*Now that summer is in full swing, you’ll want to prepare for a family vacation. There is nothing more fun than a well-planned trip with loads of adventure. If you are a last-minute Annie, this is an excellent place to jump in. Here are four tips that will have your family ready and set to go in no time.
Tip 1:Â Determine who is traveling.
I love being around my family, but for others, too much family interaction can be tough. Ask to know who is on board for the family trip. Some older kids may not be available due to summer job schedules.  Will the grandparents come along? What about the pets? There are lots of discounts available for the entire family. Check-in with AARP, Groupon, and even your local newspaper and save yourself some money.
Tip 2:Â Â Advanced booking.
To avoid long lines and price changes, you want to pay in advance for activities, meals, hotel accommodations, and whatever else you can. Paying in advance will prevent the disappointment of overbooked or sold-out events, unexpected charges, and delays. If you beat the rush, you’ll have access to everything your destination offers so that you can patiently pick your add-ons instead of scrambling at the last minute. Plus, you’ll look like a hero to the kids when you breeze by the hour-long line at the waterpark.
STEVE HARVEY IS PAYING TUITION OF 8 STUDENTS TO ATTEND HIS ALAMA MATER KENT STATE
Tip 3:Â Pack the essentials.
It’s a vacation, but let’s keep it real, you will still need your go-to comfort items. Bring the kids’ favorite things too. Grab blankie, toys, electronic devices and chargers, sunblock, bug repellent, disinfectant, air freshener, and wipes.   Download movies, games, videos, and ebooks, so there is plenty of en route entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget your first-aid kit, and you can even include prescription meds or over-the-counter meds like Children’s Cold and Flu or Tylenol, just in case.
Step 4:Â Upon arrival.
Once you reach your destination, scout the land. Make it a point to show your kids the lifeguard shacks and police patrol booths. Choose a common area or even a landmark where everyone can meet in case of an emergency. If the older kids will separate from you to do their own thing, make sure they have proper identification and keep in regular contact with you. Implement safety rules like “no dangerous selfies,” or the buddy system when walking around at night.
In most cases, our kids can be just as stressed out as adults. A relaxing vacation is a period of leisure and recreation that everyone will appreciate, especially if spent away from home. Give your family the break that you all deserve, make family vacation the highlight of the summer with these simple four tips for traveling with your kids!
Marnita Coleman is an author and radio host of The Marnita Show, a parenting radio broadcast. Contact her via www.TheMarnitaShow.com.
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