Get The Family Involved

It is back to routine with the holidays behind us and cold weather hanging over our heads. The children are back in school and still talking about their winter break. Give them and yourself something fun to look forward to - your family spring break. Hard to believe, but it is just around the corner.

Whether your children are young or college age, time with the family is so valuable and a great way for you all to recharge your batteries to get ready for the tough end of school year schedule and exams.

Get the whole family involved in the trip planning process. Sit down with your family and determine your preferences. Often the best vacations center around common family interests. You can create memorable vacations that are not overly expensive. Discuss your budget and how you can work with the dollars available to plan an exciting family trip. Older children can help research the area before the trip and educate the family about the destination.

You will need to figure out what experience you want to get out of the trip before you can determine where you want to go and what options are available. Do you want your vacation to be a cultural or historic learning experience, a sun and fun relax at the beach experience, a physically active vacation, an adventure, or a chance to visit theme parks? There's a world of options out there. Whether you're ready to book or need suggestions, call HCI Travel Inc to help you.

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Top Family Spring Break Destinations

Once you have picked the type of vacation, it is time to pick where you want to go. Here are some destinations that have been voted the best family friendly spots for spring break:

• Washington, District of Columbia
• Orlando, Florida
• Naples, Florida
• Monterey Bay, California
• Galveston, Texas
• Palm Springs, California
• San Diego, California
• Lafayette, Louisiana
• Steamboat Springs, Colorado
• Aspen, Colorado
• Riviera Maya, Mexico
• Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, Mexico
• Barbados
  
  

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Tips for Family Travel on the Plane

We all know the famous question: “Are we there yet?” Traveling by plane with kids does not have to be draining. Here is a checklist to help right from the planning stages of your trip so you will arrive at your destination excited and ready to have fun.

Start by making things easier – If your budget is a little flexible, the best practice is have as few connections as possible. Book direct or non-stop flights whenever you can.

Make sure you arrive at the airport early so you are not stressed while finding parking, checking in and getting through security. Realize that traveling with young children always takes longer to walk through the airport than you expect.

Have your children carry their own bags with snack and entertainment items. Even toddlers can wear backpacks or use rolling bags and they like the responsibility. You may also want to carry on any favorite stuffed animal to avoid a problem if the checked bag gets lost.

Bring a favorite pillow to help your children sleep on the flight and on while on vacation. Airlines no longer supply everyone with pillows on flights.

Have some healthy snacks packed. Don't rely on the schedule of the flight attendants for food. Bring some paper cups and buy a bottle of water after you get through security. Some people take an empty water bottle and fill it after getting through security, saving money and the wait in line to purchase water.

Bring your own entertainment. Do not count on the movie selection being appropriate for children or being something that can hold their attention. Here are some suggestions for the different age groups:

• Older Babies and Toddlers - nested containers, sets of things to put into containers, Busy Boxes with hand activities and moving parts, board books, blanket, stuffed animal
• Pre-Schoolers - books, stickers and activity or coloring books, crayons, lap-sized wipe-off easels and pens, post-it notes, scotch tape, magnetic letters or dolls & metal tin
• Young School Age - books, comics, stickers and activity or coloring books, small magnetic puzzles, travel-size Etch-a-Sketch, Go-Fish cards, books on tape, miniature worlds: little houses with figures, hand-sized playsets, LeapFrog Leapster- fun games and assisted reading
• Older School Age - books, activity kits, blank paper for drawing, Hangman, or Xs & Os, deck of cards, travel size board games, Mastermind: a great game for age seven and up, cribbage set, small Lego sets, hand-held toys with the sound turned off, electronics (iPods, games, DVD players, used with headphones). If you do not have a DVD player, they can be rented at many airports.
  
  

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Securing Your House for Travel

 As you get ready to travel for spring break, here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.
  

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Let's Plan Your Vacation Together in 2010

I can save you hassles, money and time! Choose to book your vacation with me for:

Value: Build a vacation designed to specifically meet your needs, wants and budget.

Experience: Use my knowledge and expertise to plan your best vacation ever.

Time: Rely on my expertise and save yourself hours of time.

Thank you for your business.  Update Your Travel Preferences

Don't forget that Valentine's Day is almost here. Ask me about romantic getaways for you and your special someone.

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