FAMILY PLANNING GUIDE 1.) 12 MONTHS BEFORE TRIP DATE: Talk to your family about where they would like to go. Would they like to fly by plane, go by train, boat or just drive to your destination. If your children are to young to decide, you (the parents) decide what they may enjoy and of course what mom and dad will enjoy doing most. For example some people don't like to fly or don't like to drive long distances with young children. 2.) 6 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE TRIP: Once you have the modes of transportation picked out, you need to pick where you to want to go. Does mom and dad want some quality time for themselves, while the kids are having fun in a great children's program? Or does mom and dad want to participate in every activity the child wants to do? The choice is up to the family. Or another choice is having a little bit of both. Again the choice is up to the family member(s) or the parents. 3.) 6 TO 10 MONTHS BEFORE TRIP: Once the family or mom and dad decide what they want to do, you need to secure the destination. You need to do this early, because most resorts or cruises will be booked early. This also includes car trips, because most resorts and programs are filled early. Try to pick a date that everyone will agree on. For example, pick a time when the children are out of school, and when it is a good time for mom and dad to put in their vacation requests at work. 4.) 3 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE TRIP: Once the destination is secured, make sure you ask your travel agent plenty of questions, so you are assured of the competency of your family travel agent. Ask questions, about the weather, the children's program, do we need a passport or visa, is their medical services near by, ask for brochures on the various properties, make sure your travel agent can legally sell travel. For example, are they bonded, are they certified to sell travel in their state. If a passport or visa is required, now is the best time to apply for these documents. Because sometimes Visa's take a lot of time to get approved. In addition, make sure your immunizations are current or get the proper immunizations before you leave the country. 5.) 2 MONTHS BEFORE TRIP: Ask your travel agent about activities and tours your resort may offer to their guests. Do this in advance, so you wonÆt have to worry about the tours being filled on the days of your planned stay. 6.) 1 MONTH BEFORE TRIP: Make sure you gather all of your supplies, for example, plenty of diapers and wipes for the young ones, make sure you bring their own medications, for the trip. Also, make sure you bring your pain reliever such Motrin and Tylenol for the trip. Also make sure you bring plenty of first aid items, such as band-aids and antibiotic ointment. In addition, make sure you bring sunscreen and insect repellent . 7.) 2 WEEKS BEFORE TRIP: Make a countdown calendar for the big date. This makes the children even more excited about the big trip and gets them involved. You can also get some simple trinkets at your local .99 cent shop to use as little gifts to give to your children during your trip. This little trick doesnÆt cost much and will keep your children excited and happy about your vacation travel. 8.) THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BIG TRIP: Make sure you have packed up all the kidÆs special toys and games to keep them busy during the trip. Put together some little snacks and treats for the kids to munch on. Get plenty of rest. The trip will probably be a long one and the children will be very busy and active. Remember you are all going somewhere different and exciting. 9.) HAVE A GREAT TRIP AND WONDERFUL TIME! Fun Time Family Travel, September 5, 1999 Provided by: Fun Time Family Travel P.O. Box 3263 Antioch, CA 94531-3263 1 (925) 757-2972 http://www.funtimefamilytravel.com/ E-mail: funtimefamilytravel@home.com