Intergenerational travel is on the rise. Busy family schedules and geographic distance sometimes prevent regular gatherings.  Thus, “grand travel”, as one aspect of this growing trend is known, provides an opportunity for two generations to get to know each, and the world, a little better.

By spending time away, with parents out of the picture, grandchildren and their grandparents can forge their own special bond.  Grand travel need not include a fancy holiday in a luxury resort or a visit to a trendy theme park. There are other options. Here are five:

Read on.

 

 

 

For every family, there is a perfect national park vacation. Choosing the right experience, however, requires a bit of planning and research as well as factoring in family dynamics such as age and fitness level.

“National park vacations are all about making memories, and even young children can have positive experiences they will remember for a long time,” said Judi Lages, a spokesperson for park operator Xanterra Parks & Resorts. “Some park experiences are perfect for families with older children while others call out to families with high-energy youngsters. And within most parks there are a wide variety of experiences from which to choose.”

Xanterra operates lodges, restaurants, gift shops, tours and other activities in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Crater Lake, Death Valley, Zion, Rocky Mountain, Everglades, Petrified Forest and Bryce Canyon National Parks and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Here are some suggestions: Read More!

                            Interested in Yellowstone?

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ROAD TRIP TRAVEL TIPS

Sponsored by

Wyndham Rewards

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 Five Road Trip Tips You Don’t Want to Miss

Before you hop in the car to begin any road trip - near or far - be sure your vehicle is ready for the open.road. Here's what to do!

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Family Strategies

 

 Rentals Offer Family-Sized Getaways

 

Choose From Popular Destinations

Shopping for family fun this summer travel season?

Look no further than EVRentals.com for accommodations that are perfect for family gatherings with the privacy and comforts of home.  The website offers condos, villas and even beautiful homes at comparable pricing, or lower in some cases, as a traditional hotel stay and with no charges for extra people in the room.  

Accommodations are as diverse as the destinations where they are located ranging from studio, one bedroom and two bedroom resort condos in popular U.S. destinations like Hawaii, Arizona, Las Vegas, Florida, Atlantic City. Or if you’re looking for great places to stay in Mexico and the Caribbean, you’ll find them at EVRentals.com. For the intercontinental traveler, there are cottages, villas, apartments and homes for rent in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Great Britain. Read more.

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Horseback riding lessons, guided trips and individual trail rides are central activities. An experienced crew will match horses to riders of every ability and experience level. For those less comfortable in the saddle, choose from hayrides, singalongs, Western dance lessons, cookouts, hiking and even spa activities.

There are many ranches where you and your family can share a good time.

Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, Gallatin Gateway, Mont. – The Kelsey family has been hosting guests in this secluded valley near Yellowstone National Park for more than 50 years.

Their Appaloosas will carry guests through pine forests, over the trout-laden Taylor Fork stream and across meadows rich in wildflowers. Kiddie wranglers ensure that even the youngest guests enjoy their stay. Contact: 406-995-4276; www.ninequartercircle.com. - Lynn O'Rourke Hayes

Read more about ranch vacations.

Read more!
 

                                              Air Fair

                  Making Air Travel Simpler For Families

Lynn O'Rourke Hayes

I went through airline security today and marveled at the challenges faced by parents of young children getting through the check point. Diaper bags, strollers, toys, snacks, gear; it can be overwhelming.

Recognizing the hurdles faced by toddler-toting parents and the business travelers behind them, the Transportation Security Agency ( TSA ) recently began testing “family” lanes at the Salt Lake City and Denver airports. Nearby, “expert” lanes allow frequent and often unencumbered travelers to breeze through the process, using their experience to avoid snags in the system.

If boarding a flight with the kids is part of your spring travel plans, here are six tips to consider:

1. Be prepared. Print boarding passes in advance. Confirm flight departure times. Remind older children to bring their IDs and have yours ready. Arrive at the airport with time to spare.  Find out more.

 
Whether at home or on holiday, getting outside with the kids is healthy for everyone.
There has been a substantial decrease in the amount of time kids spend outside, despite overwhelming evidence that suggests that getting outdoors provides life-long physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Instead, children spend an average of 6.5 hours per day watching television and sitting at the computer, leading to physical inactivity and increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and other serious health concerns. Here are ten ways to enjoy the great outdoors together! 

 
It used to be that mothers and daughters did some of their best bonding over a cup of tea and cucumber sandwiches. These days you’re more likely to find them spending quality time together, side-by-side, draped across a massage table. They are chatting it up (or not) while receiving an array of innovative body treatments administered at one of the many trendy day spas popping up in markets across the country. Read More!