Family Vacations Other Than Summer Time - By: Stuart Hely

When I was growing up we took our family vacations in summer. Dad might take some days off around the holidays, but we didn't VACATION then... we stayed home.

Now, if you're planning a trip with the kids, you may need to take those vacations when school is out, but with a little creative thinking, it doesn't have to be JUST a summer vacation.

If you're going to the popular vacation venues like national parks or beaches, there will be crowds in the summer... and high prices. It sure would be nice if you could go someplace on shoulder or off season wouldn't it? If you could avoid some of those crowds and prices?

Many American schools now have scheduled week-long winter or spring breaks. Take a look at at those school schedules, and if your child's school has a long break, jump on it. Tt's a good time for family vacations.

If you're planning on a ski vacation on winter break or a beach vacation on spring break, you will still be in the same boat with the crowds and prices... just not in summer. BUT you could plan something a little different.

For a winter break you probably want to head south unless you want that ski vacation. Head to a southern beach in the winter. The older "snowbirds" may have flocked down there, but it shouldn't be too crowded.

If you have the extra change, head even further south. The Southern Hemisphere has summer when it's cold up north. Of course, if you live in the southern Southern Hemisphere the opposite tactic works just as well.

Take the kids to the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area. They have activities all year round that will teach everyone about the American colonial era.

You could always do the family vacation to Disney World and Epcot on Spring break, but think of those crowds. Boston could be good alternative for a spring break. There's lots of history there. Walk the Boston Freedom Trail. Or if you can afford it, consider a trip to Europe, Epcot is never like the real thing. April in Paris is sometimes chilly, but it's always pretty... and what an education it is to travel.

There are some all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that are family friendly. Try one of those for an international flavor and an amazing array of family oriented activities. And with food and drink included, you won't have to worry about your budget if the kids want one more soda or ice cream. Places like Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic have direct flights from major gateway cities in the U.S.

You don't want to go to any beaches where the college kids hang out for spring break, but in Florida, you could go to Okefenokee and go canoeing. Explore the Everglades. Go to Crystal Springs and see manatees.... swim with them if you're up to it.

Treat your Little Leaguer to Spring Training in Arizona or Florida. The ball players are much more approachable for the kids to get autographs from their heroes (or yours)... and the ticket are affordable for families.

Hold a brainstorming session with the kids. Let them think up adventures they might like to try for vacations outside of summer vacation. They might come up with something they saw in a movie or someplace that a friend went. Discuss right away if something will take too long or if it won't fit in your budget.

If you take a little time with it, planning for that family vacation outside of summer will be as much fun as taking it... and the kids will be happy if they're more involved.

About the Author

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