FAMILY TRAVEL

       BY CLAY LARROY

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be the most rewarding experience and for that reason I am posting articles about family travel.

Family Vacation On A Budget

By Anders Abadie

A family vacation is a great bonding experience for all members of the clan. In today's tight economic times, many families are on strict budgets. They may think they simply can't afford vacations but that is just not true. It's important to have time off from the daily grind of work and school in order to laugh, bond, and de-stress. Think the kids don't have stress in their lives? Think again. Academic deadlines, homework, and peer pressure can weigh on the younger set just like parents' responsibilities of work and housework. With a bit of creativity, families can have lots of fun without breaking the bank account.

Inexpensive hotels can work for road trips around the country. Basic hotel chains have everything that's absolutely necessary to house the gang while away from home. Beds, bathrooms, Internet capabilities, TVs, and climate control can be found in the most modest of hotel rooms. By toting along an ice chest, meals can be inexpensive as well. A family can travel around and see many sights for free or cheap. State and national parks have hiking, museums, and other activities for manageable fees. Souvenirs can be as simple and low cost as photographs and dried wildflowers picked along the way.

Camping is another way to have a memorable family vacation on a shoestring budget. Sure, the camping gear costs some dollars upfront but it can be purchased second hand or at thrift shops. It can also be rented if Mom, Dad, and the kids want to try out the adventure before investing in tents, sleeping bags, and lanterns. Most kids will relish the thought of sleeping outside in nature and inviting a few wild animals into their life experience. It's wise to research areas to make sure there aren't bears or mountain lions lurking in the vicinity but having a face-to-face meeting with deer, woodpeckers, and raccoons can be something the kiddos will talk about for years.

Staycation is an even cheaper way of staging a family vacation without the cost of outside lodging. How is it done? The clan blocks off a week of time that will be solely dedicated to recreation. From morning till night, visits to museums and/or park within driving distance are scheduled. Many families get so caught up in their busy lives that they never get around to visiting the local sights such as the zoo or breathtaking national park in their region. Families don't have to board planes or trains to get away from it all and have an adventure. They can stay home and staycation at the same time.

A family vacation can be the glue that holds the clan together during busier, more stressful times of the year. Planning one or two vacations a year can alleviate stress and create a more harmonious group. Getaways don't have to be expensive but they are worth their weight in gold.

There are plenty of great options to choose from when planning your new orleans family vacation. To learn more about all the great sites available, visit http://www.auduboninstitute.org.

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“Not all those who wander are lost” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Travel and create wonderful memories for your family!