ItPsS ON TRirs Fear Not — Family Fun Is On the Way! by Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s Editor-at-Large (NAPSA)—Good news for anyone whofears the expense of “family travel” or struggles with the decision of taking a road trip vs. an airline getaway. You don’t have to let any of that stop you. Family travel can be fun AND economical. If you can’t afford to travel far, try something local— perhaps a festival— and make a dayofit. Or, consider driving to your destination to save on airfare. Renting a car is another option to avoid putting unnecessary miles on the family vehicle and maybe add space with a roomier vehicle for the trip. (Remember, minivans go fast during the holidays—so reserve aheadof time!) Getting there is only half the fun. The right lodging should have good prices and activities. If you can't afford a fancy hotel with specialized kids programming, look for a destination that has plenty of local attractions suitable for your kids. The top choices for families this season are amusement parks, specifically Orlando, and ski areas surrounding Denver. Families consistently flock to spots across Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean as well. The following tips will help you identify a kid-friendly vacation spot that’s right for you. * Location is everything. Make sure the layout of the property makes sense. Select direct access to the beach as opposed to having to take an elevator or stairs. * Make sure it meets everyone’s needs. A good program for toddlers isn’t necessarily ideal for a nine-year-old. Look for age separation and age appropriate programming. Also ask about the adult to child ratio for supervision and supervisory training. * Make sure surroundings are safe and childproofed. Avoid furniture with sharp edges or exposed outlets. Be sure balconies and patios are safe or locked. * Select a lodging option with a refrigerator to store snacks or meals to cut down on food costs. * If you’re unfamiliar with a property ask for references from friends or look for customer reviews online. * Atruly kid friendly spot will make sure there’s no accommodations issue that can’t easily be solved. For your upcoming trip, selecting the right destination and hotel can lay the groundworkfor a fabulous family vacation. For more travel tips and advice, visit www.travelocity.com/atoz.
