Family travel is becoming more and more popular. The
majority of those who travel with children is the Generation X'ers in the
age range of 26 to 39, and 4 out of every 10 travelers are grandparents
traveling with their grandchildren.
Children more and more are playing an influential role
in the travel destination decision making. The children's interest seems
to be an important factor for parents. Although the majority of the travel
dates revolve around the children's school vacations more and more evidence
is showing up that parents are willing to take their children out of school
for short periods of time for trips to avoid higher fares and less congestion.
Travel brings the family closer together. You come home with memories that
you can share for years to come.
Parents want more educational destinations for their
children as well as a wide variety of activity. Encouraging your children
to join in the researching of vacation destinations and travel routes makes
them feel like important members of the "family planning team." Use as many
resources as possible to trigger your planning discussions. The more that
your kids research and discover things, the more it becomes their vacation.
Get them to look through brochures and write down places they'd like to
visit and why. Have them go to their school library and research the destination
they most want to see. Not only do they feel like it's their vacation, but
you are helping them to read and write. But shhhh, don't tell them that.
That's our little secret.
Parents who are planning a trip often ask about the benefits
of traveling with kids. They're thinking about the language skills their
kids might pick up, or the opportunities to expose them to art and culture.
But talking with them upon their return, it turns out the benefits are often
very different than these mothers and fathers expected. These parents discovered
that family travel allowed them to gain a new respect and understanding
for their children and to feel closer as a family. I often find them happier
and encouraged to book their next trip immediately upon their return home.
Recently I worked with a family that was really excited
to find out that Europe was not out of reach since a lot of the tour companies
are now catering specifically to the 'family market'. Globus was a good
choice for them since they easily mark out specific departures that are
most suitable for families. These departures are a relief to the family
traveler as well as non family traveler alike. Families now can feel confident
that there will be other children on these trips and that they will be able
to relax and enjoy the trip as much as the children. Other tour companies
such as Tauck Bridges also offer family focused itineraries. National Parks
and Dude Ranches are an educational and fun way to travel with kids. Malibu
Ranch, in Milford, Pennsylvania, is on a thousand acres of forested land
in the Pocono's just 75 miles from New York City. It is the oldest working
Dude Ranch in the East. Kids can go horseback riding, swim, fish, or take
on pinball. Many of the ranches have children's programs and we can help
you find them. In fact, we can help you with any vacation you and your children
would like to take.
'Have Kids' Still Travel!!' It's a catchy slogan isn't
it' Having children doesn't have to mean either you stay home or you find
a sitter. Practically anywhere you want to go, the kids can go to, and they
probably want to. It's easier and more fun then you may think. Keep watching
for more articles on family focused travel vacations.
