PLANNING A FOOL-PROOF
FAMILY VACATION
By Cheryl Gochnauer
Cheryl@homebodies.org
Copyright 2001
Attention, all you folks waving boarding passes!
You've got your tickets in hand, but there's
still a lot to do before you catch that cruise or ride off
into the Rockies. Grab a highlighter and check the list below
to make sure you're really ready to head out the door.
CHART YOUR COURSE. What's the
agenda once you dock, land or pull in the driveway?
* Call the local chamber of commerce and have
an information packet mailed to you, or research your destination
on the Internet.
* If you're taking the kids, is on-site childcare
available so you can enjoy some quiet time with your spouse?
* See if there's an Entertainment coupon book
or similar money-savers available for the area you're visiting.
Also, check with your spouse's employer to see if any discounts
are available through work.
LOAD 'EM UP AND MOVE 'EM OUT.
What do you really need to take?
* If an item costs the same there as here, buy
it there. Now you only have to pack it one-way.
* It's the little things that count - like the
hidden extra car key, the emergency credit card, the baby's
prime pacifier. Don't, however, bring an irreplaceable favorite
toy. Losing it will doom a trip.
* Stock the kids' backpacks with small toys,
crayons, notebooks, games and disposable cameras.
GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN.
Or not, depending upon planning.
* Coincide nap time with drive time whenever
possible.
* When driving, schedule stops at regular intervals.
Get out a Frisbee or football to toss around. Encourage kids
to run, jump, scream - anything to wear them out and increase
that aforementioned nap time.
* Carry cold drinks and snacks in a small cooler.
* Outfit each of your travelers with a personal
tape recorder with headphones; check out books on tape from
the library.
* If your vehicle accommodates a TV/VCR combo,
you are truly blessed.
PREPARING FOR TAKEOFF. Before
they fly the friendly skies, know your airline's rules on
children traveling alone.
* How much extra will they charge for keeping
an eye on Junior?
* Make sure the person picking up your child
has proper identification.
* Visit the airport before the actual travel
day to minimize pre-flight jitters. Watch planes taking off;
introduce kids to uniformed airport personnel. Go over safety
rules.
* Stock their carry-on bag with fresh fruit
and snacks. Include medications, health insurance cards, eyeglasses
and money.
If your kids are staying home with a sitter
or are traveling with others, do some role-playing to let
children know exactly how you expect them to behave.
* Use pre-paid phone cards to ease separation
anxiety. Encourage kids to call whenever they wish.
* Pop cheerful postcards in the mail. Time one
to arrive your first day apart.
* Sneak gifts into their bags, like a new set
of pajamas or a book.
SPILLS, PILLS AND CHILLS. Always
provide complete medical information whenever you leave the
kids, including a list of their doctors and medications.
* Provide children's insurance cards and a notarized
power of attorney.
* Write down directions to the doctor's office
and emergency room.
* List any allergies and dosages for medications.
* Furnish caregiver with a small first-aid kit,
including pain/fever reducer, adhesive strips and ointment.
YOUR HOME'S ALONE. Remember
to protect your property while you're gone. One of the best
burglary deterrents is a house that appears occupied.
* Set interior and exterior lights, radios and
televisions on timers.
* Don't put your mail or newspaper delivery
on hold. Instead, have a neighbor pick them up for you. The
fewer people who know you're gone, the better off you are.
* Make arrangements to have your walk and driveway
shoveled if it snows.
* Consider hiring a housesitter to stop by a
few times a day to open and shut blinds, water plants, and
tend to pets.
Are you a cat lover? Try installing motion sensors.
As the cat passes from room to room, it will trigger some
lights, making it confusing for a burglar scoping out your
house.
CHECK YOUR LIST AND AWAY YOU GO.
Keep these tips in mind to make your holiday vacationing run
as smoothly as possible.
