family vacation tips....or bust

Planning a family vacation sometimes makes you wonder 'why did we decided to do this anyway?' But, once you reach your destination, you will find your answer. So, here are a few ideas to help smooth out the bumps ahead.....

1. With global positioning systems (GPS) taking over paper maps, the room for direction mishaps are growing. Don't always rely on your GPS. Even though it more and likely will guide your to your destination, remember that outdated directions, misnamed streets, and detours will only get you lost.
If you are a AAA member, always remeber to pick up a TripTik travel planner. Just in case.
For more info. on GPS mishaps visit http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?articleID=20080329_5_E4_spanc44056.

2. Turn your vacation planning into a responsiblity lesson for your kids. This works best if you are planning a year or more ahead.
Take a canning jar, or another container that has a lid. Let your kid decorate it how ever they like. (glitter, paint, magazine cutouts, markers, and stickers are all good ideas) Then, use the jar for your child to save up their money in over that time period. Make sure they know that this is their money they will be able to spend over the vacation and it does not get touched until the vacation. Depending on how you carry it out, you child may get more than one lesson out of it.

3. Money management could be difficult on vacation. The best way I found to keep track of everything is to bring a notebook and tape, so that you can tape in all of your recipts and then make notes for yourself on exactly what the recipt was for. This way there will not be any " where did that $20 go?" when you get back to your hotel at night.

4. Going to the beach has one outcome: seashells. To make sure they don't end up in a trash can at the next gas station (because a their smell took over the car), pack some clorox with you. Make sure that is in an old container, and in a sealed plastic bag.
To deoteroize your shells, fill a sink with water and partial clorox mixture. Let your shells soak over night. This way, your shells will make it home.

5. Something many people don't think of until their glasses floated out to sea, is to bring a copy of your eyeglass perscription with them. Don't let your entire vacation be ruined!

These are only a few ideas to help you out just a bit. More is too come!!!