Several years ago, Kim Flyr, a family life educator, wrote in a Family Outreach Network newsletter, "Most adults quickly discover after having children that traveling with a child is a whole different experience than traveling alone or with a partner. In fact, many parents end up feeling like they need a vacation after the vacation!" The academic year will soon be over and families across the nation will begin to plan a get-away. If you have children of varying ages you know that finding a destination that suits all age groups is somewhat difficult. Therefore, let's take a look at some ideas that may meet the needs of mom and dad, as well as the kids.

The top ten vacation destinations listed at TravelwithyourKids.com are as follows:

• Orlando, FL
• Myrtle Beach, SC
• Family cruises
• New York City
• Hershey, PA
• Arizona: Grand Canyon; Dude Ranches
• Williamsburg, VA
• Anaheim, CA
• Cancun, Mexico
• Riviera Maya, Mexico

Now, if that sounds too exotic, let's try for some places close to home. Is there a theme park nearby? Is there a beach by your home? How about a local park for a good, old-fashioned picnic with a game of horseshoes or volleyball? Do you have a hill in your backyard? (You can make a "slip and slide" out of an old tarp and a hose-full of water!) Have you thought of a treasure hunt in the backyard sandbox or a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood? There are many free and inexpensive things to do. Your local library will have a variety of books to grant you ideas. (Your computer, also!) Be sure to watch your local paper for events in your town. Challenge your family to a screen-free week!

If you decide to build a sandbox, be sure to place safe sand in the box: a fine, white sand that does not contain carcinogenic dirt. Tree forts and play houses provide hours of fun. Local playgrounds are always full of playmates. Sponsoring a craft club at your home can be a source of social interaction, also. Gardening is almost a lost art for children. Do you have space in the backyard for a small vegetable patch? How about considering attending a play or a concert?

If you are traveling, be sure to remember the following tips from the experts:

• Plan a trip that is age appropriate.
• Plan breaks into your routine. If you have a baby or toddler, permitting them a nap will do everyone some good.
• Pack your essentials in an accessible bag. Think ahead. Consider letting each child carry his or her own bag. This encourages independence.
• Consider buying special toys for travel time. (Chunky crayons, coloring books, stickers, plastic animals, finger puppets, lace-up cards).
• Plan for some adult time, if possible. Many hotels now offer babysitting services, or you may decide to take a babysitter with you. Travel with other family members  or friends permits you to trade off babysitting services.
• Encourage older children to become involved. Let them plan whatever you are comfortable granting them. Giving children a job helps them learn and also increases their investment in the trip. It is a wonderful opportunity to teach problem solving and planning ahead.
• Keep a family journal of the trip. Take pictures or make a video to create a travelogue. Let your child be the interviewer and have them ask questions concerning the place you are visiting or let them tell you facts as they are interviewed for the "Family News Network."
• Be sure you have your insurance information with you and pack any medications that are taken on a daily basis.
• Check the restrictions that airlines and railways have before you board for your destination.

Traveling with children for whom disruptions of routine, transitions and large blocks of unstructured time pose difficulty can be a considerable trial unless you consider the following previous to your vacation:

• Pick the right seat in the plane: front row with nothing to kick but a wall, or place a family member in the seat in front of the child.
• Tape a picture to the tray on the back of the seat so play with the tray is not tempting.

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