We've Moved

Hello,

We've moved to a custom domain. PLEASE VISIT US at

http://familytravelsonabudget.com.

There's a giveaway at the new site this week! Gotta have fun, you know!

Thanks and happy travels!
Karen and the team

Traveling Times

Almost two weeks ago, I posted that I'd be sharing BIG NEWS. Maybe you didn't notice, but the announcement never came. Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, the announcement was postponed.

I still have BIG NEWS to share, but first... some medium news.

Family Travels on a Budget is moving to its own custom domain! It's open for business, but much like a brand new luxury beach resort, not all the features are up and running yet... but we're getting close. Please join me at the new site and watch it grow!

• Bookmark it.
• Follow the site on twitter, facebook and google+
• Sign up for emails, which will include up to date travel information from the industry (Did you know Southwest is buying Jet Blue?)
• Follow the RSS feed 

I appreciate your support. Join me at Family Travels on a Budget, simply http://familytravelsonabudget.com.

Happy Travels!

Karen
(and the Family Travels on a Budget team)

How to: Make a Vacation Bucket List

My friend, Heather, recently shared her Fairmont Vacation Bucket List. Using this strategy, Heather and her family enjoy resort amenities and visit the areas where they vacation. They don't get stuck with "what do you want to do?" conversations, which generally go nowhere or leave someone unhappy.


Making a Vacation Bucket List is easy!


1. Choose destinations wisely.

• Don't like the sun, sand and sea, then don't go to the beach! (I truly cannot imagine such a scenario, but I know there are some anti-beach readers out there somewhere)
• Like the city, but not the country, then choose a destination with lots of "citified" activities. (Lucky me. I like both.)
• Love the roller coasters but the kids are tiny, then wait a few years. (Or leave the kids with grandma!)

2. Create a list of possible activities at your vacation destination.

• Visit the hotel website to understand the amenities offered, especially resort hotels, and start a tentative to do list for the resort.
• Search travel information sites like TripAdvisor, MetroMarks, and Frommer's to explore the areas you will visit. Simply enter the location or attraction name in the search box at most sites to learn about the area you plan to visit. (Be sure you check out the destinations we feature here at Family Travels on a Budget as well!)
• Create a list of potential activities based on initial reactions. You don't need to know everything yet.

3. Discuss options with the family (all traveling adults and kids old enough to offer opinions). 

• Ask family members to pick two or three "must do" activities from your tentative list of activities. It's okay if more than one person selects the same activity -- the goal here is to make sure everyone gets to do something they really want to do. This becomes the family "bucket list."
• If you have lots of options, ask the family to select their next two or three favorites from the remaining activities to create a "would like to do" list.
• Consider a rainy day list and ask everyone to pick one activity for a rainy day (shopping, nice restaurant, bowling, museums, movies, etc.)

4. Add important information to your Vacation Bucket List. Include address, ticket prices, operating hours, phone and/or website info so you don't have to look it up again on vacation. 

That's it: Your Vacation Bucket List is complete! Remember to pack it!

Have you used a vacation bucket list (even if you gave it a different name)? How did it work?

Do you have suggestions to improve our bucket list process? Please share!  Of course, if you have any questions, ask!

Happy Travels!