How to plan a family vacation

Planning a family vacation with the kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. These days, the options for planning are limitless --- from working with a travel agent to simply going online, you can do as much - or as little - of the legwork as you want. In fact, the best part about the planning process is that there are many deals to be found year-round that won't break the bank! In fact, the trickiest part isn't how much you will spend, though it may seem like much of the dough being shelled out is from Daddy Savings & Trust. It will be trying to pinpoint a location that satisfies everyone in your family, from you and the missus to the kids, particularly if there are vast differences in age. So, where do you begin when it's time to plan the vacation of your family's dreams? Read on for tips: 1. Decide on a general theme: Are you looking for something outdoorsy, like camping or hiking? Or do you and your family tend to trend towards theme park vacations? Or, would you enjoy the opportunity to chill out on an island somewhere in the Caribbean? Figuring this out is a huge step in the right direction. Just remember, wherever you go, you need to check ahead of time to make sure it's kid-friendly. If you are living in a constant state of indecision, consider these ideas: If you want wilderness, there is no better place to get it than these outdoor hotspots: · The Grand Canyon --- There are a bunch of different trails and smaller parks that are great for hiking, finding artifacts and learning about the culture that surrounds this vast gorge of colorful rock and clay. · The Everglades --- Here you can see plenty of different types of water-based wildlife, including massive alligators, birds, snakes and more. For a fun aside, take a kayaking adventure through some of the wetlands for an up-close view. If you and your family have decided to brave the theme parks, check out: · Disney World -Your kids will thank you as they get to ride all of the majestic rides, feast on the tasty (read: overpriced) food and score numerous souvenirs for an unforgettable vacation! · Six Flags --- Six Flags has always been the spot to go for theme-park junkies who want the ultimate experience: racing coasters, high-flying water rides, unique heart-stopping ride action and more. If your kids like adventure, then a Six Flags location is a great option. If the islands are in fact beckoning, try: · Nassau, Bahamas - One of the more family-friendly islands in the Caribbean, whether you cruise here or just come to take in the island life, your family will enjoy the quiet, low-key island nature and perfect expanse of beach. · The U.S. Virgin Islands --- Fairly easy on the wallet, your family can snorkel, dive or just enjoy spending time in the clear ocean. Most hotels offer a smattering of water sports for the kids and some quiet areas for adults. 2. Involve the kids in the process: Give them something to do by putting them in charge of something. It does not have to big a huge task --- it could be something as small as keeping track of luggage tags or taking photos throughout the trip. Making them feel useful in turn makes them feel even more integrated into the trip. 3. Figure out your transportation options: In the words of Dr. Seuss, will you travel on a bus? In a car? On a plane? On a train? Getting there is half the fun, so decide together, keeping your budget and travel specifics in mind. For example, if you and your family are carrying along a significant amount of luggage, a bus may not be the best option. If you are looking to get to your destination quickly, a train or boat ride is probably not a good choice either. 4. Do your research: Once you have decided on the location, assign everyone a research category for your destination. Perhaps your kids can be in charge of finding out what the weather will be like. Your wife can get the scoop on any local festivals or gatherings. You can find out if there are any great sporting or outdoors events. If you are headed to the Great Outdoors, this may be your chance to find the fishing tournament of your dreams. Knowing what your options are will help you plan every aspect of your vacation with everyone's happiness in mind. 5. Book smart: When you decide where to go, invest some time in researching a hotel that offers something for everyone in the family. Swimming pools and/or water play areas are great for kids and offer hours of fun, no matter what age. A hot tub or spa will almost guarantee a back massage for your wife. A restaurant in the hotel with HD flat screen TVs and a large variety of beer on tap is enough to make any red-blooded male happy. It is not hard to find a place to stay that makes everyone happy, it just takes some time and research and the Internet makes that a painless, easy process. Just remember that no matter which vacation spot you choose, the best part about the trip should be the memories you create as a family. After all, even the best planned vacation can have its highs and lows. However, the quality time you spend together doing fun activities makes the trip worthwhile. For more ideas, visit: Orbitz's Family Vacation Page All Traveling Kids Family Vacations FamilyTravel.com