There’s no doubt that frequent family travelers have a list of must-haves. But you can’t squeeze everything into a suitcase, car, or carry-on bag. Below is a list of must-haves for families that are ‘seasoned’ travelers and those who are taking their first trip.

7 Frequent Family Travel Must-Haves

A first-aid kit is a must-have for your family travel and vacation. Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Healthy family

You probably already know that it’s important to get regular checkups. Your health is a MUST-HAVE for your family travel. Traveling when you’re sick is never a good idea. You won’t have any energy and you can make the people around you sick.

It’s never a good idea to travel with with sick children.

Make sure everyone sees the doctor before you leave on your family vacation. It’s important that your family is in good health to travel. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with sickness on your vacation, and you trip will be a short one.

Toys

Family road trips can be fun! However, it’s important to bring your children’s favorite toys. Allow kids to choose one or two ‘special’ toys to bring with them. This is a great way to keep your children entertained in the air or on the road.

Snacks

Bring plenty of snacks with you. Kids often say, “I’m hungry!” This isn’t something you want to hear while you’re traveling 30,000 feet in the air. Shop for and bring nutritious snacks that will satisfy and make your kids happy.

Comforts from home

Family travel can be a pleasant experience when you bring comforts from home with you. Bring your MP3 player, iPod, iPad, favorite robe, beauty products, etc. Don’t pack too much because you don’t want to be weighed down by your luggage. Bring the essentials that will make you travel more enjoyable.

Medicines

It’s important to bring your medicines with you. Before you take your family on vacation, see your doctor and get ALL medicines refilled. Bring your doctors’ contact information with you in case you need to call your children’s pediatrician or your heart doctor.

First-aid kit (pets too)

Accidents can happen on your family vacation. Bring a first-aid kit that includes the following:

• Band-aids
• Eye care
• Antiseptic
• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinyl gloves
• Burn ointment
• Tapes, wraps, and dressings
• Tweezers
• Sharp scissors
• Cotton balls
• Styptic pencil
• Safety pins
• Thermometer
• Blankets
• Cold packs
• Splint
• Soap
• Calamine lotion
• Emergency phone numbers

Some families travel with their pets, it’s important to bring a ‘pet’ first-aid kit as well. Include the following in your ‘pet’ first-aid kit:

• Antiseptic
• Pet first-aid book
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Cotton balls
• Vinyl gloves
• Styptic pencil
• Tapes, wraps, and dressings
• Tweezers
• Sharp scissors
• Safety pins
• Pet thermometer
• Blankets
• Cotton swabs
• Splint
• Soap
• Veterinarian phone number
• Pet alert card

Camera

Family travel wouldn’t be complete without a digital camera or video recorder to capture your travel memories. Keep your camera or video recorder and its accessories in a protective case. Bring enough memory cards. Of course, you can always purchase more as you need them.

Review these “7 frequent family travel must-haves” before you take your family vacation. Happy travels!

What is your number one family travel must-have? Share.

Free Download: Travel Brochures. Start planning your family vacation now!

Related family travel must-haves articles

• 12 Travel Apps You Must Have (www.familyvacationcritic.com)
• Relaxing Family Vacation Must Haves (www.ciaomom.com)
• Why Travel Insurance is a Must-Have for Your Family Vacation (www.takingthekids.com)
• How to Take Your Family on a Family Vacation That Pleases Everyone (guestquest.com/blog)

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.

You can please everyone on your family vacation. Photo credit: Billy Alexander-Stock Exchange

Have a meeting about your 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 summer if they look forward to attending summer camp. Toddlers may not be ready for whitewater river rafting.

Ask everyone for their feedback. Hint: This shows your children that you care about what they think and feel.

Once you’ve gathered the data, choose a family vacation destination that receives the entire family’s seal of approval.

Ask family members to write (help younger kids with this) down their “top 7 vacation destinations”

This piggybacks on Point #1 about holding a family meeting about your vacation. Asking all family members to write down their top 7 travel vacation destinations is a good way to see where everyone would like to go on vacation.

Review all of the selections and narrow it down to the best location for your vacation. Keep the list of vacation destinations for next year, or plan a vacation over the holidays when kids are out of school.

Request travel brochures and guides

You can get plenty of family vacation ideas from travel brochures and guides. Most travel websites such as GuestQuest.com offers free travel brochures and guides. With a click of a button, you’ll have plenty of travel information that will help you find the best family vacation for everyone.

Speak with relatives and friends

Speaking with relatives and friends is a great way to discover a family vacation that will please everyone. Ask questions such as:

• Where did you vacation last year?
• Did you stay at a hotel or resort? Other accommodation?
• How ‘kid friendly’ was your vacation destination?
• How ‘pet friendly’ was the lodging?
• Did you have a good time?
• How much did it cost?

Read online travel reviews

TripAdvisor provides readers with reviews of vacation destinations along with ratings for accommodations. Reading reviews about family vacation destinations can help you plan yours. But, it’s important to read reviews with a keen eye. One family may have had a terrible experience, while another had the time of their life. This is where your ‘mother or father’s intuition’ kicks in. Follow your gut instinct.

Always choose the family vacation destination that’s best for you and your family. Use the above tips as a guide to planning your next family vacation. Whatever you do … have a fun family vacation. Bon voyage!

How do you choose your family vacations? Share.

Free Download: Travel Brochures. Start planning your family vacation now!

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• Activities at Georgia State Parks (traveltips.usatoday.com)
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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!

Tips for Trendy Grandparents Traveling with Grandchildren

Trendy Grandparents Travel with Grandchildren

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 vs. ones with layovers, especially if you’re traveling with small children.

Tip #2: Avoid bringing a lot of luggage. It’s best to travel with carry-on bags because it’s more convenient.

Traveling with grandchildren through the airport can be an adventure in and of itself. Bring lots of snacks and activities for small children. Teens will probably bring their iPad, iPod, laptop, and other electrical gadgets. Teach grandchildren travel etiquette and you’ll have a pleasant time flying the friendly skies. And so will the other passengers!

FYI: When grandparents travel with grandchildren, they get to teach them things such as how to fish, proper travel etiquette, how to pitch a tent, how to appreciate a sunrise and sunset, and much more.

Make plenty of stops when you take a road trip vacation.

Kids can become tired and cranky, but then again, so can adults. It’s important to stop at rest stops and or national parks when you take a road trip. Get out of the RV, car, or SUV and stretch your legs. You may even want to have a picnic lunch.

Tip #3: Breathing the fresh air will be good for everyone. Grandchildren will probably become sleepy and sleep all the way to your next destination.

Bring all required documentation and medications.

Make sure you bring the proper documentation if you travel abroad. Don’t forget to bring your medications and any medications your grandchildren may have to take.

Have fun!

Traveling with grandchildren is fun. Make sure to travel at your grandchildren’s pace and don’t force them to try activities if they don’t feel comfortable. Let them choose restaurants and fun activities such as miniature golf.

Related articles

Traveling with grandchildren (www.independenttraveler.com)

Air travel tips (grandparents.about.com)

6 tips for traveling with your grandchildren (money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2009/09/28/6-tips-for-traveling-with-your-grandchildren)

Traveling with the entire family can be an adventure in and of itself. Kids get tired and cranky as do moms and dads. Lighten up! Family travel is supposed to be enjoyable and fun. Follow the 7 rules for family travel listed below to make your next family vacation the best one yet!

Family Vacation – Don’t Break These 7 Rules for Family Travel 

Don't Wait to Plan Your Family Vacation

1. Choose a family vacation that’s right for the whole family. Before scheduling your next family vacation, vote on it. Gather everyone’s input and weigh the pros and cons of each travel vacation idea. If a vacation is vetoed, explain why. Kids need to understand that while their effort is appreciated, their vacation idea may not be feasible at this time.

2. Select the right time for a family vacation. It’s important to schedule a family vacation that works for everyone. If you kids look forward to summer camp each year, don’t schedule a vacation during this time. Gather the entire family together for a ‘vacation meeting’ and find out when everyone would like to go on vacation.

3. Pack lightly. There’s no reason to bring your entire closet with you on vacation. Besides, do you want to carry a ton of luggage? Remember this travel rule, “When in doubt, leave it out.” Smaller children should choose one or two stuffed animals or toys they’d like to bring with them. Books are always a good idea. Older kids will probably want to bring their iPod, MP3, etc. Try to convince them to leave their electronic gadgets at home. After all, it’s a vacation. Everyone is supposed to be relaxing and getting away from it all.

Tip #1: Don’t travel with full size personal care products – bring travel size products. Forget something? You can always buy it. If you can’t find your favorite products, try something new. Sometimes, it’s nice to ‘check out’ products that are popular with the locals.

Tip #2: Bring a digital camera to capture fun family vacation moments.

4. Make frequent stops on your road trip. Whether you travel by RV, car, minivan, or SUV, stop at rest stops and parks. It’s good to get out and stretch your legs – the exercise will do everyone good. Plus, smaller kids could become cranky from the long drives. The fresh air will tire them out which means they’ll sleep for most of the road trip.

5. Make copies of important travel documents. If you’re planning an overseas trip, make sure everyone has their passports. Make copies of pertinent travel documents such as credit cards, passports, driver’s licenses, itinerary, and other documents. Give copies to a trusted family member or friend (at home) and keep a copy with you when you travel.

6. Bring snacks. Keep children happy by packing their favorite snacks, but make sure you bring plenty with you. If you run out, you can always buy more.

7. Have fun! If children start to fight, whine, or complain, turn those frowns upside down with a hug and smile. Laughter really is the best medicine!

What are your family’s rules when you travel? Share.

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With so many choices, it’s nice to know you have a friend in GuestQuest.

(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 do to get rid of all that natural energy!

CAPRICORN

In a nutshell: You are a traditionalist, so think back to your childhood. Were there any places you loved to head every summer? Perhaps a beach house along the shores of Delaware?

AQUARIUS

In a nutshell: You are definitely into humanitarian causes, so why not choose a fun family vacation location that also affords you the chance to help others? There are plenty of locales where you can relax while doing something that’s important to you, too.

PISCES

In a nutshell: You are very spiritual, so why not find a family vacation destination where you can feel closer to nature, a higher power or just yourself? Whether on the beach or in the middle of a city, you have the power to find serenity.

So… are you excited yet?

Then it’s time to get out there and explore a new family vacation destination in 2008! Just jump to GuestQuest to get started.

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 many as the next family, thank you very much.
c. We are pic-a-holics! Wanna see our many albums of last year’s Michigan family vacation?

4. My family members change everything – hairstyles, clothing styles, paint, you name it – frequently.

a. Yep, my hair’s pink… this week.
b. Some of us do, some of us don’t.
c. Nothing changes around here. We even buy the same number of bananas at the store every week for consistency.

YOUR IDEAL BEST FAMILY VACATION SPOTS:

If you answered mostly As:

Your family’s middle name is EXCITEMENT. For fun family vacations, make sure you’re never far from adventure. Whether you go to the beach or the mountains, you’ll be sure to find something titillating and memorable to do!

If you answered mostly Bs:

Your family prefers TRANQUILITY WITH SURPRISES. Perhaps some family beach vacations would suit you well, especially if they are close to amusement parks or interesting historical sites.

If you answered mostly Cs:

TRADITIONAL best describes your clan. Therefore, your family vacation destination needs to be somewhere relaxing and calm. Why not try a place like one of those amazing Florida condominiums where you can let others take care of the little “stuff” and you can just enjoy being with your brood.

Want some more ways to decide upon your best family vacation destination?

Next time, GuestQuest will see if the answers to the trip of your dreams might be in the stars…