The Travel Industry Association reports that almost 75 percent of domestic travel is in a personal vehicle, which means we can likely expect that a lot of families will be hitting the road in the family car for their next vacation.
Family road trips make treasured memories and beautiful scrapbooks, but if not
properly planned, parents can return home feeling anything but refreshed and
renewed. To kick back, relax and be spontaneous would seem the ultimate
vacation, but when you add driving long distances and children to the equation,
planning makes perfect.
First and foremost, experts on traveling with children advise involving the kids in planning. Children who are engaged in making decisions about activities and even packing their bags are much more likely to be happy campers throughout the trip.
The Travel Industry Association found that popular activities on trips with children include shopping (32 percent), attending a social/family event (31 percent), engaging in an outdoor activity (14 percent), going to the beach (12 percent), and going to a theme/amusement park (12 percent). No matter what the trip agenda, from toddlers to teens, the TIA report indicates it is a good idea to have each child select one activity per day. It suggests younger children can look at brochures and pictures. Older children can research activities, events and hotel amenities online via hotel Web sites, like www.StayHGI.com. In addition, the report suggests teens can also help in very meaningful ways, like taking responsibility for printing route maps from the Internet and calculating gas mileage.
Not only can planning enhance everyone’s enjoyment during a family vacation — but it can also be a learning experience for children.
Before You Hit the Road
Some important advance work helps ensure a good trip:
—Leave an itinerary with grandparents or neighbors.
—Research your planned destination with hotel Web sites.
—Cancel mail and newspaper deliveries.
—Pack the car the night before — it always takes longer than you think.
Survival Checklist: 10 Must Haves for the Road
Here are some essential items to pack for the drive:
1. A “car” bag packed by each child with books, games and toys to pass the time during a long ride.
2. A few surprises, like a Frisbee or jump rope to pull out at rest stops to help everyone stave off restlessness.
3. Cold beverages and healthy snacks (kids generally get hungry before Dad’s ready to stop).
4. Wipes and hand sanitizer for sticky little fingers.
5. Maps for each child so they can answer “Are we there yet?”
6. Chargers or extra batteries and headphones to ensure the music and games don’t stop before the car does.
7. First-aid kit, including prescriptions; pain, allergy and stomach medicines; Band-Aids and anti-bacterial cream.
8. Jackets, a new bottle of sunscreen, insect repellent and hats.
9. A trash bag in arm’s reach so everything isn’t handed up to Mom for disposal.
10. Small pillows and blankets for the comfort of those lulled to sleep by motion.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep on the Road
It’s no wonder parents worry about getting a good night’s sleep on vacation. The National Sleep Foundation reports that two thirds of parents (64 percent) think they get fewer hours of sleep than they need. Worry no more ... many hotel beds have come a long way, and research shows that most guests really do sleep well. A national sleep survey commissioned by Hilton Garden Inn found 93 percent of respondents said they actually get a decent night’s sleep on the road. Here are a few tips for catching some z’s away from home:
—Bring ear plugs to minimize sleep stealing distractions on the road.
—Limit caffeine and sugar consumption a few hours before bed.
—Ask about the beds, as well as cots and cribs if needed, when selecting your hotel. You’ll be surprised how much a hotel can tell you about their beds and pillows. For example, many Hilton Garden Inn hotels have Garden Sleep System™ beds with mattresses consisting of air chambers that contour to your body shape and weight. They feature a dial to adjust firmness or softness (using no pumps or motors).
—Don’t let travel get meals off schedule and drink plenty of water.
Tips for Traveling With Teens
—Because teens get burnt out from too many days on the road, spending more days in one destination helps them get the most out of the trip.
—A great activity for parents and teens is golf. Golf is an excellent way to bond with the kids, and the Hilton Garden Inn offers a complimentary round of golf for two people with any Thursday through Sunday night stay between June and October.
—Consider an adjoining room for older teens, since their sleep schedules are generally very different from the rest of the family. Plus they’ll appreciate the privacy.
Getting Back to Basics
Don’t forget, most kids look forward to time away from home with their parents. Take advantage of this opportunity to spend some quality time with your kids in a new destination. Play in the pool or have breakfast together in the hotel restaurant. And make sure the hotel you select has the following amenities:
In-room microwaves and refrigerators — great for keeping juices and water cold and fruits fresh and also saves money.
—Internet access (wireless if needed) and is it complimentary?
—On site swimming pool. Indoor or outdoors?
—Coffee pot, blow dryer and iron in each room?
—Is breakfast included? Is it continental breakfast or cooked to order? This is great for getting out the door quickly in the morning.
—Workout facilities. Many hotels offer complimentary fitness facilities to help you keep up with exercise routines. The Hilton Garden Inn offers Stay Fit Kits®, which allow you to work out in the privacy of your guestroom. You can check them out for no additional cost at the hotel front desk.
Indiana Suggestion by Caroline Hayes
Now that the basics are outlined, where to go? Pokagon State Park in Angola offers various fun winter activities for the whole family. Tobogganing, sledding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are some of the fun things the park offers. And this doesn’t have to be a day trip, the Potawatomi Inn Resort lies right on the shores of beautiful Lake James. With 138 rooms, there is also a banquet and conference center for a fun holiday party. You can make reservations over the phone or online.
Pokagon State Park Information:
Located near Angola off I-69
Address:
450 Lane 100
Lake James
Angola, IN 46703
Phone: 260-833-2012
Click here for tobogganing schedules
Click here for all of Pokagon's winter recreation activities