Well kids, you’re going on a trip! How exciting is that?
Packing Tips Here are some helpful tips on how to pack in different traveling environments.
Plane - If you are traveling by plane, you can only pack so many things in a suitcase. So pack everything you need, but leave those things that you can live without at home.
Car - If you are traveling by car, don’t forget to pack a few road games, books, toys or headphones to keep you busy!
Other things to think about bringing:
Spending money
Camera
Addresses of friends/relatives so you can send them a postcard
Car Travel Ideas
Here are some easy ways to make a long road trip fun for the entire family!
Using the letters of the alphabet, find an object outside that starts with that letter. Let the entire family play along!
Name a certain type of car or a certain color. See who can be the first one to spot a match!
Play educational games. For example, name all the state capitals or think of other things that would test your memory.
Play an “I Spy” game. Find something that everyone in the car can see and give them the first letter of that object. Whoever guesses it first, wins! For example, if you see a tree, you give everyone the letter “t” as a clue to your secret object.
Safety Tips
If you follow these safety tips, you will have a much better chance of having a great vacation.
Stay close. Stay close to your mom and dad or your adult guardian, especially in the airport! Be aware of strangers.
Be safe. If you are hiking or visiting steep places, stay off fences and protective walls and barriers. Many kids have fallen and accidentally hurt themselves. Nothing is worse than having to go to the doctor on vacation! So stay safe.
Obey park rules. If the sign says, “Don’t feed the wildlife,” there is a good reason for that sign. You don’t want to get a bite or cause harm to the wildlife.
Keep your money safe. Don’t let it fall out of your pocket or forget and leave your purse behind.
Keep your camera and other valuables safe. Make sure you don’t leave them in the car within plain view of a potential thief.
Stay healthy. Be sure to wash your hands frequently so you don’t get sick.
Listen. Finally, be sure to listen to your mom and dad or the person in charge of your travel.
Other Vacation Ideas
Take pictures of places, people and things so that you can remember your trip.
Consider writing a diary or journal of your day by day adventures. When you get back, you can add your photos and then share your vacation with your friends.
If you are visiting relatives that you haven’t seen in a long time, be sure to spend lots of time visiting with them. It might be a long time before you see them again!
For Parents:
Traveling with Children
Traveling with children can complicate a simple trip. In a blink of an eye, holiday travel and crowded airports take on another meaning.
TSA offers the following helpful tips on what to do before going to the airport and while at the airport:
Before Going to the Airport
Allow yourself extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children, who may require extra equipment and assistance.
Call your airline or travel agent for recommended check-in times.
Talk to your children ahead of time about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Tell them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
At the Airport
Remind children about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Also remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
Let your children know that a security officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well.
You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
General Travel Information TravelWithYourKids.com is a website written by parents for parents. The website has tips on everything from great places to go, to how to prepare for your trip, what to do en-route to your destination and how to get around once you arrive.
Vaccines/Immunization Questions
When traveling internationally with children, it’s good practice to refer to the Center for Disease Prevention website for information on the region.
Need help deciding where to go with your family? KidsCanTravel.com is a resource for deciding where to go and what to do when you get there.
Teens - Travel
Family Vacation
Going on vacation? Vacation time with family can be an amazing experience. Sure, you’ll miss your friends, computer and cell phone, but think about the amazing adventures you will have to talk about when you get home!
If your family is small, you can ask your parents if they would consider letting a friend come along. The answer may take into consideration where you are going, how much it will cost, and the other family’s approval. Regardless of the answer, remember that most teens meet other teens along the way.
Packing
Here are a few things to remember when packing:
If you are traveling by airplane, be sure to check the individual airline’s luggage limits or other packing requirements.
Airlines are very particular about carry-on items so check ahead.
Pack everything you need, and leave those things that you can live without at home.
If you are traveling by car, don’t forget to pack a few magazines or headphones to keep you busy!
At a minimum, don’t forget:
Your camera
Your iPod or other device
A good book, magazine or portable game
Friend or family members' addresses for postcards
Spending money (Traveler Checks recommended!)
Other Ideas
Consider researching your travel destination for your family. After all, you are probably one of the family’s computer experts! Look for directional maps, find interesting points of interest, and check the weather ahead of time for packing purposes!
Document your trip with a journal and photos. If you are creative, you will have the material to make a scrapbook later!
USA Today published an article on traveling with your teen containing plenty of information for a fun vacation.
College/Career - Travel
South Valley Bank & Trust found in its client focus groups that young adults love to travel! As such, we found some great websites to help you plan your trip. It doesn’t have to cost a whole lot and it can be done with safety in mind!
Packing
If you are traveling by airplane, be sure to check the individual airline’s luggage limits or other packing requirements. Also, airports are very particular about carry-on items so check ahead.
At a minimum, don’t forget to pack:
Your camera
Your iPod or other device
A good book, magazine or portable game
Friend or family members' addresses for postcards
Spending money (traveler checks recommended!)
Other Ideas
Research your travel ahead of time. Look for directional maps, transportation types/costs, interesting points of interest to visit, etc. Also, check out the weather ahead of time for packing purposes!
Document your trips with a journal and photos. If you are creative, you will have the material to “scrapbook” later!
Car Rentals
It pays to shop around. You can book a car or other vehicle through your travel agent or online. Be sure to look for discount coupons online and ask the car rental place if they offer any other discounts that you might qualify for, i.e., college student.
Tip: Be sure to physically inspect the vehicle before you drive it off the lot. Make sure that any dents or other imperfections are noted on your contract. Also, be sure you obtain their insurance coverage or are sure that your own insurance covers car rentals.
Junior Year Abroad
Are you interested in a study abroad program? Many universities have programs offering students the opportunity to experience another culture. Living abroad can be an exciting and eye-opening experience. You may find the following links helpful if you are considering studying abroad:
The United States Department of State website provides information on living abroad; everything from information on how to register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to travel alerts and more: http://Travel.State.gov/travel
Country-specific information is available for every country of the world. Pages within this website include information such as location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties: http://www.Travel.State.gov
Spring Break
Spring Break has always had somewhat of a notorious reputation. If you are college student and plan to travel during Spring Break, here are some tips to make sure it’s a safe and fun vacation:
The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have put together a site with Spring Break health and safety tips: http://www.CDC.gov/family/springbreak
The Bureau of Consular Affairs has a site dedicated to international travel and safety information for students: http://Travel.State.gov/travel
The Bureau of Consular Affairs “Top 5 Travel Safety Tips for Students:”
Read country-specific information (and public announcements or travel warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. For more information, check out the U.S. State Department’s website: http://Travel.State.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.
Register your travel with the U.S. State Department through a free service at https://TravelRegistration.State.gov. Registration helps ensure you can be contacted if there is a family emergency or if there is a crisis in the area where you are traveling.
Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visa, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport. For more information, check out the U.S. State Department’s website: http://Travel.State.gov.
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Avoid illicit drugs or excessive use of alcohol and reckless behavior. For more information, check out the U.S. State Department’s website: http://Travel.State.gov/travel.
Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas, and never accept packages from strangers.
Spring Break travel site:
Visit http://www.StudentCity.com. StudentCity.com claims you can either sign up for an all inclusive package or you can opt to work for them by selling spring break trips to other students. Reportedly, you earn money as you earn a free trip. The more you sell the more perks you get. As with any offer, be sure to read the fine print and understand all of the requirements before signing up!
Looking for a more meaningful experience?
Do you want to spend your Spring Break giving back instead of pushing your way through the party crowd? Visit http://www.i-to-i.com/be-part-of-it.
“At I-to-I we believe that travel should be fun, it should allow you to experience a country and its culture while you meet new friends and have the time of your life. We also believe that travel should be about giving something back and making a difference to our world.”
Interested in not spending a fortune traveling out of the country or on gas? Amtrak has previously offered a 15% student discount. Check out this website to learn more about traveling within the United States and potentially saving cash: http://StudentTravel.About.com
Career/Young Family - Travel
Honeymoon Congratulations! Getting married and having a wedding are very exciting. They can also be very stressful. The honeymoon is a couple’s opportunity to escape together on a romantic getaway and mark the beginning of a new life together. Below are a few websites to help plan the honeymoon of your dreams:
Need help planning? How about a detailed timeline that includes links on budgeting and choosing your destination?
Need more information? The following site covers honeymoon basics, destinations, booking information, romantic ideas for your trip, tips on saving money while on your trip, as well as articles on how to pack/prepare for your trip and much more:
Traveling with Children
Traveling with children can make a simple trip complicated. In a blink of an eye, holiday travel and crowded airports take on another meaning.
TSA has the following helpful tips on what to do before going to the airport and while at the airport:
Before you go to the airport
Allow yourself extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children who require extra equipment and assistance.
Call your airline or travel agent for recommended check-in times.
Speak to your children about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Tell them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
At the Airport
Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well.
You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
TravelWithYourKids.com is a website written by parents for parents. This site has tips on everything including their recommendations on “great places to go,” how to prepare for your trip, what to do en-route to your destination and how to get around once you arrive.
TravelWithYourKids.com features an article with the top five tips to traveling with children:
Vaccines/Immunization Questions
When traveling with children internationally, it’s a good practice to refer to the Center for Disease Prevention website for information on the region:
Travel Deal Links
You have saved money and vacation time; now you want to figure out where to go and how to get the best trip for your money. Using a travel agent can be very helpful and will definitely give some people better peace of mind. And it’s possible that a travel agent can get last minute seats on booked flights if they have the right relationship with the vendor.
If saving money is important, you can also research and book your own vacation or travel. There are plenty of websites and services available to help plan the trip you want. Here are a few links for deals and information:
Two of the websites featured in the above CNN article are “aggregators” which allow you to compare flight prices from several travel websites at the same time. Try www.sidestep.com or www.kayak.com.
International Travel
When traveling internationally, visit the Center for Disease Prevention’s website to look up the region where you’re headed. The site may provide helpful information on immunization requirements and other important health tips:
Country-specific information is available for every country of the world. Pages within this website include information such as location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties: http://www.Travel.State.gov
The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country-specific information, travel alerts, and travel warnings are vital parts of this program: http://Travel.State.gov
For information on document requirements such as visas and passports: http://Travel.State.gov
Career/Family - Travel
Traveling with Children
Traveling with children can make a simple trip complicated. In a blink of an eye, holiday travel and crowded airports take on another meaning.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shares information on what to expect when taking small children through the airport security checkpoints.
TSA has the following helpful tips on what to do before going to the airport and while at the airport: Before Going to the Airport
Allow yourself extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children who require extra equipment and assistance.
Call your airline or travel agent for recommended check-in times.
Speak to your children about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Tell them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
At the Airport
Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well.
You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
TravelWithYourKids.com is a website written by parents for parents. This site includes many tips including “great places to go,” how to prepare for your trip, what to do en-route to your destination and how to get around once you arrive. TravelWithYourKids.com features an article with the top five tips to traveling with children:
Vaccines/Immunization Questions
When traveling with children internationally, it’s a good practice to refer to the Center for Disease Prevention website for information on the region:
USA Today article on traveling with your teen containing plenty of links and information for a fun vacation: http://www.USAToday.com
Travel Deal Links
You have saved money and vacation time; now you want to figure out where to go and how to get the best trip for your money. Using a travel agent can be very helpful and will definitely give some people better peace of mind. And it’s possible that a travel agent can get last minute seats on booked flights if they have the right relationship with the vendor.
If saving money is important, you can also research and book your own vacation or travel. There are plenty of websites and services available to help plan the trip you want. Here are a few links for deals and information:
Two of the websites featured in the above CNN article are “aggregators” which allow you to compare flight prices from several travel websites at the same time. Try www.sidestep.com or www.kayak.com.
International Travel
When traveling internationally, visit the Center for Disease Prevention’s website to look up the region where you’re headed. The site will provide information on immunization requirements and other important health tips:
Country-specific information is available for every country of the world. Pages within this website include information such as location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate within the country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties: http://www.Travel.State.gov
The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country-specific information, travel alerts, and travel warnings are vital parts of this program: http://Travel.State.gov
For information on document requirements such as visas and passports: http://Travel.State.gov
Pre-Retirement - Travel
Perhaps at this point in your life, you find yourself thinking more about your golf game or lying on the beach on some exotic island. For many, this is a period of having more time if the kids have moved out and having the financial ability to travel. Here are a few sites to help you plan your next trip.
Travel Deal Links
You have saved money and vacation time; now you want to figure out where to go and how to get the best trip for your money. Using a travel agent can be very helpful and will definitely give some people better peace of mind. And it’s possible that a travel agent can get last minute seats on booked flights if they have the right relationship with the vendor.
If saving money is important, you can also research and book your own vacation or travel. There are plenty of websites and services available to help plan the trip you want. Here are a few links for deals and information:
Two of the websites featured in the above CNN article are “aggregators” which allow you to compare flight prices from several travel websites at the same time. Try www.sidestep.com or www.kayak.com.
Educational Tours
Discover more than 8,000 educational tours in 50 states and over 90 countries with Elderhostel, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975. Local and renowned experts guide visitors to experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities. Elderhostel is America's first and the world's largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over: http://www.ElderHostel.org/
Affordable Travel
Are you worried about your budget? Bankrate.com offers five tips to affordable retirement travel:
Traveling with Grandkids
Are you interested in traveling with your grandchildren? Grandparents.com has information on enjoying your grandchildren and different travel ideas to experience with them:
Perhaps you have finally worked your last day in the office. Ah, retirement is good. Or, if you have children, perhaps they are now on their own. Either way, at this point in life, you may be thinking more about your golf game or gardening. And with all this extra time on your hands, you probably have the travel bug. This section has sites to help you plan your next trip.
Travel Deal Links
You have the money and the vacation time; now you want to figure out where to go and how to get the best trip for your money. Using a travel agent can be very helpful and will definitely give some people better peace of mind. And it’s possible that a travel agent can get last minute seats on booked flights if they have the right relationship with the vendor.
If saving money is important, you can also research and book your own vacation or travel. There are plenty of websites and services available to help plan the trip you want. Here are a few links for deals and information:
Discover more than 8,000 educational tours in 50 states and over 90 countries with Elderhostel, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975. Local and renowned experts guide visitors to experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities. Elderhostel is America's first and the world's largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over:
Traveling with Grandkids
Are you interested in traveling with your grandchildren? Grandparents.com has information on enjoying your grandchildren and different travel ideas to experience with them:
Ah, you’re in your Golden Years and still desire to travel. While you may not be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, there are still a number of options and possibilities! This includes visiting your friends and family members. As long as you’re up for it, travel need not stop just because you reach the wonderful age of 80!
However, some considerations might be:
Length of the trip
Physical requirements, i.e, walking or standing that may be required
Health or geographic travel hazards
Menu selections that fit with your eating requirements
Access to good healthcare, i.e., physicians or hospital
If you are interested in making travel plans, be certain that you work with a reputable travel agent or travel site that you trust, as seniors tend to be targets of certain people wishing to take advantage of someone. A good travel agent can help you find the best travel scenarios for your needs and attend to all the details, giving you peace of mind that your trip will be all that you hoped for.
For making your own travel plans, here are some links to access deals and information:
Two of the websites featured in the above CNN article are “aggregators” which allow you to compare flight prices from several travel websites at the same time. Try www.sidestep.com or www.kayak.com.
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