One beach you might want to visit is Galveston, Texas. You also may want to consider any beach north of Virginia Beach as college students prefer to congregate in specific areas. It’s not necessary to travel to an ocean to enjoy the beach. Many lakes also have beaches. Check in your own state and see what is available.

Many parents enjoy taking their families to amusement or theme parks for summer vacation. If you have small, school-age children, you may want to visit Disney World. Six Flags or Universal Studios are good choices for families with preteens and teenagers. Of course, there’s also Dollywood in Tennessee for families who appreciate entertainment and concerts or even Branson, Missouri.

Every state has at least one zoo your family could visit. If you’re not aware of the zoos in your state, head over to Officialusa.com/stateguides/zoos/. They list every zoo in the country. If you live outside of the United States, look on the internet for the zoo nearest you.

Another option similar to the zoo your family might enjoy is going to an aquarium. There are several of them around the country to choose from. While at the aquarium, you and your family can see a large variety of fish and aquatic life you may not get to see otherwise.

Take a trip to the visitor’s bureau in your town. They will likely have brochures for museums or attractions in your own state or those nearby. Many museums have hands-on exhibits for young children, so you may want to check a few of those out.

There’s no reason you can’t explore your own state for summer vacation. Visit the National Parks in your area. You can learn about the state you live in as well enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Some National Parks offer nature trails and other attractions. There are also overnight accommodations at many parks, so you can enjoy time away from home.

Many people want spring break travel ideas for families which will be enjoyable but not break their budget. Your family can have a lot of fun exploring attractions a little closer to home and still travel. Think of the activities your family enjoys and then find places you can visit which will meet those interests, whether they’re far away or nearby.

Your mode of transportation can make or break your holiday travel with children. If you’re in a hurry to get to your families, you’ll most likely choose to fly. Use these tips to make flying with your child easier:

• When you make your reservations, be sure that each person in the family has their own seat. This may cost more, but it is much safer than flying with a child in your lap.
• Plan activities to keep your child busy while you’re waiting to get your luggage checked. Try not to become too irritated or stressed because your child will pick up on that and your mood may have an ill effect on theirs. Have several items that will occupy your child packed in your carry-on bag.
• Remove your child’s shoes during the flight to keep the impact of their kicking the back of the seat in front of them at a minimum.

If you’re going to be driving to your holiday destination, you’re more in control than if you’re flying.? Here are some tips for traveling by car with your children:

• Try to travel at night so the children will be asleep for most of the trip. Of course, this isn’t always an option, but it is one way to avoid some of the hassles of traveling with children.
• Pack a bag of activities for your children. Include cards, books, toys, and hand-held game systems they may have. If you can afford one, a portable DVD player would be a great way to keep children occupied and hopefully happy during the drive.
• Be sure to allow ample time when driving for bathroom breaks and stretching your legs. It might be a good idea to also let children run around a little to burn off some of their pent-up energy.
• Take along snacks and drinks to help stave off having to pull into too many fast food restaurants while you’re on the road. You’ll have more control over what your children are eating and it will cost considerably less than eating all meals out during the trip.

These tips for traveling with your children over Christmas are not exhaustive. You probably already know how well your children travel and what best keeps them occupied so everyone can enjoy the trip.? If this is your first extended trip, using these tips may help make the journey less stressful for everyone.

Think of where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone before you start packing. If its winter and you’ll need warm clothes, consider carrying lighter weight items that can be layered. This way, if you get too warm, you can take a layer off. It’s easier to start out warm and get cool than to start out cold and get warm.

Another benefit to using lightweight clothes is that they’re easier to carry because they take up less room. And since you don’t want to be loaded down with too many suitcases, especially if you’re flying, lighter suitcases are desirable. Another thing to keep in mind many airlines are starting to charge for extra checked baggage. Remember to take at least one full change of clothes in your carry-on bag just in case your luggage gets lost.

Will you have access to a washer and dryer at a family member’s home? Can you make it to a Laundromat if you’re going to be away from home for more than a week? If you can wash your clothes at least once while you’re gone, you can avoid having to take so many clothes to begin with.

What will you do if you pack light and the weather changes dramatically while you’re gone, and its gets colder than you’re prepared for? It’s easy enough to purchase an inexpensive sweater or coat and then leave it someplace if the weather is warmer when you head home. Wear your bulkiest clothes while you’re in transit so you don’t have to pack as much.

If you’ve chosen your clothes well when you first packed, everything in your suitcase should do double or triple duty. Pack things that can be mixed and matched so you can create different looks if you will be gone more than one week. Choose 4-7 tops and 3-4 bottoms and by mixing and matching you’ll have at least 21 outfits for a longer trip.

If you know far enough in advance another option would be to pack some items that you won’t need until your trip and send them ahead of time. By sending these items ahead of time they will be ready or you when they get there. Or on the flip side when packing to come home, if things don’t fit pack them in a box and send them home it is usually cheaper sending them UPS or FedEx then paying for an extra bag on the plane.

It really shouldn’t be difficult to figure out what to pack for your long trip home. Unless you have received so many gifts that they won’t fit into the suitcase you brought with you, you should be alright.? In that case, it would be necessary to take one extra bag to hold all gifts. It may end up costing you more in the end, but you’ll keep the peace in the family by being able to take the gifts home with you.

One of the greatest things about traveling by train is that you do not have to drive. You can sit back and relax while someone else is responsible for getting you to your destination on time. Another plus when traveling by train is that you don’t have to stop to make bathroom breaks. There are bathrooms on the train, you can get up and stretch your legs, and you can sleep if you get tired.

It’s true that flying to your destination may take less time, but there are other things to consider. Since 09/11 and the addition of upgraded security, actually getting onto an airplane takes much more time than it used to. In fact, most airlines will suggest that you arrive no less than three hours prior to the time of your flight to make it through the security checks.

When you have small children, the extra time waiting for security is time that will make even the most experienced flier tremble. The children may become bored, irritable, and loud – not good combinations when you’re trying to board a plane. What’s worse is that if the children’s attitude doesn’t change once you’re on the plane, the remainder of the trip will be stressful for you. Then there’s the return trip where you’ll have to repeat the entire scene all over again.

If you travel by car to your holiday destination, you may find that you’re much more tired than you’d prefer. You’ll have to deal with the traffic and possible slow-downs because of accidents or construction. Besides having to stop periodically for everyone to use the bathroom, you’ll have to stop for food. All of these stops will make your trip much longer than it possibly needed to be. If you travel by train with the family all of these issues won’t matter because the train handles everything for you.

Check with the train station to see what types of discounts are available for families or at least discounted fares for children. Usually children under two are free, and children between two and fifteen are half of an adult ticket. Even if you don’t get discounted fares, it’s still likely that you’ll save considerably over the cost of an airfare.

Travel by train with the family may not be as popular as it once was, but it is becoming more common. Long lines waiting for luggage to be checked is part of the reason people are using trains for travel. That’s not the only reason, however. Families can travel together, often cheaper than flying, and be able to enjoy the relaxing nature of the trip. All in all, traveling by train for the holidays may be the best choice for your family.

Road trips with your toddler can be enjoyable for all involved. Bringing along enough supplies to keep him occupied and his stomach full will help ensure his happiness. And a happy toddler is the key to a pleasant ride. Here are some things that have been found useful when traveling on long trips with a toddler.

Books

Toddlers love to read and look at pictures, having some of their favorite books at hand will help distract them while they are doing something they enjoy doing. This also encourages them to enjoy books and reading which will live with them forever.

Drawing supplies

A pad and paper works wonders to keep them occupied and have their creative juices flowing. They also have the magic wonders marker sets, which are great to use in the car so you have less mess. I have found little desks that hang on the seat in front of them to help them have a hard surface to work on.

Small Toys

Cars or dolls are fun to play with anytime in the car it can help keep them busy doing something they are familiar with. The key is to not make them too small so if they are dropped they can be picked up easy rather then having to hunt for something small.

A few things to help with the drive that aren’t necessarily for entertaining your youngster but helpful just in case.

Pillows

A pillow they may want a nap or want to get a little more comfortable. Car trips tend to make toddlers sleepy and having a pillow will help them take a nap a little more comfortably and sleep a little better. A well rested little one will make a happy tot and everyone is happier. They have small travel pillows pretty inexpensive now days.

Snacks

With little tummies they get hungry often and usually at the most inopportune time, having snacks on hand will help prevent having to stop a lot along the way. Raisins or crackers are great for car trips. Another idea is to bring sliced fruit. Bringing something to drink like juice packets are a good idea since eating can make them thirsty.

Planning ahead for the possible mishaps can make your trip more bearable and a lot more fun. Feel free to share ways that you help your toddler happy on road trips.

There are a few things it’s a good idea for her to have with her. This also helps keep her out of your bag for what she may need from there.

Snacks- Graham crackers or gold fish are great snacks. The packaged fruit is also a huge hit. I often find myself getting special snacks that they can’t have at home like fruit snacks. Small Juices are usually OK to get through security they are only 1 or 2 ounces and that is in the guide lines however sometimes they do have issues so they take them so if you do take juice with you keep it on top so they don’?t have to dig through everything.

Change of clothes- you never know when there may be an accident and you don’t want her stuck in wet or soiled clothing for a long time. Also a zip lock bag should be brought to put them if they are soiled.

Pull Ups Especially if your little one is newly potty trained. A lot of times its hard for them to hold it. There may be turbulence and getting up to go to the bathroom is not a good idea. So pull ups or diapers are a good idea.

Activities choose a few small activities that fit in her bag. Then let her choose what ones she wants to bring along with her. This helps her feel she has some control on what is going on.

A few things that mom should have in her carry on just in case. Gum or suckers something to suck on while taking off and landing. Keeping them in your bag can eliminate them being used through the flight. Tylenol is a good thing for the trip just in case a headache hits it gets in under control quickly. Band aids, toddlers tend to trip or fall and usually a band aid will fix any boo-boo even if there isn’t a blood.

If you’re going on a trip enjoy it pack so both of you can have fun during the travel time. Do what you can to help your child get prepared and feel comfortable and packing her own back can help with this.

I have found bringing little toys usually causes some more stress because I want to make sure nothing is left behind. That means taking about 5 minutes to search each area before leaving boarding the plane or getting off. With all the rush it is not a fun thing to tackle with your toddler wanting to get going.

Here are some fun ways to help keep your child entertained with out a whole lot of extra stuff and most if it gets left behind oh well. They are easy to replace or make more.

Pipe cleaner animals and shapes

Toddles love to create things. Pipe cleaners are soft light weight and can create many different thing. This helps expand their imagination and keeps them busy. You can get them pretty much anywhere and the possibilities are endless as to what you can do with them.

Magic Markers

An easy one is getting one of the magic wonders marker sets. It helps prevent them their seat from arriving to your destination covered with pen marks, plus these are just a lot of fun coloring and creating fun pictures.

Watch a Movie

A few planes these days have TVs in the seat that you can order a movie or Nick Jr for a small fee. If this is not an option for you why not take a small portable DVD player with you so you and your child can watch a favorite movie together on the trip. This is also a good idea for once you arrive. All too often hotels do not have anything good or perhaps safe for young children to watch past 11 am so the DVD player would play a double roll. You can bring a favorite or get a new DVD of your child?s favorite show.

This is the only thing that can’t be replaced as easy

Sock Puppets

Remember when we were kids and sock puppets were cool. Things changed and more toys have been invented, no one really thinks about these anymore. Why not make one or two and bring it along. To get your child’s imagination going, this also creates good memories. A plus is these are small enough to toss in your purse so you can pull them in and out as needed like you still have 5 minutes before boarding and he is getting antsy pull them out and play.

A fun site that explains how to make a sock puppet Kids Crafts:Sock Puppets

Creating things

‘Cheese Its’ serve a dual purpose they are a quick and easy snack but they can also be used to make things. I take a little in a bowl; they take them and make square houses or whatever they want to on the tray. This is an easy thing, however something that can keep them busy for awhile.

A Bonus tip: Make stitch cards, get some thick poster board cut out shapes and poke holds around the edge Tie a piece of yarn to one hole and they can stitch along. This helps improve fine motor skills and keeps them sitting still for a few minutes so you can have a minute to relax.

I hope your next trip is a pleasant one so you and your child can create life long memories.

Have any ideas?Let me know, I am always looking for ways to keep my little two entertained when going to see grandma