A family vacation is when a family comes together to share a wonderful travel experience; to create memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes, it works out that way. And sometimes you have travel memories you’d like to forget.

“Are we there yet?”

“I’m hungry!”

“I have to go to the bathroom!”

How many times have you heard those phrases while you’re speeding down the highway in your SUV or RV with the entire family? What about when you’re 30,000 feet in the air?

Let’s face it; taking the family on vacation can be an adventure in and of itself. Please everyone and you’ll have an enjoyable family vacation.

Before you surprise your family with a family vacation, hold a meeting to discuss it instead. Hear and listen to what your kids have to say about ‘suggested’ family vacation destinations.

Teenagers may not be thrilled to travel during [...]

The latest travel trend is grandparents traveling with grandchildren — with and sometimes without parents. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren can bond with them and create memories that will last a lifetime. Below are tips for grandparents traveling with grandchildren — follow these and you’ll have the time of your life!

Choose a travel destination that’s “right” for everyone.

It’s important to plan a family vacation that appeals to everyone; otherwise, traveling with grandchildren may not be fun. Ask your grandchildren where they’d like to go and what they’d like to do on vacation. Review all of the travel ideas and plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Air travel.

You don’t want air travel to be your first vacation with your grandchildren. However, after you’ve traveled a few times, plan a beach or adventure vacation that requires you to fly to the destination.

Tip #1: Book non-stop flights [...]

It’s September 1. School’s back in session (or will be soon.) The holidays are just around the corner. But now is the PERFECT time to start planning for next year’s family vacation getaway! Here’s why!

1. There are steals to be had!

If you pay in advance for a cabin or house rental at your favorite family beach vacation, you may be eligible for a significant discount. This means you can save tons of money.

2. You’ll have time to investigate the best deal.

If you wait until the last minute, you’ll probably pay more than you’d like for your cabin or hotel room. Instead of spending a fortune on a fun family vacation, spend wisely. Begin collecting travel magazines and compare prices.

3. You’re (almost) guaranteed the cream of the crop.

Do you feel like every year you just can’t seem to get into the resort you want? Maybe you need to start planning [...]

(To read Part I of this Travel Tips series, click on this link)

Now that you and your four-legged buddy are ready and rarin’ to go to your family vacation destination, it’s time to think about the actual travel part of the trip. Here are some areas to consider for maximum comfort and ease:

1. Planes Can Be Miserable for Pets

Many pet owners would like to believe that their dogs or cats are as comfy as they are while journeying to their family vacation destinations. However, plane travel can be tough on pets.

Ask your veterinarian for medicines to help make air travel a little calmer for your feline or canine companion. Though you may hate the thought of medicating him or her, it could be the travel tip that saves your buddy from a frantic flight.

2. Car Rides Should Include Plenty of Breaks

Are you planning to travel by car to your [...]

It’s like a dream. You’re relaxing on the beach at your family vacation destination and THERE HE IS! The superstar you love! The Hollywood glam queen whose show you never miss! You’re stunned… then you realize that if you want to do something, now is the time to take action.

Hold on there, partner.

Before your “diva” makes a getaway, remind yourself that there are several rules regarding how to deal with celebs you see while you’re on a trip. Follow them, and you’ll have a much better chance of taking home a great story from your best family vacation!

1. If the Star is Filming, Stand Back

Unless you’ve been asked to be part of a “crowd scene”, stay away from the star. You may have an opportunity later to ask him or her to sign your travel magazine (hey, what else do you have handy while at the beach or boardwalk?), but you’ll [...]

If you’re a packrat, you know it. You’ve come to terms with it. But that doesn’t mean your traveling companions will like it when you lug everything under the sun to… and from… your family vacation spot.

Here are some ways that you, as a card-carrying member of the sometimes-irritating (but ultimately lovable) packrat community, can curb your appetite for clutter while at some of the best family vacation spots on the planet.

1. Have someone else pack for you

Now, don’t freak out. Seriously consider this as a viable travel tip. After all, you know very well that if you’re packing your duds for a week at one of those wonderful Delaware condominiums, you’re likely to throw too much together. So why not allow someone else to pack on your behalf?

Just make sure that you let him or her know of things that you absolutely need, like medications. But don’t dictate how many [...]

Did you know your family has a collective “personality”?

It’s true… and that means you can plan your best family vacation ever around everyone’s aggregate likes and dislikes.

Just take this handy-dandy quiz and see whether your family should look into Canada lodging in the wilds of Saskatchewan or Delaware resorts where the pampering’s a’plenty.

1. My family is very adventurous.

a. You bet! We like excitement and lots of it!
b. Sorta… but nothing too wild and crazy, please.
c. Yeah, right. We’re stable Mabels around here.

2. My family loves to try new things.

a. From spicy foods to mountain climbing, bring it on!
b. Uh. Sometimes.
c. Not us – we like to stick with what we know!

3. My family takes plenty of pictures when on vacation.

a. Who has time to take photos when you’re parasailing or spelunking?
b. We take as [...]

Are you and your loved one planning to get hitched somewhere in the Keystone State? Maybe that Poconos getaway spot that was your family vacation destination as a kid is a place you’ve always wanted to say your vows. Or perhaps you’d love to recite your “I dos” in the City of Brotherly Love.

Regardless, it’s important to know all the marriage license and related info before you you’re your dates and book your stay at one of those awesome Pennsylvania motels, Pennsylvania condos or Pennsylvania resorts.

Here are some of the rules for getting betrothed in PA:

• It’s okay if you aren’t a resident of the state. Pennsylvania condos and resorts will still be happy to help you with your wedding!

• A marriage license will cost you, but not too much. Expect to pay around (or less than) $50. You’ll still have plenty left over to spend at [...]