How taking a vacation can make you healthier

Dreaming of taking a vacation? Counting the days until you have time off from work? Or is FOMO (fear of missing out) keeping you available 24/7?

American workers are known for not taking advantage of earned time off. According to the 2018 State of the American Vacation report from the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of workers in the country have unused paid vacation days. In fact, they are taking about one less week of vacation annually than they did in the mid-1970s.

Are Americans afraid that their co-workers will get more props for staying on the job? More raises or promotions? Better projects? Do they feel irreplaceable? Alert: No one is! So, let’s look at important reasons to take back earned time off.

Vacations are like medicine for your body, mind, and soul. For example, if you’re at risk for heart disease, skipping vacation time makes you 30 percent more likely to have a heart attack than folks who took time off during the year. Foregoing time off can also increase risk for anxiety, depression, obesity, and insomnia. Women are especially vulnerable for stress-related illnesses like these. So, vacations can improve wellness and keep you healthy long-term.

You need to give your brain a break. Instead of constantly focusing on work projects, taking time to focus on new activities, scenery, people, or cultures can provide increased motivation when you return to your job. This leads to greater job satisfaction because you’ll feel less stressed and happier—attitudes which will help you do your job even better.

Vacations can be a time to have fun and to bond with family or friends. Leaving daily distractions behind allows you to focus on enjoying the people in your life instead of harboring negative emotions from the daily frenzy that many families live in. Allow yourself to uncover a fresh sense of adventure, curiosity, and appreciation for your surroundings.

Travel can help unlock these physical and mental health benefits by engaging our bodies and minds in new activities or mindfulness. Improvement happens when you step away from routine and allow yourself to experience a different level of satisfaction. Leisure time to set a different pace, free from tension, and full of inspiration can be a healthy reset that reaps great benefits for both personal and work lives.

So, take that vacation. Whether you travel near or far is not as important as that you simply get away!

Photos from free sources

 

The poetry of Bryce Canyon National Park

The National Park Service brochure describes Bryce Canyon as “Poetry in Stone.” As I started to write this post I couldn’t think of a more apt description. You may think about poetry in soft, esoteric terms, the exact opposite of hard, static stone. But the vistas in Bryce are deceptive; the landscape is constantly changing.

Whether you are standing on the rim in a crisp morning sky, observing shadows while walking along trails in bright sunlight, or enjoying the kaleidoscope of colors at sunset, your memory will be etched with different scenes from this dynamic national park in southern Utah.

In addition to daily changes, weathering and erosion continue to shape the striking rock formations. Between 55 and 40 million years ago, Utah was a mountain-encircled basin, and the area was full of water. For millions of years, rivers deposited sediments, mostly dissolved limestone, into a system of large lakes. As the Colorado Plateau began to rise 20 million years ago, the lakes dried up. Layers of rock emerged, and formed multi-layered cliffs.

Today, frost-wedging—when snow and ice melt seeps into fractures in rocks—is a more important erosion factor than flowing water. When it re-freezes, it expands and cracks surrounding rocks; thin walls called “fins” break away. Frost-wedging further enlarges cracks in the fins, creating holes or windows. 

Eventually the top may collapse, leaving a column. Rain continues to sculpt these limestone pillars into spires called hoodoos, formations for which Bryce is famous. As time goes by, new hoodoos emerge while others become reduced to lumps of clay. 

Knowing how the enormous forces of nature created Bryce Canyon can help visitors appreciate its unique beauty, but a geology lesson isn’t necessary to enjoy the gorgeous multi-colored sandstone canyons, windows, and hoodoos.

We left Zion National Park and drove just two hours to Bryce. Our first stop was at the Visitor Center for an overview of the park. At Zion, you look up to view imposing rock formations; at Bryce you look down into the canyons.

From the Visitor Center we set out to drive the 18-mile paved road, stopping at noted overlooks along the way. During the summer, a free shuttle follows the plateau rim with stops at popular sites. More than 65 miles of hiking trails, most starting from overlooks, take visitors down into the canyon for a closer look at hoodoos.

Because we only had one day to spend in the park but wanted to go deeper into the canyon, we decided to do the Navajo Loop Hike from Sunset Point. We chose the Wall Street path filled with lots of switchbacks that descended 800 feet. Although the trail is 1.3 miles round trip, it seems much longer because of the steep inclines and switchbacks. But that’s what makes it so breathtaking at every turn that we were snapping photos almost constantly. We couldn’t resist each new sight filled with red, white, pink, brown, tan, and white formations.

We saw spectacular formations--many have been given names—and walked through narrow passageways and tunnels on our downhill trek. Of course, since we walked down, the return was uphill on more switchbacks. Some people get short-winded because of the elevation (signs at every overlook record the elevation, which gets over 9,000 feet at Rainbow Point), but stopping to take photos provides an easy rest.

As we returned to the Visitor Center, we stopped at Inspiration Point and Sunrise Point, two overlooks that had been too crowded earlier in the afternoon.  That can happen in summer or even in September, as we experienced. Other viewpoints along the road include Fairview Point, Natural Bridge, Agua Canyon, and Ponderosa Canyon.

From April through October days are pleasant and nights are cool. You may start out wearing a jacket but shed layers at mid-day. Stargazing at night is popular because of the high elevation, clean dry air, and lack of light pollution. No matter what time of day you visit, it’s easy to become mesmerized by the variety of hues, shifting shadows, and sheer enormity of the massive rock formations.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Cruise the Caribbean--perfect destination for families

More ships cruise the Caribbean islands than any other region in the world. No wonder--Caribbean cruises treat families to crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, abundant water sports, kayaking and zip lining, and duty-free shopping, and non-stop entertainment for all ages.

Caribbean cruises are great family vacations.

Caribbean cruises are divided into three regions: Western, Southern, and Eastern Caribbean cruises. In the Western Caribbean you can see Mayan ruins on Mexico's Yucatan coast, snorkel in the barrier reef off the coast of Belize, swim with sting rays or lounge on Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach. Roatan, Honduras is a relatively new, clean, and uncluttered port that shares the barrier reef and has an interior jungle landscape.

Because so many people cruise the Caribbean islands, you'll find the most competitive pricing and the best per-diem rates on a Caribbean cruise. You’ll also find four or five day cruises, if you’re short on time. Special offers like lower deposits, kids sail free, shipboard credits, and free shore excursions are popular enticements.

Great vacation for families

Caribbean cruises are particularly kid-friendly, making them ideal for family getaways (grandparents included). Most ships have children's programs, youth counselors, and children's activity centers that can be life-savers for parents and help guarantee that everyone has the most fun possible.  

Many ships have popular kid attractions like water slides.

Cruising provides an all-inclusive vacation. The best part, especially if you’re traveling with children, is you only have to unpack once. If you have teens who want some independence, tourching base is easy enough on a ship. Plus the Caribbean is blessed with balmy, pleasant weather year round, making it family-friendly for holiday cruises, spring break, or summer time.

Best time to go

Anytime!  If you like to swim, snorkel, or do other water activities, the Caribbean is ideal. The weather is almost always warm, Caribbean ports have activities year-round, and ships sail throughout the year. The only time you might choose to avoid is hurricane season from June 1 to November 1, which is officially hurricane season, but if no storms are on the horizon, summer is a great time to enjoy Caribbean islands.

Exploring Mayan ruins on a shore excursion in the Caribbean.

Of course, cruise ships can be packed with kids and teens during spring break and in early summer, so keep that in mind. That’s great if you're traveling with kids or grandkids who make friends easily.  However, if you’re flying into a popular port like Florida around spring break, flights and hotels may be hard to find or expensive.

During  “shoulder season,” late April to May and September to early January (except for holidays), prices are lower and crowds smaller on Caribbean sailings. Sailings longer than seven days generally attract mature cruisers because kids are generally in school and parents may not be able take so much time off work.

Cruising with kids

Families larger than four people will require adjoining rooms or a suite. But that has the advantage of more room to move around and store items as well as the possibility of some privacy for parents. Dining rooms typically accommodate young children with faster service and special menu items. Or choose casual buffet restaurants which serve the same items, allowing adults to sample fine cuisine while children nosh on familiar foods.

More fun for children on cruise ships.

If you need to travel on specific days, take advantage of early booking discounts, which are offered when you place a deposit as much as 18 months prior to your travel date. Plan shore excursions as a family and book online before you set sail.

Consider a shorter cruise, if it’s your first time. Kids will stay excited throughout, and it will be over before boredom has time to set in. Set a budget, and be sure kids know what they can charge (cruise cards act like credit cards) and what is off-limits. Or inactivate your kids’ cruise cards so they can’t run up your tab on unapproved expenses.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Swap Disney for a dude ranch family vacation

Are your kids begging for a Disney vacation?  But all you can think about are long lines, overcrowded parks, and high expenses?  

While amusement and theme parks are an easy solution for family vacations, there are other magical travel options that can offer exposure to new activities, interaction with nature, and discovery of culture and history outside of most families’ normal comfort zones.

As the original all-inclusive destination for families, a dude or guest ranch guarantees plenty of family bonding time creating memories that will last a lifetime. Dude ranches give families the opportunity to challenge their bodies, minds and spirits in some of the most breathtaking areas in the U.S., with a myriad of outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, cattle roping, horseback riding, zip lines, ATV riding and whitewater rafting.

Night time excitement at A Bar A Guest Ranch in Wyoming

Check out these five dude ranches and see why they are great alternatives to Disney:

Explore and play.

Located along the banks of the North Platte River in the heart of southern Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Mountains, A Bar A Guest Ranch is one of the oldest and largest dude ranches in the country, with nearly 100,000 acres for guests to explore. The ranch is a paradise for children, with activities including horseback riding, fishing, soccer, arts and crafts, music and drama, swimming, tennis, and educational games, such as cork boat and sack races. Teenagers enjoy tubing down the river and golf before enjoying a family dinner cooked outside over an open fire.  

Reconnect with nature on horseback 

Rustic yet replete with modern amenities, Rainbow Trout Ranch caters to children of all ages. Located near several historic Spanish land grants in Antonito, Colorado, Rainbow Trout is surrounded by the spectacular San Juan Mountains. Ride horses, catch trout, hike to an overlook, and relax. Kids ages six and older – known on the ranch as “Cowpokes” – are given their own horse for the week, and “Buckaroos” – children ages three to five – are led on short rides by ranch counselors.

Having fun together is important at Drowsy Water Ranch in Colorado

Learn to work as a team 

Drowsy Water Ranch, situated 90 miles west of Denver, Colo., has programs for children from infants to teenagers, along with plenty of activities for parents and grandparents. Ditch technology for outside activities like obstacle courses, zip lining, swimming, hiking, archery and rafting. Then head to the main lodge for games, browsing the library or visiting with new friends.

Relax, rejuvenate and reconnect in style 



Spectacular scenery, outdoor
adventures, and upscale
accommodations await families
in Mountain Sky Guest Ranch.

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch sits on over 10,000 operational acres of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of Yellowstone Country in Emigrant, Montana. The ranch combines outdoor adventures for the entire family and the comforts of an upscale resort in the region’s most spectacular location. Families enjoy breathtaking views and fine dining in a luxury environment. From a crisp morning hike to rafting down the Yellowstone River to horseback rides through acres of meadows, there’s something for everyone. End the day with a mealtime horseback ride, where you’ll be treated to tasty barbecue, learn to dance with the wranglers, and sing western songs around the campfire. 

One-of-a-kind fishing adventures

4UR Ranch provides an all-inclusive family vacation adventure in Mineral County, Colorado. Try your hand at fly fishing with access to some of the finest waters around, including a private tailwater trout stream, trophy ponds, and both sides of the legendary Rio Grande River. The ranch’s staff sees to the kids’ needs and adventures while the parents are hiking, horseback riding, or fishing. From nature explorations, to soaking in the hot springs, to a round of golf at nearby Rio Grande Club – there’s plenty of adventure to suit everyone.

Information and photos courtesy of Sara Beth Doherty, Dude Ranchers’ Association

 

Estes Park, Colorado: perfect mountain getaway

Fall is a glorious time around the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

You could say Estes Park, Colorado, grew up in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park. With four roads and two entrances leading visitors from Estes Park to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s natural to assume that’s the reason most people find themselves in town. Yet, that’s just part of the picture.

Surrounded on three sides by spectacular mountain scenery, the town embraces its location near RMNP while also evolving into a charming and friendly destination in its own right.

Bugling calls are frequent as elk roam the meadows during mating season.

Larry and I visited Estes Park in late September, which we consider the perfect time: Trees are glowing with yellow and red leaves, summer crowds have dwindled, weather is cool in the morning and shirt-sleeve warm in the afternoon, and most outdoor activities not requiring snow are still available. We were there during elk mating season called the Elk Rut, when meadows are full of wildlife as tour companies lead excursions to see--and hear the bugling--from this fascinating event.

As winter approaches, visitors seek activities related to snow. While Trail Ridge Road in the park is closed to through traffic, it’s still possible to access sections for outdoor activities. Snowshoeing is popular on numerous amazing trails; either go on your own or a guided tour. Hundreds of trails in RMNP provide beautiful landscapes for cross-country skiing, and Hidden Valley a well-known sledding spot.

Estes Park is becoming known
for wineries (Snowy Peaks here),
craft breweries, and liqueurs
and whiskey.

Not into snow? Go shopping: There are plenty of opportunities, with more than 300 shops in a walkable downtown. Whether you’re looking for antiques, collectibles, handcrafted southwestern arts and crafts, or just window shopping, you’ll enjoy the casual ambience of the Elkhorn and Moraine Avenue area.

Even in the 1800s, Estes Park was known for its wildlife and breathtaking panoramas, and you can learn about wildlife and history of the region at several local museums. Whether you’re a foodie or prefer comfort food, there’s a wide range of places to dine in Estes Park. Some eateries specialize in regional cuisine like elk chops or pecan-encrusted trout, and don’t be surprised if your burger is made from elk or bison. Of course, it’s great paired with a locally brewed ale or liqueur.



Notice the private hot tub on the patio of our Estes Park Condo.
The Fall River is just behind the condo.

One of our favorite places to stay is Estes ParkCondos, comfortably rustic cabins on the banks of the Fall River. But take your choice from luxury suites, historic lodges, B and B’s, or RV spots, most open year-round.

Take a ghost tour, dine, or stay at the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.

Estes Park is already planning for its centennial in 2017 with many special activities. It’s a 90-minutes drive from Denver and easily accessible any time of the year by three stunning scenic routes. Gorgeous views inspire visitors in every season and in every direction, including snowcapped peaks of the Continental Divide on the horizon. Let the majesty of the mountains around Estes Park invigorate you and fill your soul with nature’s wonder!

Sunset over the mountains is the perfect way to end your day in
Estes Park, Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park.
 

 Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

Island hopping along the Florida beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel

Florida’s Lee County has so many islands that it’s hard to know which one is best for the type of getaway you’re hoping for. Are you looking for romance, independence, family fun, isolation, or escape? A daytrip, vacation, or long-term stay?



Searching for shells on Sanibel Island

Here are some descriptions of beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, along Florida's warmer Gulf Coast, that will help you decide where to find your fantasy, or visit www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com .

Roughing it: Are you invigorated by the scent of campfires and the embrace of a sleeping bag? Head to Cayo Costa, all-natural and untethered to the mainland. Marinas on Pine Island and Captiva Island can provide water taxi service. Call far enough in advance and you may be able to reserve a cabin, which isn’t all that much more luxurious than tenting– meaning both options are primitive. You’ll have to pack everything you need in and out. Restrooms and cold showers are the only conveniences provided by the state park.



Kayak at Captiva

Living in the lap of luxury: Captiva Island has some of the plushest accommodations the other side of the Intracoastal Waterway, so if you’re looking to do nothing but laze on the beach, maybe play a round of golf or go yachting, reserve your room and luxuriate. Don’t forget to schedule a massage while you’re at it.



Or just relax and enjoy the ambience

Going rural: Fruit and tree farms, no stop lights, miles of countryside, even a cattle farm – Pine Island feels like you’ve traveled inland rather than out-island. Long and roomy, its lack of natural beaches means less traffic (aside from sometimes bustling Matlacha) and more affordable dining and lodging.

Bare footing: If your idea of a getaway involves going shoeless the entire time, Fort Myers Beach has the perfect dress code for you. Okay, you may have to slip on some flip-flops from time to time, but the fine white sand and casual attitude give you permission to dig your toes in the sand and make a barefoot fashion statement.



Beaches are for romance, too.

Shopping, sipping, supping: Historic charm, cute shops and great restaurants is the formula that draws travelers off the main roads to Gasparilla Island, home of the sophisticated little beach town of Boca Grande. Browse shops, have lunch, and buy ice cream in historic venues such as a railroad depot and movie theater. Rub elbows with the locals at a beach bar, then, spend the night in the grande dame Gasparilla Inn, circa 1913.



Bike paths let you explore the beaches.

Family biking: Sanibel Island has added another 2.4-mile segment to its shared use path, bringing the total to more than 25 miles. Most of the path is separated from the roadway by vegetation, making it a safe trail for families to pedal along. It runs the length of the island – from beaches and nature attractions to shops and restaurants. The newest segment links two city parks away from all vehicular traffic.

Information courtesy of Tamara Pigott, Lee County VCB.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

The Woodlands near Houston gears up for summer visitors

Water features prominently at The
Woodlands Resort.

Driving into The Woodlands, 27 miles northwest of downtown Houston, you’re immediately struck by the scarcity of signage along main roads. The master-planned community was designed to take advantage of its heavily wooded landscape, so shopping centers are tucked behind mini-forests, and few signs tell what businesses are hidden there. It’s a feature both welcome for its attractiveness and potentially confusing to newcomers. But the balance sheet weighs heavily in favor of the design George Mitchell chose for this development more than 50 years ago.

The idyllic, wooded setting has been a primary draw for corporate events and leisure travelers for many years, so it’s not surprising that strong growth necessitated expansion of The Woodlands Resort. Larry and I visited recently to check out changes and improvements that were completed at the end of 2014.



Beautiful landscaping add to the attractiveness of the resort.

It’s easy to see why the $75 million renovation project has turned The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center into a popular destination for meetings and family vacations. During the 20-month project several major changes took place including adding a new wing of 184 guest rooms and suites, renovating 222 existing guest rooms, designing a 3,000 square foot living/gathering room that connects the three guest wings, creating a lazy river that winds 1,005 feet through the surrounding forest, and opening a high-end steak house with an outdoor patio adjacent to the 18^th hole of Panther Trail, the resort’s signature golf course.

Soothing landscapes are found throughout the property.

During our visit, we enjoyed happy hour at Robard’s (4-6 p.m.), the new 136-seat steak restaurant and lounge.  Some patrons are regulars as the restaurant is open to the public, not just resort guests. Draft beers were $2 off and wines $3 off regular prices, or sip on a Texas Pear Margarita for $6. Even better was the Iron Skillet appetizer, a zesty bolognais sauce with meat, topped with Mozzarella cheese and served with homemade French bread. Yummy! entrees are in the $30-45 range.

Rooms have been added or renovated to follow the same standard.

We also savored the sumptous breakfast buffet and dinner in The Woodlands Dining Room (steak for Larry; salmon for Beverly). Other food outlets include The Royal Mile Grille for lunch and The Bistro for drinks and appetizers. Cool Water Café located poolside at Forest Oasis Waterscape is open seasonally.

Robard's is the new high-end steak restaurant at The Woodlands Resort.

Plentiful water features throughout the property had a cooling effect, which is probably needed more during the summer than our May visit. But listening to the soothing sounds of spraying water from our balcony and while walking around the property was a pleasant plus.

Golf at the Oaks course on a pleasant, sunny day.

While there we played the adjacent Oaks golf course, a new member of Club Corp. It features large, rolling greens, generous fairways, and numerous bunkers. Majestic oak trees line the fairways and hide most homes from view. However, if your ball disappears into the trees, chances of finding it are slim. Bordering Lake Harrison, the 18^th hole is a good example of the course’s natural beauty.

An exquisite mural adorns one wall of the lazy river course.

This summer families will especially enjoy the five swimming pools with spas, waterfalls and slides. The new lazy river with spiral plunge slide is already getting rave reviews from guests of all ages. Energetic guests can work out at the Fitness Center or settle for supreme relaxation with a massage at the Health Spa (thanks, Roxanne!).

There’s really no reason to leave the resort, but if you need more entertainment venture out for world-class shopping at The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, or Old Town Spring. Perhaps you’ll want to attend a concert at the nearby Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. More than 194 miles of jogging and biking trails wind throughout The Woodlands, too. And if business brings you to The Woodlands Resort, you'll find full conference facilities.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

How to get the best cruise deals

Want to save money on your vacation? Book a cruise. Cruising is a safe and convenient way to travel; you can visit many destinations and only have to unpack once. Here are some strategies to help you snag the best deals so you get the most for your vacation dollar.

Modern cruise ships are large enough to provide multiple amenities.

Wait to book: If your travel times are flexible, you can find deep discounts about a month prior to sailing.  Check Internet sites of cruise consolidators (see list at the end) as well as the home site of your preferred cruise line. 

Be flexible: If you’ve booked months in advance, here’s a new wrinkle: Some ships are now being overbooked, and if you’re willing to change plans at the last minute, you might be offered multiple incentives (upgrades, free cruises, etc.) to reschedule your vacation.

Look for deals:  Look for special offers like lower deposits, kids sail free, shipboard credits, included airfare, and free shore excursions.  These budget boosters can increase the value of a cruise. A travel agent can keep you posted when good deals come along.

Book and sail together: Family and multi-generational travel is a growing component of the cruise industry, so more ships are catering to this market.  But check on average age of passengers and available activities in kid, preteen, or teen clubs of a specific cruise if you’ll have people of various ages along. 

Dining rooms are a convenient place to get everyone together.
Or go casual at the buffet.

Skip faraway destinations: North American travelers are filling the ships on Caribbean (both Eastern and Western) and Mexican Riviera cruises.  U.S. embarkation ports are generally easy to get to (no overseas flights), which allows for a variety of itineraries and cruise lengths.

Squeeze in a short getaway: Four and five night voyages are popular with families and people who have limited time off from work. Cruise lines have responded to the demand by increasing the number of sailings for trips lasting less than a week.

Watch the bottom line: A big selling point is the all-inclusive nature of cruises.  But newer, larger ships include more extra-fee services besides the usual shops and beauty salons. Exclusive restaurants, wine tastings, Pilates classes, golf swing analyses, and long bar tabs can hike up the total amount due at the end of your cruise.


Tropical or Caribbean islands make great
vacation destinations for couples or families.

Find out more at:
www.cruiseonly.com                                                 
www.hollandamerica.com
www.norwegian.com
www.carnival.com
www.celebritycruises.com
www.princess.com
www.cruiseforless.com
www.cruisecritic.com
www.cruisecompete.com

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Take a chill-pill when traveling with children

Sea World is fun for children or grandchildren in tow.

As families head out for summer vacations, parents often become stressed about traveling with children, especially young children who may have trouble adapting to new places and routines. Spontenaity may be fine for adults, but children generally do better with established routines. Kids can get tired and cranky when faced with too many unfamiliar changes to their lives.

Here are some tips to help keep stress under control, so everyone will enjoy the time away:

Parents can ease fears when
sharing a tube ride on the lake.

First of all, relax. Stress is contagious. If you’re stressed, the kids will sense that and become stressed, too. Take plenty of time to plan the trip, organize items to take, and pack carefully so you’ll be able to find things when you need them. Take along a favorite item for each child—a blanket, toy, stuffed animal, or pillow—to ease anxiety when they’re bedding down in a new place--doesn’t matter if it’s a hotel or grandma’s house, clutching something familiar can ease anxiety.

Remember that vacations are about having a good time and bonding as a family. Don’t fret if things don’t go exactly as planned. Be flexible and concentrate on the memories you’re making together. In later years, you’ll be amazed at how much children remember from family trips, and it’s often the small shared moments that make the greatest impact.

If unexpected things happen, don’t freak out. Take it in stride if you’re faced with detours or closed attractions. A little humor goes a long way towards keeping situations in perspective. There very well may be rainy days—both literally and figuratively—so have contingent plans in mind.

Snacking keeps everyone in a good mood.

Have snacks readily available whether you’re traveling by car, plane, train, or boat. Children need to eat more frequently than adults, so a offering quick bite to eat can chase away the grumpies.

Trying new adventures like zip lining
on vacation provides fun family stories later.

Avoid parental stress by budgeting enough funds to carry the family through any minor mishaps that might occur. If you’re worried or distracted because restaurant meals cost more than you anticipated, your kids will sense that and may start to act up. It’s a quick way for any vacation to fall off track.

Schedule in plenty of relaxation time; nap time or a regular bed time can be good for both children and adults. Kids may become overly tired if there’s too much stimulation or activity. When that happens, no one has a good time. Head off the melt-down by making sure children get adequate rest and meals at the appropriate times.

Lastly, relax. It bears repeating: When parents can chill and enjoy the vacation, anxiety levels drop for everyone and the whole family benefits.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Why a cruise could be your best family vacation

Disembarking the Carnival Magic at port.

If you’ve never been on a cruise you might envision a ship full of gray heads lounging by the pool in overstuffed bathing suits and overindulging in ever-available food and drink the rest of the time. And you’d be very wrong!

Cruising has become a vacation of choice for families and multi-generational gatherings. Here are some reasons sailing the seas could become your perfect family getaway.

Get a little daring on the ropes course!

Book once and done: A cruise ship is the ultimate all-inclusive vacation spot. Once you’re on the ship there’s no more schlepping luggage onto planes or taxis or checking into multiple hotels when driving on the road. You have control over any extra expenses, too.

Miniature golf is a favorite activity for all ages.

No time to get bored: From age-appropriate children’s programs that entertain the kiddos to adults-only sections of a ship, there are so many activities onboard that choosing what to do next will be the hardest part. Climbing walls, ice skating rinks, surf simulators, miniature golf, water slides, ropes courses, and much more are fun for all ages. Broadway-style shows, bingo, casinos, and art auctions will keep grown-ups entertained, while kids do arts and crafts, play sports, or have pizza parties.

Try something new onshore: One of the best things about cruising is that the ship stops at a variety of ports, and each features a plethora of excursions to help you explore and discover the uniqueness and beauty of each place. Think of all the memories you’ll make while kayaking, zip lining, snorkeling, or just strolling the streets of an exotic tropical island or historic city. These one-day stops provide glimpses of destinations that you might want to come back and visit again.

Exploring a cave in Belize.

Suit your style: If your idea of a vacation is sipping a cool drink while catching up on the romance novel you’ve had on the nightstand for months, there’s plenty of opportunity to do that. Let older kiddos roam on their own (walkie-talkies can keep you in touch) while younger ones participate in supervised activities at kids’ camps.  Then sit back and relax.

Together or not--your choice: Adjacent cabins and family-friendly rooms and suites are convenient—keeping everyone together while allowing for some separation, if needed. More cruise lines are catering to families, so cabins sleep more people and there’s more bathroom space. Onboard you won’t have to worry about getting lost or separated as you’re all on the same ship. Because some of the new mega-ships can carry 5,000 passengers, you might need to set up occasional meeting places. Smaller ships may be able to custom-tailor excursions for your family.

Water slides attract young and old--who doesn't like zooming
through a water-filled tube?

Cruising is a great value: Increased demand and larger fleets of ships have brought prices down as cruise lines try to fill all their itineraries. Packages are often available that include onboard credits that can be applied to shore excursions, spas, and shopping or free Wi-Fi (a good deal because connecting online can be quite expensive onboard). With a large inventory of cruise options, including destinations, length of cruise, type of cabin, and more, finding one that fits your family’s needs and budget should be easy. If you need help, check with a travel agent or an online cruise consolidator whose experts can find the perfect vacation for your family.

Learn about Mayan ruins and other cultural attractions on a
Western Caribbean cruise.



 Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier