When people go on family vacation getaways, they tend to let their guards down. And for many adults, that can result in an unexpected “souvenir”: a baby!

Of course, if you’re going to a Tennessee log cabin or South Carolina resort or this purpose, it isn’t a problem. (Many people actually take trips to become “with child”!) But if you are already satisfied with the size of your brood, remember these two travel tips:

1. Bring your medications with you. If you get to your North Carolina lodging and realize you’ve forgotten them, you can often get an emergency prescription called [...]

If you’re sporting a belly bump (or will soon be a member of this ultra chic club), congratulations!

No matter what kind of family vacation getaway you’re interested in taking this year, make sure you indulge and enjoy before Baby comes.Of course, that’s easier said than done.

For many women, carrying around an extra 20 or more pounds is anything but relaxing. That’s why it’ll behoove you to plan your fun family vacations this year with the mama in mind.

Take it Easy on the Tourism

Pregnancy makes a gal tire fairly easily, especially during the last trimester. Her feet hurt, her back hurts and she probably needs a restroom more frequently than before she heard the good news.

Consequently, it’s important to make sure that wherever you go – whether it’s to a Florida vacation condo or one of those super fine New York [...]

For far too many people, coming back from their fun family vacations means having a rude awakening with The Scale.

In fact, plenty of individuals find themselves bringing home extra “souvenirs” from their (otherwise) best family vacations – pounds of unwanted fat.

If you tend to add girth to your middle or inches to your thighs during your family vacation getaway experiences, take heart. There are absolutely plenty of ways to lose weight during your trip without feeling like you’re “working out”. Here’s how!

1. Choose An Efficiency or Rental Home

Heading to one of those fine Alabama hotels? See if the one you have in mind offers efficiency suites.

When you’re given a place to store and prepare food, it makes it easier to cook healthy, nutritious meals. And shopping in a different grocery store can actually be kind of fun – you’ll find out where all those residents of your fave family vacation [...]

The price of gas may be sky-high, but that doesn’t have to mean your 2008 family vacation getaway is relegated to walking down the block and having a barbeque with the neighbors. Here, we’ll look at some ways to save moolah on your next holiday trip by being wise about gasoline.

1. Curb your appetite for speed

Have a “Lead Foot Larry” at the wheel? Ask him or her to slow down as you’re driving to your family vacation destination. The closer to the speed limit you get, the more efficiently your automobile will run.

2. Rent or borrow a car

Do you own a truck or an SUV? If you’re traveling to Georgia lodging from your home in Virginia or driving to one of those gorgeous Kentucky resorts from the northwest, consider renting or borrowing a fuel-efficient car. Sure, you’ll have to pack a little lighter… but who needs seventeen pairs of shorts, anyway?

So you’re a procrastinator?

Well, you’re not alone. According to a survey by Pies Steel (an HR prof at the University of Calgary), a whopping 95% of individuals admit to procrastinating. However, contrary to popular belief, you can snag last-minute fun family vacation deals. Here’s how to prepare for a trip with less than two weeks (that’s fourteen short days, folks) before “lift off”…

Days 1-2: Pick Your Destination

Of course, we suggest you jump over to GuestQuest to pick a family vacation destination, but if you’d rather do a Google search, that’s your prerogative. Generally, if you are planning your vacation with less than a month before traveling, it’s best to choose a locale that won’t require you to get special shots or fill out tremendous amounts of paperwork.

Days 3-5: Get on the Phone

It’s time to play The Negotiator, a la William Shatner. Once you’ve looked through all your vacation guides and [...]

Just for fun, our last two posts contemplated ways to arrange for your best family vacation ever according to your astrological sign. So let’s delve into another unconventional planning possibility this week on our GuestQuest blog:

• Figuring out WHEN to go on vacation depending upon your biorhythms.

“What in blue blazes are biorhythms?”

We’re glad you asked!

The theory behind biorhythms says that every person has cyclical “ups” and “downs” and that these can be predicted. Typically, the primary biorhythms discussed are those governing intelligence, physical ability, and emotions; however, there are supposedly secondary (and possibly tertiary) biorhythms as well.

These biorhythms can be predicted based on your date of birth. Each biorhythm has its own cycle – the intellectual one is every 33 days; the physical one each 23 days; and the emotional every 28 days. Occasionally, they all peak… or tank… together.

“So what does this have to [...]

(This is part ii in our series exploring the possible connection between experiencing the best family vacation of your life by considering your astrological sign!)

LIBRA

In a nutshell: You are very open-minded and can usually find the best in any situation. So if you’re going to be on vacation with many people, you may find yourself being the negotiator or decider for the whole group.

SCORPIO

In a nutshell: You are an intense individual, and you like to get your way. You may need to pick a place from the get-go that you know everyone is going to like. Try a family vacation hotspot that’s hard for others to refuse, like condos in North Carolina or a Florida vacation condo.

SAGITTARIUS

In a nutshell: You’re a fun-loving sort who craves adventure. Since it’s doubtful you want to sit around all the time at your family vacation destination, make sure there’s plenty for you to [...]

Could astrology play a role in planning your next fun family vacation (or trip alone)?

Though we’re not soothsayers here, we’re not willing to completely deny that, for the right people, planning a great family vacation getaway might just be “in the stars”!

Know your sign?

Then check out our handy dandy guide (which is for entertainment purposes only, of course!) and see where you might want to go this spring, summer or fall.

ARIES

In a nutshell: You’re a pretty fiery person who is adventurous. So when you look through your vacation guides, ask yourself if each place has enough to keep you busy.

TAURUS

In a nutshell: Loyalty runs through your blood, so you may want to find a vacation spot that hearkens back to your earlier years. There’s nothing wrong with nostalgia! (Go through old pictures to help jog your memory.)

GEMINI

In a nutshell: You’re sociable (if mercurial at times), so [...]