STOP THE INSANITY! EXPERT TIPS TO A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY VACATION

By Eileen Ogintz, family travel expert and author of the syndicated column “Taking the Kids”

     One-third of kids polled around the country say they have used the Web to help plan a family vacation.  Other research states that millions of teens have actually bought a plane ticket or hotel room online.  Why are we surprised?

     Kids are often the most adept Web browsers in the family. They routinely use the Internet to do homework, communicate with friends and plan their weekend activities.  Why not enlist them to help plan a vacation?  Besides, the real secret to a successful family vacation is happy kids.  If the kids are happy, everyone will be happy.

    Solicit the kids’ opinions from the beginning.  Do they want a mountain or beach vacation? Sightseeing or adventure? That’s not to say kids will make the final decision, but even six year olds have an opinion.  After all, a family vacation is, by definition, something every member of the family will enjoy.  Invite the kids to research online where they’d like to go and what to do when you get there. Help younger kids at the computer.  You’ll be surprised at some of the things they’ll suggest, and how much they’ll learn in the process.  Once the decision is made, make sure everyone has a say in the itinerary.  Permit each child in the family to plan one day of the vacation.

    You deserve a break, too, and even a little romance.  It just requires more planning.  Opt for a roomy vacation rental and you can take your favorite sitter along.  Invite the grandparents and ask if they will agree to babysit on occasion.  Travel with another couple with young children the same age so that you can swap child care duties and share expenses.

    If you do opt to vacation with others, be clear from the beginning how you will divide costs. Note if one family needs more bedrooms or insists on the bigger bedroom.  Remember the cardinal rule of travelling with multiple families: Parents may only discipline their own children. No criticism allowed of kids’ behavior, parents’ jobs, or family dynamics, either.    

    Finally, as with all travel, keep your sense of humor.  You’ll need it!