Family Vacations That Please All

Offshore vacations are an opportunity to rejuvenate family relationships, escape the mundane and explore another culture. But, they can also be stressful (with long airport delays) and expensive.

To ensure each member of the family has an enjoyable time it's important to consider what each person wants from that vacation. Make a list and use it as a guide for planning the day-to-day activities.

Evaluate everyone's interests
One of the most common pitfalls of vacation planning is that all the family members don't opt into the plan. A vacation needs to be a give-and-take situation in planning so that there is something for everyone. As well, there needs to be a sharing of domestic duties.

Decide on meal options
When a family travels, there is one golden rule: If food is free at a hotel or resort, don't book a room with kitchen facilities. The dollars will be better spent elsewhere such as on a larger room or suite.

If meals are not included, opt for a kitchen or kitchenette. The ability to prepare a breakfast or snack at anytime for family members is a bonus and provides some quality control over the meals. It also helps to keep costs down for larger families.

Plan diversions
When opting for a hotel in an air-and-ground package, or just on a straight booking, ask where it is situated in relation to the downtown or main shopping area. Ask if there is a domestic transit stop nearby, inquire about the cost of cabs and whether the hotel provides a courtesy shuttle. Even paradise dulls when the only escape is a $40 return cab fare to town.

Get your travel agent to provide a list of excursions the hotel makes available to guests. Some tour companies have these trips listed in brochures and these outings will help break up the day.

Look at an all-inclusive deal
All-inclusive holiday packages are an example of when food is "free." The family pays one price and knows what the vacation will cost for lodging, food, some drinks and non-motorized watersports — the elements usually included in such packages. In countries where health concerns exist, eating within the resort provides an extra layer of security.

Things to consider in the all-inclusive include:

• Nail down specifics
What non-motorized watersports does the resort offer? What types of drinks are free?
• Check dining policies
Ask if all restaurants at the resort are open to children. Resorts usually have a variety of food outlets and tend to keep the kids out of the fine-dining areas. This is not a bad thing, but if you can't afford baby-sitting services, your dining choices may be limited.
• Investigate kids clubs
Most are free, but some aren't. Check the hours of operation. Also, ask about babysitting services in the hotel and costs for after-hours child care. Airlines and tour companies often have kids specials such as kids-fly-free, kids-eat-free promotions or children's activity packs that can be ordered before boarding the plane.

Set your sights on the sea
For a vacation that's sure to please the kids, Disney Cruises has developed a whole product line that appeals to children but still provides enough entertainment and dining on board to please the parents. Newly announced is the Princess Cruise Line's kids club, which offers three programs: Princess Pelicans (ages three-seven), Princess Pirateers (ages eight-12) and Off Limits (ages 13-17) for onboard fun.

There are many things to consider when planning the perfect family vacation, but remember to have fun and enjoy every precious moment spent together.