Christine Loomis
Christine Loomis delivers just what her title promises--she looks at every aspect of family travel, zeroing in on the pitfalls and demystifying easy solutions as she goes. Since every family is different and has its own individual delights, budget constraints, and stresses, Loomis examines a variety of options, but the essential concepts are the same. Figure out, as a family, what you enjoy, what you dread, and what sort of shared experience would work best, and take it from there. Loomis delves into how to plan, pack, and prepare; how to stay safe and survive the unexpected; how to find good lodging and dining; and how to live it up without stressing out. Full of insight into parents, children, and travel, Loomis' book provides a wealth of worthwhile suggestions that'll save time, money, and sanity, paving the way towards the vacation you and your family can afford, enjoy, and remember well.
1 Helpful Travel Preparation Book
I found this book very useful. My family and I took our first vacation out of the country, and if it weren't for this book, I don't think I would have known half the things I needed to do to prepare for a trip out of the U.S. My favorite section of the book was the countdown to travel. In the countdown to travel section, it pretty much showed a timeline of things to accomplish during a certain time period before your vacation. I also appreciated the packing list; however, as my daughter pointed out, pajamas are missing from that list, so don't forget to pack them! (That is if you need them.) Lastly, I found the sample itinerary very useful in planning out how to use our time on our vacation.
This book also has recommendations on choosing a vacation appropriate to your family; different travel options; and recommendations on finding appropriate food and lodging.
All and all, I found this book to be a very useful travel tool.
2 Spend more time on vacation, less on planning!
After years of headaches with family vacations, I'm pleased to see such a well-written book on the topic. Vacations are so easily spoiled if they aren't planned right, but planning seems to take more time and energy than the trip itself. And when one family member decides he or she doesn't like the trip, it can ruin it for everyone. This book is definitely worth reading, especially if you've always wanted to spend more time on your vacation than you spend planning for it!
