hotels and cruise ships. It might be next to impossible but do try to keep the hands of little ones away from their mouths and eyes especially after handling railings and doorknobs.

5. Use Antibacterial Wipes - These are great for airplane tray tables, public restaurant tables, doorknobs or hotel TV remotes - any suspicous places where you think germs may be lurking. If we parents can keep curious hands away from little mouths we can at least do our best to keep the areas around our kids as clean as possible.

6. Avoid Potential Risks - When there is a potential threat to the health of Americans, especially those traveling overseas, the CDC works with the State Department to post alerts and warnings telling travelers to avoid certain locations. Right now Ebola is a top story on the news but there are no travel warnings or restrictions except for the areas on Africa now affected.

7. Take Out Travel Insurance - This type of peace of mind normally costs 7-10% of the total cost of your vacation but is invaluable to have when you need it. Typical medical insurance normally doesn't cover travelers outside of the US. If you're child needs an emergency room visit for a broken arm while on vacation in the Caribbean you'd better hope you have enough on your credit card to cover the bill or you may not be allowed to leave.

No one has a crystal ball. If your child gets an earache the night before your trip and your doctor says you cannot fly, can you afford to loose the entire cost of your vacation? What if there is a hurricane? This is why having "Cancel for any reason" insurance gives you peace of mind.

8. Don't share Food, Drinks, Utensils & Towels - This may be common family practice at home but when traveling, your child's immune system will be on the defensive. Why increase the risk of becoming sick. Should one member of the family succumb to illness this is the best way to insure everyone is miserable.

9. Stay Hydrated - The basic rule of thumb is 8 - 10 ounces of water per day for adults. For kids this varies according to their age. Factors like heat and exercise will also increase a body's demand for additional water. If you are flying, the air inside of an airplane can be very drying. This can lead to cracks in mucus membranes like the lips and nose which increase your risk of getting sick. Passengers should drink an additional 8 oz. of water per hour of flight.

10. Stay Away From Bugs - Bugs can equal germs and carry some really nasty diseases. Be informed as to which creepy crawlies you may encounter on your journey and arm yourself with knowledge as to how you and the kids can avoid them.

11. Be Sun Smart - Everyone needs to practice sun safety. That said, the sun protection you practice at home may not be sufficient when vacationing in a tropical destination. Parents need to recognize that children are far more vulnerable and need extra protection. In addition, parents need to know how to properly care for any sunburn.

12. Maintain Healthy Habits - Family vacations are a time for fun and splurging. Just do your best to maintain balance. If jetlag is an issue with your vacation destination, schedule enjoy time for rest that first day. Take your vitamins, eat healthy and don't over-do it with any adventure sports.

Why Family Vacations Are Important

Sally Black — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 13:48:00 GMT

Parents often confuse the price tag of a family vacation vs. the cost of NOT taking a vacation. A vacation doesn't need to be pricey in order to make a HUGE impact on our kids.

Let's be honest, vacations cost real money. The more people in your family, the more expensive a proposition. Parents need to spend their hard earned dollars wisely.

A family vacation is often seen as a luxury splurge instead of an investment in your children's character and future.

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association resports students who traveled were more likely to be successful, both academically and financially. Adults who had taken an educational trip when they were between the ages of 12- 18 years old were more likely to complete a college degree and earn an average of 12% more compared to others who did not travel.

Time is even more priceless than money. If you are the parent of young kids trying to desperately balance family responsibilities, career and running a household, chances are the few daily precious minutes you have to yourself is probably in the bathroom. Daily chaos prevents us from seeing the "big picture".

If your family takes one vacation per year, this means over the course of a lifetime, you only have 15 chances to create precious vacation memories with your kids. These are not opportunities to procrastinate.

Daily chaos interrupts families from bonding with one another. Everyone is focused on their own deadlines, schedules and agendas. Even if everyone is physically gathered together in the same room there are often electronic distractions connecting us to the internet while disconnecting us from the ones we love the most. Vacations are a departure from daily stress and noise. It puts everyone in a different kind of mind space and focus. Families that embrace new adventures will share discoveries and experiences what will them together for a lifetime.

Vacations give us all a short escape from our daily stress. Adults and kids all suffer from the weight of stress. Your boss may be causing you stress over the budget of your latest project. Your child is freaking out about their report that will be 70% of their grade. The triggers are different but the resulting physical, mental and emotional responses are the same. Relaxation releases stress making us all far healthier human beings. Taking a break from the daily grind helps everyone to develop better ways to avoid, alter, adapt and accept how to better deal with what is stressing us out back at home.

Ultimately family vacations should be all about fun. Play is one situation where kids are the experts and we adults should allow them to take the lead. Play builds creative thinking. It makes adults better problem solvers and ultimately makes us better parents to our kids. Vacation frees our time to play with our kids ultimately making them feel more loved and empowered.

Bottom line, family vacations do not have to be expensive or extravagant. Parents do need to make them a household priority and make the investment of their time. It may mean a bit of a sacrifice today but it will yield huge dividends, rewards and a priceless legacy for your children.

What Happens if There is a Hurricane During Our Vacation

Sally Black — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:33:00 GMT

Sometimes, "stuff" happens even with the best made vacation plans.The photo here is one I took after witnessing the strength and destruction of hurricane Wilma in Cancun a few years ago.

Most families plan their vacations around a school calendar. Hurricane season is unfortunately a reality of summer vacation. The season runs from June 1 – and ends November 30th. August through October are considered to be the height of the season.

Many gorgeous beach areas of the Caribbean, Mexico, The Pacific and Southern U.S. are popular family destination spots also visited by hurricanes. There is no reason to fear planning a summer family vacation to these areas. These are HUGE geographic areas. The good weather odds are in your favor. To help alleviate any remaing worries, here are a few tips to help:

1. Book Your Vacation with an Experienced Travel Agent - Good travel agents have first hand experiences with destinations and especially resorts. Sure, they have restaurant and sightseeing tips but experienced agents know even more. An experienced agent knows which hotels have been built to structurally withstand storm damage. When Our Vacationkids staff do hotel inspections, we ask to see "hurricane" centers that some resorts built right on property with plenty of generators, food, water and supplies. They also have local contacts on the ground that can be invaluable in emergency situations. Check out these two recent reports from Hurricane Odile that recently hit Los Cabos Mexico. The first is a CBS News Report of one family's ordeal. The second is an article written by a travel agent who was also vacationing with her own family but had a completely different experience.

2. Travel Protection Insurance - Nobody has a crystal Ball and this is why Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind. It not only protects your family with features like medical coverage and theft protection, it also protects your vacation investment. When it comes to dealing with hurricanes, pay close attention to these policy features -

Cancel For Any Reason - as the name of this coverage suggests, you can simply cancel your reservation for full reimbursement. This type of coverage usually costs a bit more but you don't have to worry about reading all the fine print coverage details.
Trip cancellation - If a hurricane is a covered reason for cancelling your trip, you can recover up to 100% of your pre-paid non-refundable trip.
Trip interruption - This coverage reimburses travelers for any unused pre-paid travel expenses and unexpected additional costs if they have to end their trip early and leave to avoid a hurricane. It is important coverage to have because last minute flight prices during a high demand storm time are very pricey.
Missed connections - this coverage reimburses travelers for unused pre-paid expenses and reasonable additional expenses if they miss a connecting flight or cruise departure as a result of hurricane cancellations.
Travel delay - this coverage reimburses travelers for reasonable expenses if they are delayed over a certain number of hours as a result of hurricane-caused travel delays

3. Know Your Cancellation Policies - Airlines and hotels will often waive any last minute cancellations or change fees if there is an impending storm. Announcements are noted on airline and hotel websites. If not, your travel agent will know how to find out this information for you.

Weather resports can be a fickle science. Storm path predictions can often be "best guess" last minute scenarios. For this reason, changes in cancellation policies may happen a few hours prior to your departure. It is a situation that calls for both patiences and then decisive action. Be alert, know your options and have a "plan b" ready to be implemented or be willing to sit for hours in phone hold hell.

4. Stay Informed- Yes, you're on vacation but do not be oblivious to the rest of the world. Log online for a couple of minutes to get the latest weather updates. Even if you are in a foreign speaking country, chances are you can tune into CNN or the BBC to see what is going on with the rest of the planet. If all else fails, ASK some one at the hotels.

5. Listen to the Locals- When it comes to local weather and procedures, they are the experts. If they have rules and procedures in place, remember it is for your safety. Local friends explained what hurricane winds and flood damage could do. I didn't believe it until I experienced it and saw it with my own eyes.

During hurricanes, good resort staff members work tirelessly to ensure their guests are safe and sound. I have seen them work for days straight, without time off and in terrible conditions. Guests need to remember that the same dedicated staff members are also separated from and worrying about their own families and children riding out the storm at home. Patience, help and understanding is often in short supply due to worry and nerves.

6. Take Responsibility- When it comes to natural disasters, think like Macgyver. Think about basic life necessities your family will need.

ALWAYS travel with a medical first aide kit, any prescription medications your family members may need and a small battery flashlight. WRITE DOWN important phone numbers in case you cannot charge your cell phone. If you know a storm is pending do your best to keep items like power bars and bottled water with you at all times. Use ziploc bags to help keep passports dry. Have little items at hand like a deck of cards or notepad and paper to help keed the kids engaged and calm.

No body likes to think about bad things like hurricanes happening during their vacation time. Please do no let fear stop you from creating priceless memories with your kids. Just be an informed vacationer, stay alert and know our Vacationkids staff is here to help you every step of the way.

Vacation Planning Expectations and Compromise

Sally Black — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 16:07:00 GMT

Planning a family vacation can be like riding a rollercoaster with lots of ups, downs, twists and turns!

I an not a fan of rollercoasters. My husband loves to ride them every chance he gets. He also enjoys taking long road trips listening to heavy death metal at top volume while I prefer actual melodies without screaming and headbanging. I save that angst for the rollercoaster rides.

When you mix in kids, it becomes even more troublesome. Jared could happily spend his days in art museums. Vanessa wouldn't be caught dead in an art museum and the same goes for Jared at the mall. Ariane is happiest when she's playing tennis or running a marathon.

So how on earth do you plan a family vacation when everybody has a completely different definition of their perfect vacation?

Finding vacation nirvana for everyone will require respect, compromise and the fine art of negotiation. Not only will this provide great teaching moments for the kids but it will save everyone's sanity in the long run. Here are some useful tips to help save on bickering and resentment...

1. Define "Vacation" for your family - Just because your sister wants you to drive three days to come and visit so that she can see the kids that doesn't mean you should do it. That's a guilt trip and far from a vacation. Going camping with your spouse to either gain points or avoid conflict is also a guilt trip. Constantly caving to the desires of others only leads to future resentment. Vacations are meant to be a time for recharging and renewal. It should be something that everyone sincerely looks forward to, not something to dread.

2. Vacation Rules for engagement - Mom and Dad need to sit down, face to face in a quiet place and have a real conversation about vacation planning. Is the family taking one long vacation together or do separate or smaller vacations make more sense. Pull out a calendar, save the date(s) and make vacation a family priority. Set a budget for what your family can comfortably afford.

3. Set Priorities -In order for family vacations to be happy experiences for everyone, they cannot be entirely all about the kids. Your dreams, desires and wishes didn't suddenly disappear the moment you became a parent. If both mom and dad want to spend a week at the beach great! Dad can fish while mom gets a little shopping time. If Dad wants to see a game with his favorite team and mom wants the beach then perhaps two mini trips might keep the peace.

4. Include the kids - Once children are old enough to have an opinion they will certainly will have one and chances are it will be contrary to your own. Obviously children should not be in charge of running the show but they will certainly be more present and invested in a vacation when they have the opportunity to participate in some of the planning. Have a pizza night and ask the kids to come up with three things they would like to do during their vacation and again, prioritize it according to which is the most important. Parents are often pleasantly surprised to learn it may take very little to make their kids really happy like a hotel with a really big pool.

5. Seek professional help - It may be a struggle to get your family just to this point. Now you may find yourself wracking your brains trying to plan trips that will hit the top priorities on everyone's list. This is why there are travel agents. This is EXACTLY what we do. But...in order to make it a phenomenal family vacation, we need to know your family's rules of engagment and top priorities. With these tools, we can customize your vacation so that it addresses your family's needs and makes everyone happy...as life should be!

Please know I practice what I preach. The photo here of my husband and I was taken on a recent day trip to Knoebels Amusement park about 2 hours drive from us in Elysburg, PA. We each select songs for a playlist during a drive time so that there is a balance. We also take breaks from the music that we set aside for conversation. When we got to the park, I went with him on 2 coaster rides and he went with me on the antique Merry Go Round and a visit to their Carousel museum. He chose where we ate lunch and I picked our stop for dinner. We both wanted to stop at the used car lot that we passed that had the 1966 restored mustang for sale. We both enjoyed a really fun and memorable day together and returned home happy. Plus Brian got this photo of me that we can joke about for years to come.

Sick On Vacation

Sally Black — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 14:44:00 GMT

Sorry for the long silence in our blog. I got sick on vacation. Actually I got pneumonia so it's taken a bit of time for me to feel up to writing. I think getting sick away from home often means figuring out inventive ways of coping while trying to feel better. We'll get to that part in just a bit.

First allow me to address the elephant in the room. Before my career in travel I was a pediatric nurse. I do have a good working knowledge of proper handwashing and preventive means of staying healthy. I was on a 7 night cruise to the Caribbean and started with a really bad sore throat and cough the last two days at sea. During our week at sea my husband joked about my obsessive handwashing and sanitizing. Of course, he returned home healthy and energized while I returned with chills and fever. Shortly after returning home I found out that both my friend and daughter, who both live close by, were also very sick with upper respiratory infections. So please do not fear and blame the cruise ship for this one. Despite the best prevention, airborne germs can get you no matter where you are. As my ill friend commented, at least I got to enjoy the Caribbean while she was sick at work.

For some people, feeling sick on vacation isn't unusual. European doctors recongnize the existance of "leisure sickness". High stress work environments and striving to "have it all" means higher high levels of adrenaline in our blood. Once away from work, these adrenaline levels start to fall. For some people, this results in fatigue and flu like symptoms.

Naturally any change in environment and routines can break down a body's defense systems and cause illness. You don't have to travel far and wide for this to happen. Every parent knows when the kids head back to school after vacation the runny noses begin. Travel does add the extra stress of being away from your normal support systems. You're far from your doctor, your own stocked medicine cabinet, mom's chicken soup and your own bed.

So how do you cope when you get sick while on vacation? Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind...

Stay calm and carry on - People get sick everywhere on the earth and people feel better everywhere on earth. Relax and don't panic. Know that you are not alone. In most cases, you're own doctor is as far away as your cell phone. Often hearing advise from a trusted advisor will put your mind at ease. Cruise ships, hotels and airports all have doctors available and on call for emergency help if need be.

Seek immediate emergency care for symptoms like Shortness of breath, high fever, severe headaches, neck pain, prolonged vomiting or diarhea, seizures or rashes. Of course, infants, children, elderly, pregnant moms and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease etc should seek medical support sooner.

Keep to yourself - Cruise ships and hotels mean a lot of people in a small area and germs love these type of situation. If you're sick, stay in your room and rest. I know you're disappointed and paid hard earned money for this vacation but when you're sick...you're sick! Order room service and keep away from others. Don't go spreading your germs to everyone else. If you're due to fly home, listen to your doctor's advice and consider wearing a mask to help prevent others from getting sick. Above all, maintain a high level of handwashing.

Stay hydrated - Whether your sick with upper respiratory problems or stomach issues, hydration is extremely important. The need can be compounded if you find yourself visiting warm weather climates. if you don't feel like eating then don't...but you must drink clear liquids. Be alert for signs and symptoms of dehydration and get immediate medical help if necessary. Chicken soup is a universal food and can be ordered just about anywhere on the planet.

Take supportive measures - Most ships and hotel sundry shops will sell many supportive health care items....cough & cold remedies, stomach meds, pain and fever medication, etc. Sometimes the names and doses of these remedies may be different than what you're used to seeing at home so seek advice when necessary. This is especially important when treating children. The correct dose is often determined by age and weight so ask a professional if you need help with any metric conversions.

I normally travel with my own supply of supportive meds - Advil, pepto, benadry, neoporin etc. Murphy's law the one time I have a high fever while on the road and my advil had expired. Of course a quick trip to the gift shop and my husband solved that problem. Still be paid three times as much for my lack of planning. Remedy - I bought a new, clear, plastic zip case for my traveling first aid kit and labeled it with the date I packed it. Now with a quick glance it's a reminder to replace and double check for expiration dates.

Yes...it really sucks getting sick on vacation! I couldn't wait to get home, take a hot bath, crawl into my favorite jammies and tuck in under the covers. It's taken me a few weeks to stop coughing and feel better but I cannot wait to hit the road again in a few weeks. I feel like I have to make up for vacation time lost.

Grandparent Vacations

Sally Black — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:39:00 GMT

It's the job of every grandparent to spoil our Grandkids. This is what gives us joy and happiness. Despite what Bill Cosby says, We're more than just "old people trying to get into heaven". We have a second opportunity to create precious memories with a whole new generation of our family. Of course, we want to give our grandkids the world...and the best way to do that is by taking vacations with our Grandkids.

Grandparent vacations are extremely popular! Here at Vacationkids, we've been asked to do more and more of them lately. We recently coordinated a multi-generational vacation with Bob & Ginnie pictured here along with their 6 kids and 5 grandchildren. Jim and Eleanor will be departing next week with grand daughter Ashley to Costa Rica on their Adventure by Disney. Paul and his 11 year old name sake just returned from a surfing safari in Hawaii. Dean and grandson Dusin spent their Spring break on a cruise, while Lynn, 8 year old Sophia and 12 year old Liza are looking forward to their girl's day shopping in London.

We've been doing so many Grandparent vacations lately I began to wonder. After hearing the news from my own daughter that I'm being promoted to the grandparent club, I thought perhaps I was just a bit more sensative. I then thought maybe it was because we're coming up on 15 years in the Family vacation business. Maybe the reason is many or our existing clients were simply entering a new life stage. I chalked it off to the same reason why suddenly we've been asked to coordinate travel for so many new destination weddings.

Then I saw a stat from the 2013 Portrait of American Traveler that states 1 in 5 leisure travelers is now a grandparent and 32% of Grandparents have traveled with their grandchildren on at least one leisure trip in the past 12 months. So these stats actually underscore the trends we've been seeing right in our own Vacationkids office.

So after putting together so many of these recent grand travel adventures for grandparents, we thought we'd pass along a few helpful tips:

1. Get professional help: True, some of your friends may think you're crazy for wanting to travel with kids again but having an expert travel consultant on your side can certainly help save your sanity. If it's been a while since you've hit the road with kids you may be just a little out of practice. Having an ally who is up to date on all the latest offerings on kid friendly destinations, tours and hotels will save you a ton of time and grief. let's face it, the last thing you want to hear from your beloved grandchild are those two most dreaded words in the English vocabulary... "I'm bored".

2. Do Not Be Outnumbered: Many Grandparents elect to take "separate vacations" with each Grandchild. Usually this works best when your grandchild is between the ages of 9-15 years old. I am a huge proponent of this idea. Separate vacations allow you to celebrate what makes each of your grandchildren individual and unique. They get to enjoy your undivided attention. It also allows you to take more vacations and not have to deal with any sibling rivalry.

These days, many boomer grandparents are triatheletes. The rest of us many not be the "spring chickens" we used to be. Even though you may have the very best intentions, be realistic and don't take on more than you can handle. If you have a big heart but simply cannot match the energy level or athletic skills of your grandkids then get help along the way. There are so many great vacations that come with built in help - Cruises and resorts with kids clubs. Daily sightseeing options geared with the right activities. There are even escorted tours complete with guides ready to help your grandchildren repel down a mountain while you sip wine and cheer them on from below.

3. Empower the Kids: The same study suggests nearly half (47%) of kids have a role in planning their vacation. Any grandparent trip can be customized to fit the interests of your grandkids. The more invested they are in the itinerary planning, the more engaged they will be throughout the trip.

4. Set the Rules In Advance - Be like Santa...Make a list and check it twice. You can even make it a contract and have your grandchildren sign off on it. Having a clear set of rules and expectations in advance on issues like behavior, electronics, spending will leave nothing to the imagination or discussion.

5. Strike a Balance - It's not all about the Grandkids, this is your vacation too. Make sure you plan some YOU time into your trip. Sure, you want your Grandchildren to learn about the world by traveling together but you also want them to get to know a little about the real you while you get to enjoy them. Again, if you're going it alone, plan a trip that offers a little help if you need.

Creating wonderful vacation memories with your grandchildren is something that will be discussed and shared around the kitchen table for many, many years to come. Some may say experience is the best teacher but I think our experiences with our Grandparents are the times that shape our lives.

Family Summer Vacation Ideas for 2014

Sally Black — Tue, 13 May 2014 14:34:00 GMT

We're on countdown now people...it's crunch time for summer 2014.

Are you ready parents?

Do you still need some family vacation ideas for this summer?

Summer 2014 may very well belong to Orlando this year! There is just SO MUCH happening there this summer! First is the long anticipated opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine train attraction in Disney World's Magic Kingdom. A new coaster with all new technology that will be the centerpiece of Disney's all new Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. Universal Studios is keeping up the excitement with the grand opening of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. This is the second park section in Universal Studios devoted to the love of Harry complete with the new Hogwart's express that will connect both parks. Also at Universal Studios is the new Cabana Bay Resort that will comfortably sleep families up to 6!

We've been getting more and more requests for Hawaiian vacations this summer! In addition, most hotels will allow kids under 17 stay free. This comes in handy for families of teens looking for some surf lessons. Again, condo or apartment style accommodations are the most requested. It seems adventure seekers are flocking to Hawaii and we've been busy setting up extreme excursions like repelling down waterfalls and touring active volcanoes.

Summer 2014 is repeating last year with another huge spike in multi generational vacations. Grandparents vacationing with their children and grandchildren. So many of our bookings for this summer, especially to Mexico and the Caribbean involve mini reunions. It's a great option to get everyone together for some fun in the sun and nobody gets stuck with all the work. Family all inclusive resorts remain the winners for these multi generational trips. There are several all inclusive resorts now that offer adult only rooms on one side of the property with family friendly accommodations on the other. All guests share public areas like beach and restaurants. For families who want 24/7 togetherness, the hoteliers are catching on and this summer we have a few new condo style all inclusives with up to 3 bedroom units that will accommodate up to 12!

Early summer availability is tight and airfares are higher up until mid July. If you're looking to save a little dough, TRY to plan your summer vacation a bit later in the summer. Double check school calendars and see when your kids head back to school in Sept. The later you can book your summer vacation, the more you will save.

If you are still stumped and need more guidance or other family vacation ideas, please be sure to ask our founder Sally Black. Just send your questions to ASK MOM and she'll be glad to share her knowledge and experience to make Summer 2014 the best yet for your family.

Top 7 Family Fun Things To Do in Hawaii

Sally Black — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 13:11:00 GMT

A visit to Hawaii is the perfect choice fun family vacation. Often what draws parents to bring their children to Hawaii is the culture and traditions of the islands known as the Aloha Spirit. The entire Hawaiian culture revolves around "Ohana" or family. Children, better known here as "keikis" are embraced and are an important part of spreading and continuing the Aloha spirit for generations to come. This is why Hawaiian people have such a passion for sharing their beautiful islands and all it's traditions with children. Families are truly welcomed here with open arms.

The Hawaiian islands are actually a chain of hundreds of islands. Most families who come to visit will stay one one of the four main Islands - Maui, Kauai, Oahu (where the city of Honolulu is located) and the Island of Hawaii (known as the big Island). Chances are uour kids probably have different personalities despite coming from the same family. The same thing can be said for the Hawaiian Islands. Even though the Hawaiian spirit flows throughout them all, each one of the Hawaiian Islands is a unique destination in itself, with a personality of it's own offering so many things for families to do and explore!

For this reason, it's a bit difficult to create a simply "top 10" list. Having so many wonderful choices of activities in Hawaii is both a blessing and a curse when trying to plan vacations and make decisions. Some experiences can only found on specific islands so you need to plan accordingly. In addition, parents need to choose the right activities that will fit the ages of their children, their budget, the amount of time they can spend in Hawaii and the travel style best suited to their family. This is why having the help of one of our Hawaiian Island specialists on staff here at Vacationkids can be an invaluable help for busy parents.

It is nearly impossible to simply highlight all the fun that Hawaii has to offer visiting families who come here on vacation. Here are a few of the most popular wish list requests we hear time and again from families as we plan their vacations along with some of our recommendations:

1. SURFING - Surfing is simply synonomous with Hawaii. Hawaii is the home of the Banzai Pipeline, off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea located on the North Shore of Oahu. During the winter, world class surfing championships are held along the best here with it's 30 foot waves. Certainly this is a spectacle to watch if you visit during this time of year. If your family are more "do-ers" but not yet ready for the pipeline, there are plenty of protected beach areas where your kids can learn to hang ten. The Hawaiians teach their Keikis to surf as soon as they can swim. Most schools or classes will require that younger, inexperienced kids have a private instructor for safety reasons. Older tweens and teens will be allowed in group classes which is a fun way to meet and make new friends. There are many surf schools available along Waikiki which is on Oahu's southern coast which is far more gentle. Poipu beach on the island of Kauai is also another great surfing spot for families. If ocean waves make you a bit nervous, consider paddleboarding instead. Paddleboarders stand on a board in calm waters and propel themselves with a oar. Once again, lessons and gear rentals are everywhere.

2. Experience a Volcano- Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park is encompasses over 500 square miles on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. With over 150 miles of hiking trails it allows access for children of all ages so that they can witness the true force and beauty of Mother Nature. For a truly spectacular show of nature's fireworks, plan a boat tour of the East coast of the big island either for sunrise or sunset and witness the creation of hot magma flowing into the cooling waters of the Pacific.

If free flowing lava makes you feel a bit skiddish, then Mount Haleakala on Maui is a great choice. Hike, camp, skywatch, take a guided tour or enjoy a photo safari for endangered species in the remote landscape of a dorment volcano. There are plenty of special programs here for kids of all ages (even the grown up ones). That said, this is an extremely remote area so do your homework and come prepared with provisions and water. Be aware that your family will be at an elevation of about 10,000 feet so those prone to breathing difficulties or altitude sickness will need to take precautions. The other end of Haleakala National Park is where families will find the infamous "road to Hana". Hana road is a winding, one lane road high in the air. It's a long, slow hour roller coaster ride will take you about 3 hours to go 50 miles (I'm serious -no joke!). In the end your family will be rewarded with the most memorable experience, spectacular landscapes and the opportunity to swim in the seven sacred pools which are 7 cascading waterfalls that flow into the Pacific!

3. Embrace the Culture- The Hawaiian culture surrounds, welcomes and embraces families that visit the islands. Just about every family friendly resort throughout the islands will offer fun activities that introduce kids to Hawaiian culture. Just a couple of examples would be lei making, quilting or hula lessons. Everything from the language to the food celebrates Hawaii.

For a wonderful info-tainment experience, Polynesian Cultural Center on north shore of Oahu is perfect for all ages. This 42 acre park is a tribute of all of the ancestors of Hawaii. It celebrates the cultures of New Zealand, Fiji, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Tahiti, Tongo and the people from all the South Pacific islands who sailed to Hawaii and made it their home. The blending of all of these tribes is the basis of today's Hawaiian People. History comes to life with displays, activities, games and experiences that families will remember for years to come.

Another cultural landmark of Hawaii, albeit a sobering one, is Pearl Harbor. This landmark event changed the course of history. Visiting the memorial, peering into the water and seeing the top of the USS Arizona, it really brings new meaning to what we all study in history class. The The USS Arizona is the final resting place for many of the ship's 1,177 crewmen who sacrificed their lives for our freedom on December 7, 1941. I highly recommend the audio tour which is narrated by many of the surviving soldiers who were witness to that fateful day. Younger family members may have more of an appreciation for the Pacific Aviation Museum, the USS Missouri and the Submarie exhibits. To avoid disappointments, do get your park admission tickets in advance as park officials can limit visitors during busy times of the year.

On the Big Island of Hawaii there is also the national park of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. Whether you can pronounce it or not, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the tribal culture of the Islands. In old Hawaii, if you broke the laws of the gods you were hunted and put to death. Your only means of survival was to get to a sacred refuge or puuhonua. This area is surrounded by a massive stone wall and is said to be protected by the gods. It was considered to be sacred ground where the bones of the chiefs were buried. Here families will also find remains of an abandoned farming and fishing village known as Ki'ilae Village. It offers a insight as to how the old Hawaiians lived their every day lives.

4. Have a Luau -No family vacation to Hawaii would be complete without the experience of a Luau. Dining on local delecacies while listening to the stories of the ancestors is only matched by the hula and fire dances. It is a truly enchanting experience that welcomes children of all ages. There are as many luau options for are their are tourists in Waikiki. Most offer a fair amount of cheezy entertainment but there are a few standouts. There is a great luau offered at the Polynesian Culture center in Oahu that I mentioned earlier. Do note that the center is run by the Moron church so no alcohol is served here making it very family friendly. The Princeville Inn in Kauai offers their luau on the shores overlooking the stunning Napali coast with wonderful authentic performers. The Royal Hawaiian Luau in Oahu depicts the royal feast called Aha Aina. This one is certainly an upscale experience. Complete with the stunning backdrop of Diamond head, this is certainly a luxury Luau fit for royalty.

5. Play the Ukelele - Hawaiians take their music very seriously! Fair warning, if your family is planning a trip to Hawaii you will need to learn the words to Don Ho's song "Tiny Bubbles" and be able to hit all the notes to the the now retro theme song of Hawaii Five O. Without knowledge of these iconic cultural references, you may find yourself a bit lost.

That said, there is nothing more iconic to Hawaiian music than the Ukelele. The mention of this instrument probably calls to mind IZ and his rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" which never fails to send shivers up my spine!

To immerse yourself fully in the aloha spirit, you really do need to embrace the music and nothing does this like a ukelele. Cheap tourist shops sell them for around $20. That said there are "real" ukelele shops all over the Islands. My favorite is Ukelele PuaPua in Waikiki. Just a visit to this shop is an interesting excursion all by itself. If your kids are music lovers or your family is looking for an engaging souvenir to bring home, a real starter ukelele can be found her for around $100. For a few dollars more you can even schedule a lesson to get started. If your kids think ukelele music is lame, have them watch this here video of these teens shredding the uke!

6 Meet the Locals - Marine life abounds in the Hawaiian Islands and families have many opportunities to get up close and personal. There are SO many great snorkeling spots but a couple of my favorites are Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Anini Beach County Park in Kauai, Kealakekua Bay and Hulopoe Beach in lanai. Younger kids and pool lovers may prefer to spend a few nights at Disney Aulani Resort in Ko Olina on Oahu. Here the Disney imagineers have re-created a coral reef pool where you can snorkel in a man made reef full of tropical fish without fear. It's like snorkeling in a huge aquarium.

Close encounters of the Turtle kind can be found on Oahu's North shore on Laniakea Beach. It is located after Haleiwa Town on Kamehameha Hwy. You will need to park across the street and be careful crossing as this is a popular and busy road. Hawaiians consider the Honu or turtle to be a sign of longevity, peace and good luck. Just about every day giant sea turtles come to this area to feed. Usually right after their meal they will crawl up onto the sand to enjoy a nap in the warm sun. Local volunteers stand ready to make sure the turtles don't lose any of their beauty sleep and answer questions. They know most of the turtles by name, family and personality. Definitely a fun and fascinating stop!

Winter is Hawaii's Whale season. Kohola (humpback whales) are one of the larger species of whales ranging between 40 and 52 feet in length and weighing up to 45 tons. December thru May is when the whales return to breed in the warm waters of Hawaii. Humpbacks can be spotted just off shore from most of the Hawaiian islands during this time of year and there are many ways for your family to see them. Probably my favorite adventure was a boat ride along the breathtaking Napali coastline of Kauai where the mountain peaks are taller than the empire state building. Here we spotted humpbacks and monk seals although the seas were a bit too rough for my liking. My next visit back during whale season I took to the sky with a fabulous sea plane ride. We were fortunate to spot a huge pod of humpbacks just off the north shore of Oahu. We followed them, watching them gracefully swim and breach for several miles. Respectfully we needed to keep a good distances away as not to disturb but it was amazing to have this rare bird's eye view. If your family isn't up for either a sea or sky view, you may still get a great view by hiking one of Hawaii's many gorgeous shoreline trails with a good pair of binoculars.

Dolphins are another fan favorite for families. Dolphin quest on Oahu and the big island offer several different encounter programs suited for specific ages, budgets and the amount of time you can spend with these gentle creatures. For more adventurous families there are open ocean snorkeling tours available in Oahu and the big island with spinner dolphins, monk seals and turtles. For the REALLY extreme adventurers, there's even cage diving with sharks.

For a real surprise, how about visiting the Penguins who live in Waikiki! That's right, just inside the legendary Hilton Hawaiian hotel with the tile rainbow decorating the outside. In the lobby is a display of black footed, warm weather penguins and the best part is, it's free. These fun creatures live for about 30 years in monogomous pairs so they are the perfect mascot for a resort that caters to so many family destination weddings and honeymoons. Parents usually have a hard time tearing their little ones away from watching these playful penguins.

Visiting the penguins is agreat "plan B" if you happen to fun into a day of rain or "Vog" (that's sulfur fog created by the volcanoes on neighboring islands). Hop a local bus or trolley for lunch at the Oceanarium Restaurant Buffet at the Pacific Beach Hotel. Here parents can enjoy a quiet lunch while kids are amazed and entertained by a a three-story, 280,000-gallon, aquarium housing nearly 400 fish from more than 70 different species complete with divers and mermaid shows. From there hop back on the bus for a short ride to the Waikiki Aquarium for a day of family fun without raindrops.

6 Take Unique Ride- For as many unique spots are there are for families to visit in Hawaii, there are even more interesting ways to get there. Most visitors don't realize Hawaii has a history of ranching and farming. This means families can ride a horse thru the rainforest or enjoy breathtaking views from the old fashion sugar cane train on Maui. Most people don't bicycle or ride a mule down a mountain every day but you certainl can while on vacation in Hawaii. Families can paddle an outrigger canoe to a private island or take a quad bike tour of secret hollywood film locations. Some areas of Hawaii are still so very remote that the only way to enjoy their incredible beauty is by helicopter or zip line. Families can even explore the depths of the pacific down to 100 feet below sea level in a submarine.

7. EAT!!! Because the Hawaiian people are such a cultural melting pot, so is their cuisine. The Hawaii's global popularity as a vacation destination spot has given rise to authentic dining experiences devoted to the palates of visitors from all around the globe. Even the U.S. military has it's own culinary contribution of SPAM which is considered a Hawaiian comfort food. Rich soil, tropical climate and an agricultural pride makes the Hawaiian islands a poster child for farm to table seasonal dining. There are so many renown chefs that now call Hawaii home. Family foodies can eat their way around Hawaii, whether on their own or even thru guided taste tours of local hot spots. The good news is, eating like royalty doesn't have to cost a fortune. On my last visit to Oahu, I discovered Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Pies from Teds on the north shore and the Saturday morning Farmer's market at Kapiolani Community college.

So actually, my title here is a bit of a fib. Like I said, there are far more than seven fun ideas listed here. There are so many unique, amazing, wonderful, off the beaten track, out of the way places in Hawaii where we send our families that there would be no way for us to list them all here in one spot.

The one important item that I did not include here is simply to "BE" when your family visits Hawaii. Be on a beach, Be Together, Be unplugged and Be still. That is the secret to letting the aloha spirit fill your soul!

Family Vacation Ideas for 2014

Sally Black — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 20:02:00 GMT

2014 has been a rough winter for so many families. Lately it seems our staff has been asked repeatedly by our clients for new and innovative family vacation ideas. We thought we'd share some of the most recent winners to help inspire you and to get your family vacation plans in high gear...

Hawaii - There is nothing more inspiring than the Aloha spirt of the Hawaiian Islands. Of particular note for families is a great deal currently being offered by Disney Aulani. Stay 4 nights in a deluxe resort room or studio and receive a $400 resort credit. Upgrade and stay a minimum of 4 nights in a 1 or 2 bedroom villa and get a $500 resort credit. This offer must be booked before May 15, 2014, and is good for stays most nights April 23 through June 16, 2014.

Costa Rica - Opening Nov. 2014 is the anticipated Dreams La Mareas resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Think ultimate luxury tucked into the jungle along a gorgeous Pacific coastline. This will be the perfect family vacation spot for those who enjoy wild adventures and exciting explorations along with a little pampering. Now is the time to take advantage of preview rates!

Family Cruises -Great Deals and discounts can be found this season on most of the family friendly cruise lines. Family cruise are the perfect solution for families of all budgets and you don't even need a passport to explore exotic ports of call. Most of the family friendly cruise lines now offer children's programs from baby care to teens and everything in between. Of particular note, Royal Caribbean's greatly anticipated new Quantum of the Seas will be making her deput out of NYC this fall!

Friends and Family Groups - 2014 seems to be a very big year to gather the clan together! We're seeing our biggest year for groups ever...All inclusives, cruises and even US resorts. Orlando seems to be the destination winner this year with so many new theme park offerings for summer and fall 2014. More and more of our families are recognizing that fun and memories are best when shared with all the people that you love. What can be more inspiring that that? Good news is that we can now set up your group with your very own, private booking engine so that everyone can simply go online and make their own arrangments - Easy, Peasy! Even better, your group still qualifies for great discounts and perks. Put the word out on Facebook and soon you might be vacationing for free! It's amazing how fast good news travels on social media!

Volunteer Vacations - We've been getting lots of requests from families who want to take a vacation but yet give back by volunteering. Although this isn't the type of vacation itinerary that we generally plan, we've been directing folks to our friends over at the Family Travel Network.

Tips for Planning An Accessible Family Vacation

Colleen Laubach — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 16:05:00 GMT

Families come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. Chances are, at some point in life, just every family will need to deal with accessibility or other unique health issues while on vacation.This may be something as natural as a mom vacationing while pregnant or traveling with an elderly Grandparent. It may also require a bit more detailed planning for a guest flying with a motorized wheelchair or a specific itinerary planned for the comfort of an autistic child.

Planning a family vacation with someone who has special needs may feel like a mounumental task. Many families in these circumstances report that they haven't had a vaction in years because trying to plan a trip became so overwhelming. We understand and are glad to help.

Vacationkids founder Sally Black is a former Registered Nurse. Her clinical experience has given her specialized insight into itinerary planning for many vacationing families with special needs. When doing her hotel inspections and destination reviews, Sally always keeps a keen eye for details that will help families of all abilities.

When planning a family vacation within the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act assures disabled travelers will receive equal treatment under the law. Throughout the U.S. services and ammenities are generally available to allow you to travel in comfort and safety.If you plan to travel outside of the U.S., please know accessibility can mean different things in different countries. A hotel or sightseeing spot may advertise that it is accessible. Upon arrival you may find out this means several burly hotel employees will carry you and your chair upstairs. Do keep an open mind, ask specific questions and never agree to anything that you are not comfortable doing.

The following tip wills help disabled travelers and their companions to properly plan a family vacation that will be fun for everyone -

* The very first travel planner you should speak with is your doctor! A doctor can often offer advice and prescribe measures that will make your journey easier. Be VERY specific and clear when describing the trip to your doctor. Of course, your doctor knows you best so always heed their advice.

* Plan your vacation at least one year in advance! Handicapped rooms or guaranteed adjoining are in demand and often the first to sell out. It often takes time to make calls and get confirmation for specialized services or equipment, especially when traveling abroad.

* Be completely honest during your consulation with your travel agent. It's natural that some agents may feel a bit embarrassed asking very personal questions so be as open and honest about your needs as possible. Be specific and clear when describing any disability. Not all travel providers will know the "lingo" of accessible travel or the medical terms for certain conditions. This becomes even more important when traveling overseas where important points can get lost in translation. Give as many details about abilities and don't downplay the severity of the disability. The more information a service provider has, the better they will be able to accommodate you.

* Take a doctor's note and phone number. Travel with a statement from your doctor, preferably on letterhead, covering your condition, medications, potential complications, special needs and other pertinent information. Be sure you have a number where your doctor (or another medical professional) can be reached in an emergency situation at any hour of the day. * Bring enought medication plus a bit extra. Many experts advise that you travel with two complete packages of essential medication in case of emergency. Store all medications and other necessary medical supplies in your carry-on bag, NEVER put it in any checked luggage.

* Investigate physician availability where you will be traveling. Your doctor, health care provider, insurance company or local embassy can provide the names and contact numbers of physicians at your destination in case of emergency.

* Carry medical alert information, preferably in a place that a medical professional or anyone who assists you will find easily (wallet card, necklace, close to your identification).

* Allow plenty of time before your flight to check in, get through security and transfer to your gate. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight -- more if you're traveling at a peak time.

* Know your rights. Before going through airport security, be aware of the TSA rules for Travelers

* Avoid connecting flights. Although wheelchairs are the last items to be checked into the luggage compartments, and thus first to be pulled off, flying direct can save you unnecessary time and hassle. One exception: If you have trouble maneuvering into airplane lavatories, long flights may become uncomfortable - so a series of shorter flights might be a better option. If you do choose to connect, be sure to allow plenty of time between flights (we'd recommend at least 90 minutes, or two hours if you need to go through customs or security) to get from one gate to the next.

* Check in with your flight attendant before your plane lands to make a plan for your exit strategy.

* Don't forget about transportation to and from the airport. If you have a wheelchair, make arrangements in advance to have an accessible vehicle pick you up in your destination city.

* Bring a small kit of spare parts and tools for emergency repairs on wheelchairs or medical equipment that may be traveling with you. Be sure to check policies- if you can't take them with you or consider renting equipement at your destination whenever possible.

At Vacationkids, our focus is on family vacations. In most cases we can help plan and book trips for families who have a member that has accessibility issues. Please know if your family member requires very highly, specialized care and travel planning that we feel is beyond our scope and ability, we will gladly help refer you to a reputable travel planner that specializes in that type of care you need. We just want to insure that any family that comes to us enjoys a fun, safe and healthful vacation.

Common Misconceptions about Family Resorts and Age Limits For Kids

Sally Black — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 16:13:00 GMT

I received an interesting call in the office this afternoon from a fellow Mom and it went something like this:

CINDY: "Hi, I'm Cindy. I need your help to book an affordable, all inclusive resort vacation for this July. It will be for me, my husband and our three kids. We're looking for a room where we can all stay together that has a kids stay for free deal. I've looked all over the internet and I can't find anything. I just keep frustrating myself so I need your help"

ME: Always glad to help Cindy, First please tell me a little about your family - to start, how old will your kids be at the time of travel?

Cindy: My kids are 27, 22 and 19.

Say what?....Hold the phone Cindy!

As a mom, I know it never really matters how old they get, they will always be "our kids". That said, hotels and resorts have a very different "definition" of the word "kid" when you're trying to make vacation reservations. Our friend Cindy here needed a little "reality check".

All hotels and resorts have occupancy rules and age requirements in place. This is done to assure the comfort and safety of all guests. This may seem unreasonable to the family that is looking to economize and stay together. It also works the other way around for "kids" looking to travel without their parents. That said, nobody wants to find themselves next door to a room crammed with 20 crazed Spring Breakers!

Regular hotels usually have an occupancy and age limit for the number of people that are allowed to share the same room. Each and every hotel has different rules based on bedding, the size of the room, liability insurance, local safety ordinances and corporate sales policies. These types of hotels normally charge by the night.

All inclusive resort prices are a little bit different. The price of food, beverages, alcohol and activities are all calculated into the cost of your room. Obvious a 27 year old "kid" will eat more and will probably consume alcohol that a 7 year old kid would not. This is why most all inclusive resorts define a "kid" as being under the age of 12. All inclusive resorts normally charge a per person rate based on the age of each guest and room occupancy limits do apply. This explains why Cindy wasn't allowed to book online when she tried to enter in the ages of her kids.

Some hotels and all inclusive resorts do offer kids stay free deals. For regular hotels the cut off age is usually under 17 and for all inclusives it's usually for kids under 12. Normally we'll see these offers during the low, slow season, not during peak travel times like holidays or during summer vacation. Generally you need at least two adults for one or two kids to stay for free. Even though the kids stay free in the room, they are still charged for taxes and any required local fees.

So let's get back to Cindy and her family -

Is she ever going to get a "kids stay free deal" for her family? - Nope!.. because her kids are adults and not kids.

If she's interested in an all inclusive resort, in reality her family is defined as 5 adults. Very few resorts will allow 5 adults to share the same room. The ones that will allow it are upgraded suites with separate bedrooms. Obviously these rooms are far more expensive that getting two separate standard rooms.

But there is another issue at play here...Most resorts and hotels will NOT guarantee adjoining rooms no matter what ages your kids are. Guests can "request" two rooms that connect with a door but it is NEVER a guarantee. It all depends on current availability at the time of check in and the mood of your desk clerk.

I did suggest to Cindy that her family might want to consider a family cruise vacation instead of an all inclusive resort. Cruise lines charge by cabin occupancy, not by age...so it doesn't matter if your "kid" is 29, 19 or 9, they will pay the same rate. Some of the cruise lines do offer family suites that will accommodate families with 5,6 or more people but again these suites are upgrades and do come with a higher pricetag. The really good news is that, unlike hotels, when families book a cruise then CAN select and confirm their exact cabin, including cabins with connecting doors. This is a great solution for families that want to guarantee rooms next to one another.

3 BIG New Reasons to Take A Summer 2014 Orlando Family Vacation

Sally Black — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:54:00 GMT

Why do we say Orlando is the hot family vacation spot to visit for summer vacation 2014? Here 3 BIG reasons why this is the year to pack up the family and go...

1. Universal Studios Diagon Alley - Last year, Universal Studios wowed it's guests with Transformers: The Ride 3D and Springfield home of The Simpsons. It's hard to believe but this year is is going to be more Ginormous!!

The ever popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter will double in 2014! Guests with park to park tickets will now be able to ride the Magical Hogwarts Express between the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure over to the BRAND NEW Diagon Alley London at Universal Studios.

Guests will be magically transported via the Hogwart's express to London's Diagon Alley, the area of London only accessible by Wizards. Diagon Alley will be home to the new thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Visitors will find themselves careening through the Gringott's vaults on this multidimensional attraction which is topped with a huge fire breathing dragon. In addition, guests will be treated to many familiar movie shops like Ollivander's wand shop, Madam Malkins Robes, Quality Quidditch supplies, The Leaky Cauldron Restaurant and Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. If you're into the dark arts, be sure to visit Borgin and Burke's in Knockturn Alley. Plenty of new chills and thrills for Harry Potter fans both young and old.

To help accommodate all of the new expected guests, Universal Orlando will also be opening it's fourth onsite hotel resort called Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The first phase of this 1800 room resort will open in Spring of 2014.

1. Disney's NEW Fantasyland - If you haven't been to Disney World in a while, you will be amazed! The New Fantasyland is a 10 acre park expansion just beyond Cinderella's castle. It has been under construction for the past few years and is just about complete. The last piece to this magical puzzle to open is the brand new Seven Dwarf's Mine Train attraction which is the new centerpiece to this entire area. This family friendly coast features brand new coaster technology blended with Disney signature imagineering that will bring to life these beloved characters from 1937. Guests will enjoy a thrilling ride into the Seven Dwarf's Diamond mine via innovative vehicles that will also swing back and forth as this coaster twists and turns.

3. SeaWorld Orlando- 2014 is going to be a whale of a year for Seaworld...and we don't mean Shamu! SeaWorld is celebrating it's 50th Anniversary this year by "surprising" many of it's visitors.

Last year SeaWorld opened it's biggest attraction ever - Antarcia: Empire of the Penguins. This climate controlled habitat is now home to nearly 250 Penguins. This year, to celebrate it's anniversary this year guests may be selected to be an Animal Ambassador and could find themselves face to face with a pair of Magellanic Penguins. SeaWorld's "Surprise Squad" will also be roaming the parks giving away other exclusive access to rides, merchandize and reserved seating to their amazing shows.

Across the street at Aquatica, SeaWorld's own waterpark, guests will enjoy the new Ihu's Breakaway Falls. This 105 foot thrilling drop slide is the tallest, steepest and only multi-slide of its kind in Orlando.

If you're family it the type the like LOTS of activity with a side of adventure then you should definitely talk to one of our Vacationkids Travel Agents. With SO MANY choices and options, planning a family vacation to Orlando can quickly become overwhelming and frustrating for parents trying to do it on their own. Our experienced family travel experts do this all the time. We've been there, done that with our own kids and know all the secrets to help you plan itineraries of magical vacation memories customized to the most important features on your family's vacation wish list. Message us today.

Secrets of Family Vacation Payment Plans

Sally Black — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:04:00 GMT

When most parents think about layaway payment plans, they usually think about toys under the Christmas tree. The secret that most families don't realize is that vacation layaway payment options can also be a solution for trying to figure out how to pay for a family vacation.

Here at Vacationkids, we want to make travel affordable for families. We offer vacation payment plan options free of charge to our clients.

So how does it work?

Step 1.- You need to plan ahead - Here at Vacationkids, we have a funny saying that holds a lot of truth..."Planning a family vacation is just like planning a family - You need to work 9 months in Advance". Yep, if you want to do a family vacation payment plan you need to give yourself at least 9 months of planning time.

If we told you most hotels and airlines post their rates about 300 days in advance you probably won't remember that number but parents can relate to the 9 month timeline.

Technically cruise lines and theme parks post their availability and rates even sooner. The point here is that in order to create affordable monthly payments, you need to give yourself plenty of time. Here are some quick guidelines as to WHEN to start planning your family vacations in order to give yourself the best Vacation payment options...

Valentines day = Thanksgiving & Dec. Holidays

Back to School = Summer Vacation for the following year

School's Out for Summer = Spring Break Holidays for the next school year

I hear you!...it's hard to plan that far in advance with everyone's school, activities, sports and work schedules. Many of us don't know our schedules for next week, let alone next year. It's a shocker but if want the best rates, choice of rooms and airline seats and the ability to make layway payments on your vacation, time is your friend. Planning ahead will also afford you the best rates and availabilty choices contrary to everyone's dream of finding that elusive last minute deal.

Step 2.- Make a Deposit - Most hotels, cruise ships and even Disney only require a small deposit to put your vacation on hold and confirm your trip. This normally can range from as little as $50pp to a percentage of your total. It all depends on the specific circumstances of your trip. Take Disney for example - You can confirm a Disney park hotel, your park admission tickets and even a meal plan for as little as $200 total.

Step 3. - Set up a Monthly Payment Schedule - Most hotels, cruise lines and theme parks require your vacation to be paid in full about 60-45 days prior to your arrival. At Vacationkids we can work with you to set up a payment schedule to make it easier for you to pay down the balance you have due on your vacation. This can be done automatically via a credit card that you authorize for these payments.

FAQ -

What About Airline Tickets? - Airfares are the "kicker" with this scenario. Usually the airlines require payment in full right up front. In this situation, obviously we cannot offer any layway payments because we must honor the rules of the airlines. There ARE some vacation packages that DO offer flights that can be included in a vacation layaway program. Also parents are free to use frequent flyer miles or credit card reward points to purchase their flights which will also help to offset the total cost of their vacation.

What Happens if Our Trip Goes On Sale last minute? - In many cases, if your EXACT vacation goes on sale for a lower price, our travel agents will be able to have the sale price applied to your reservation. Also many travel insurance plans include "price protection insurance" and will reimburse you the difference between what you originally paid and any last minute sale price of your vacation.

Do I really need Travel Insurance? - Nobody has a crystal ball. Often something as simple as a child with a last minute ear ache can ground a family's vacation plans. If you can afford to lose the entire cost of your vacation without cracking a sweat then you perhaps do not need travel insurance. That said, your family's medical coverage can change significantly when you are out of network and most doesn't cover you for travel outside of the US. So again, if you can whip out a credit card and afford to pay any unforseen medical care, then you probably don't need insurance. For the rest of us, paying less than 10% of the cost of our vacation to give us peace of mind, travel insurance is a really good thing to have.

What Forms of Identification Do I Need To Take a Cruise

Sally Black — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 16:04:00 GMT

If you're planning a family cruise vacation, you will need to have proper identification for all adults and children when you arrive at port. This documenation is needed to prove your identity as well as the identity of your children. This measure is for the safety and security of every passenger that boards a cruise ship in the U.S.

These identification requirements listed here are for all passengers; both adult and children of all ages who will be sailing on a cruise ship departing from a U.S. Port and who will be returning to the SAME U.S. port on the SAME cruise ship. Bear in mind, if you are flying to port and crossing any international borders to get there, everyone WILL need a passport. I.D. requirements are different for flying and cruising.

It is the personal responsibility of EVERY passenger to arrive at port with the proper documentation. Without it, the cruise line has every right to NOT allow you to board their ship. This is called denied boarding and it basically means any passenger who is denied forfeits the entire cost of their cruise and any travel expenses to get to board. This type of event is NOT covered by any travel insurance.

So once again, ALL passengers, both adults or children of any age, must arrive at port and present ONE of the following as proof of U.S. citizenship when they arrive at embarkation to check in for their cruise:

Valid U.S. Passport (the best and recommended)
Valid U.S. Passport Card
Valid State-issued enhanced Driver's License (visit http://www.getyouhome.gov for the most up to date list to see if the state where you live participates in this program)
Valid Trusted Traveler Card (Nexus, Sentri, Fast)

ADULTS who do not have ONE of the above listed forms of ID Will need TWO Forms of ID:

1. Government Issued Photo ID (regular photo driver's license or photo ID)

AND

2. One of these acceptable secondary forms of ID:

Original State Issued Birth Certificate

-Puerto Rico birth certificate issued AFTER 7/1/10 (birth certificates prior to this date are not acceptible.

-Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by the U.S. Dept. of State

-Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 do NOT need to show a photo ID but will need to present:

Original State Issued Birth Certificate

-Puerto Rico birth certificate issued AFTER 7/1/10 (birth certificates prior to this date are not acceptible.

-Original Consular Report of Birth Abroad issues by the U.S. Dept. of State

-Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration

IMPORTANT - Guests MUST present ORIGINAL, legal documents, no photo copies. The only exception is Birth Certificates. Guests ARE allowed to present a photo copy of their Birth Certificate issued by the State where they were born. Hospital issued birth announcements or footprint sheets are NOT considered acceptable

U.S. Legal Permanent Residents - Cruise guests who live and work in the U.S. and are considered Legal Permanent Residents MUST present a valid Legal Permanent Resident Card known as a "Green Card" or "Alien Resident Card (ARC)"

We appreciate that all of this information can be confusing, especially for first time cruisers. Please remember your Vacationkids travel agents are here to help you every step of the way so if you have any questions be sure to ask.

Canadian travelers flying to port from Canada MUST present a Valid Canadian Passport.

Why Is Having A Family Vacation Budget So Important?

Sally Black — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 17:05:00 GMT

Thinking about a family vacation is fun!

Thinking about our family vacation budget is often NOT not as fun.

I would like to change your thinking about vacation budgets.

In reality, one of the very first things you should think about when planning a family vacation IS your budget. By doing so, it will help you in SO many ways...

1. Having a Family Vacation Budget saves you Time - These days, time is often far more precious than money. Having a set budget helps you stay focus and make informed, accurate decisions. Procrastination can be costly, especially when it comes to rising airfares. Knowing exactly what you can and cannot afford will save you hours of fruitless searching online for that unrealistic vacation.

2. Budgets Save your Travel Agent Time too - Yes, having a good travel agent on your side is VERY important to getting the most out of your vacation budget. Why you ask? - Good agents know all the hidden costs and pitfalls that novice travel planners fail to take into consideration. They can help coach you through all your expenditures and help you to stay on point. They have rates and contacts that cannot be found online. They can help you set up an affordable vacation payment plan while avoiding costly credit card interest. Most importantly, they can save you a great deal of frustration, worry and oh yes - Time. (refer back to step one). A good travel agent is not in just to make a quick sale. A good Travel agent wants to be your trusted partner helping you get the most vacation value out of every dollar you spend each and every year.

3. Having a Budget Will Help You Set Priorities - Often Vacation "wish lists" exceed our budget. Compromises must be made. Making the right compromises is what is important to your family's vacation experience and enjoyment. If it is your child's wish to swim with the dolphins, then perhaps shaving one day off of your stay or changing the view from your hotel window will make your child's dream a reality. A good travel agent can help with these types of decisions (refer back to step 2)

4. Vacation Budgets help to Relieve Stress - One of the main reasons we all take vacations in the first place is to relax and escape from stress. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to relax and actually ENJOY your vacation with peace of mind even after you return home? Do you want to spend your valuable vacation time worrying every time you reach into your pocket? Do you really want to return home and dread having to face opening that credit card bill knowing that it's going to be bad...REALLY bad? Setting a travel budget will help to avoid this type of anxiety.

5. A Vacation Budget Is a Great Example To Set For Your Kids - We parents all want to raise financially responsible offspring. Vacation planning and budgeting is one of those wonderful teaching moments that give parents the opportunity to lead by example. Trying to teach older kids and teens how to budget and balance a household may be overwhelming. Teaching kids how to save and allocate spending for your family for just one week while on vacation is a bit easier. Giving the kids a voice in the decision making for how the family spends their vacation dollars can be very empowering for all.

As busy, hard working parents, we always want to make every penny we spend count. This is especially true when it comes to family vacations. A family vacation is not just about a week at the beach or theme park. It's an investment in your child's character and it's about creating memories that will stick with them for a lifetime. Invest wisely!

New to Resort Kids Clubs

Sally Black — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 16:41:00 GMT

At Vacationkids, Q&A blog posts are our favorites. This week, we received an email from Brandy asking us how Kids Clubs work for child care when you're on vacation.

Brandy wants to know -

I've never used a kids club before and have a few questions. How long are your children allowed to be there for, is there set hours? Do you have to pre book them in or just drop them off? Do you have to stay in the resort or can you leave? Please tell me all I'll need to know :)

Hi Brandy – Glad to help!

I will do my best to answer all of your questions here – I am assuming we’re talking mostly about all inclusive resorts here. With all inclusive resorts, their kids club/child care is complimentary and included in the price of your room…so there is no extra charge for this babysitting care.

How long are your children allowed to be there for, are there set hours?

Every hotel has their own set of rules regarding age requirements for the kids and their hours of operations. Activities, ammenities and interactivities vary with each resort. Some resorts offer everything from personal certifiedl nannies to immense waterparks. Other resorts may advertise that they have a kids club, but in reality, families will find a tired room with a few videos and board games so you do need to do your homework.

Hours of operation for kids clubs vary too. Most are open or available 7 days a week. Some kids clubs open from 9am-9pm daily; some are just open from 9am – 5pm. Still others may close for an hour or so during the middle of the day. Many resorts will schedule at least one night per week for an evening activity like supervised kids movies by the pool so that mom and dad can enjoy a romatic dinner alone.

The majority of children’s programs are geared for kids ages 4-12. Some resorts do offer baby care and some even have teen programs. Children are allowed to attend the kids club for as much or as little as they or their parents choose.

The best kids clubs keep strict rules. For example if they say all children must be completely potty trained, they mean it. Please don't expect that your 3 year old who acts very mature will be allowed to stay with their 5 year old sibling if that particular kids club starts at age 4.

Do you have to pre book them in or just drop them off?

Pre-booking for the kids club is usually not required. Hotels can tell from their room reservation lists how many children they can expect and will staff accordingly.

If you and your kids are planning on using the kids club then your family should check in there shortly after you arrive. Parents are required to visit the resort kids club and register before their children will be allowed to participate. Normally paperwork is required which needs to be filled out and signed. Of course staff will want to know if your child has any special needs, allergies, etc. After that, you can generally just drop kids off. Parents do need to accompany their children to the kids club and sign them in and out. Some clubs may allow older children to sign in and out themselves but do require parental signatures for this privlege. Many resorts offer parents cell phones/pagers so they can be easily contacted in case their child needs them.

Some clubs will give parents a list of items to send along with their child each day like sunblock, bathing suits, dry change of clothes etc. Depending on resort rules, Kids club staff may offer kid friendly meals in the kids club or escort children and assist them at the main buffet.

Children are not required to stay for the entire day or any set amount of time. They are welcome to stay for a little or long as they or their parents choose. There is a list of daily activities - games, crafts, movies cooking classes, sing a longs, shows, character visits etc. Kids may choose to participate in any or all activities.

Do Parents have to stay in the resort or can you leave?

Parents ARE required to remain on resort property while their children are in the kids club. Mom & Dad are free go to relax on the beach, head to the spa, enjoy a great meal or hang out at the pool bar but they must stay on resort property. Parents ARE NOT allowed leave to the resort to go sightseeing, scuba diving or play a round of golf off property.

Some resorts will allow parents to arrange for a one on one babysitter for child care if parents choose to leave the resort. Generally the cost is @$20 USD per hour (more if there are multiple kids or if care is late at night). Private babysitting needs to be arranged with concierge at least 24 hours in advance and paid up front.

Cruise ships, on the other hand, also have kids clubs. Most family friendly cruise lines offer Cruise Kids Clubs for all ages of children. Many cruise lines now offer infant care but do have specific age requirements and normally charge hourly for this service. Baby care on board costs @ $10/hour. Complimentary cruise kids clubs start from toddlers (ages 2-3 depending on the specific cruise line) thru teens and runs throughout the entire day. Cruise kids clubs do have organized, supervised activities for ALL ages late into the evenings but they do charge for this after hours service.

Cruise Kids Clubs DO ALLOW parents to leave the ship for excursions while leaving their kids in their child care programs. Some cruise lines even offer tween and teen only special supervised excursions while in port for an additional fee.

I hope this helps Brandi....GREAT questions BTW! I think you are going to be inspiration for one of our blog posts ;-)

Please know our staff has first hand experience with all the different kids club options. As you can see from the photos on our website, our staff personally visits all of the kids clubs we recommend. We can help you plan the right vacation package that fits your child card needs and make your reservations. Our booking services are free and can save you hours of frustration and worry.

If you care to share your vacation needs and the type of child care you require, we’re glad to help.

Cheers,

Sally Black – Founder/Mom Executive Officer

www.Vacationkids.com

610-681-7360

mom@vacationkids.com

Grown Up Vacations

Sally Black — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:18:00 GMT

OK Moms & Dads, Let's get real. Parenthood is one of the toughest and most rewarding jobs you'll ever love. It's a 24/7 committment that you've made for the next 20 or so years of your life...and for most of us, that's in addition to our day jobs. It's no wonder so many of us are walking around like burnt out zombies.

It's OK to feel a bit overwhelmed...It happens to all of us.

As parents we want to be our best at all times for our kids. But it's really hard to do that when we're burning the candle at both ends. We simply cannot be the best parents we can be when we're exhausted.

Sometimes we need a grown up vacation - a vacation from being parents!

There, I said it. I don't meant to stir the pot of controversy. It's just that sometimes, when we're so busy trying to be everything to everybody, we forget about taking care of ourselves. All of us need a break in the action to unwind and recharge our batteries. It's healthy and normal to need a little time for ourselves.

I'm not talking about running away to a deserted island until your kids are in college (although at times, this can be a very tempting thought....I'm just kidding, but we've all had "those" days). Even quick grown up weekends or a few days alone can do wonders for a change in attitude.

Of course, to really relax and recharge your batteries parents shouldn't take a guilt trip. This can be especially challenging for moms. It's ok. You deserve a guilt free mom's getaway. As much as we love them, infants are exhausting. When another person is so dependant on you for their survival, it is often hard to even think about leaving your baby in the care of another person. Just bear in mind, this is a natural process. Some moms really struggle with this and it is completely understandable. You will know when the time is right for the both of you. Do not feel guilty about it. Again you need to recharge to be the best mom you can be. Sometimes, it's as simply as a full night's sleep.

Hopefully you're the type of parents that have the support of nearby relatives or very trustworthy friends who are willing to help. A couple days at Grandma's house can be a fun adventure for the kids and a guilt free way for the two of you to enjoy a little alone time. A quiet dinner and adult conversation can do wonders for your romance.

If you don't have nearby friends or family to help with child care, then talk to your partner and work it out as a team. Perhaps Dad can be in charge while mom enjoys a girlfriend getaway. Later mom takes over while Dad has some alone time with his buddies. Again, these grown up getaways do not have to be costly or extravagant but ultimately they can be invaluable for your sanity and peace of mind.

Even if you're planning a family vacation all together with the kids, it's important to strike a balance. Talk to your vacationkids consultant and be honest if you need a little break from being a parent. We can help arrange a vacation with the right kind of child care that will be fun for the kids while giving you a well deserved break. Sometimes scheduling something as simple as allowing Dad a fishing trip or giving mom an hour off in the spa can really help to recharge the batteries.

So please, don't let the name "Vacationkids" fool you. Yes, we specialize in family vacations with the kids. But we're parent's too. As travel professionals, we also know all about those adult only spots, romantic retreats and perfect girlfriend getaway spots. Just ASK and we'd be glad to help.

Treating yourself to a grown up vacation and a little adult company can do wonders for your attitude. Allowing yourself the time to rest, relax and recharge will help you to be more balanced, healthy and ultimately the best parent you can be for your kids.