It may sound like the cardinal rule for public speaking, but it also applies to family vacation planning. What does your family love to do? Consider individual members and the family as a unit — what would be the most fun imaginable? Hold the intention to create a win-win for everyone involved.
You might be surprised to learn that a travel agent can save you a bundle on vacation planning — especially if you’re planning a visit to a prominent resort or theme park destination. Walking into the travel agent’s office with a clear picture of your budget will keep you from going overboard — and the same holds true for online vacation package shopping. Your agent will also be able to tell you if your budget is unrealistic for the destination you’ve chosen (or she may be able to recommend a similar, more affordable location).
If the kids’ school schedule or your work options determine that you’ve only got 4 days together, don’t venture too far, or you’re likely to spend most of your vacation just trying to get somewhere. Weigh the alternatives of flying vs. driving and consider ALL your options.
Let’s face it — this may not be the year your family takes a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation. But just because it may not be extravagant, that doesn’t mean it can’t be spectacular. Remember that the focus is on having fun and spending time together. Paris will still be there next year. This year, consider what fits your budget, your timeline, and most of all — the interests of your family.
Join us in part 3 where we explore tips for making a smooth transition in and out of vacation.
September 4th, 2009
If you’re considering taking the family on a vacation this fall, here are some helpful hints for planning a smooth, fun, and exciting getaway.
Part 1: Pros & Cons of Fall Travel
Traveling during autumn has its pros and cons, and before you snatch up a great travel deal, it’s a good idea to consider both sides of the coin.

Fall Travel Pros:
For starters, you can get killer deals during the fall season, especially in tropical areas and on family cruises. With the rising cost of air travel, you can save a bundle on packages and lodging during this prime time of year.
Crowds are typically smaller during the fall, as many families with children tend to opt for summer vacations or holiday trips while the kids are out of school. Smaller crowds can be a welcome blessing at popular resort locations and theme parks like Disneyworld.
Cooler weather is another plus for fall travel, especially if you prefer to escape to tropical destinations like Florida, the Carribean, Mexico, and other hot spots. In many of these locations, you’ll enjoy shoulder season pricing where it’s not sweltering hot, yet still cool enough to swim and enjoy the temperate climate.
Fall Travel Cons:
If you have young children, odds are they will need to miss school to enjoy a fall vacation, and exam time usually falls somewhere around mid-October. Tune in to part 3 of this post to find out how you can keep them from falling behind while they’re away from class.
The fall months are typically the peak of hurricane season. Although it’s unlikely that you would find yourself at the exact location of a tropical hurricane, should you choose to book a cruise or seaside destination during the fall, you may find it wise to purchase travel insurance.
Be sure to read part 2 of this series: choosing the perfect location.
September 2nd, 2009
Labor Day: it’s perhaps one of the least understood holidays of our culture. Sure, nobody minds getting a paid day off on the first Monday of every September, but did you ever stop to wonder WHY?

The holiday dates back to 1882, when the New York City Central Labor Union decided to create a day off “for working citizens.” A dozen years later, Congress designated Labor Day an official U.S. holiday, just two months after the May Day riots of 1894.
Many Americans consider Labor Day to be the official “end” of summer (even though many parts of the country continue to experience warmer weather well into September and in some parts of the U.S., children return to school as soon as early August).
Currently, many cities and towns celebrate Labor Day with a local parade, and in other areas, Americans enjoy barbecues, relaxation and oudoor gatherings with friends and family.
Looking for something special to do this Labor Day? September 7th is coming up quickly…why not order a projector rental online from Projector123.com? You could create a family movie fest, an outdoor block party, a swimming pool drive-in theater, a gaming tournament, etc. The possibilities are virtually endless — and with weekend rentals starting at just $99, DVD projector rentals provide affordable fun for most anyone.
Click here to reserve your projector rental from Projector123.com today.
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