Family Vacation Tips

Monday, 28 May 2012

Family Time,
Unplugged & Outdoors

Memories are Made on Vacations;
Tips for the Road

 
Don’t worry about record-breaking gas prices –
the U.S. Energy Information Administration 
estimates prices to be $3.79 a gallon this 
summer, less than in 2008.

That’s good news for families considering 
reviving the tradition of a road trip vacation, 
one of the best experiences parents and kids 
can share, says Michael DiLorenzo, author of 
Adventures with Jonny: Road Trip to the Parks!
(www.adventureswithjonny.com).

“This is a shared experience, and one that will 
be talked about during family gatherings for 
years to come,” says DiLorenzo, a father of three.
“For busy parents, this is a time to savor their 
children’s youth. As moms and dads eventually
find out, they grow up fast.”

It’s also a chance to get children outside and away
from their computers, he says. Children today 
already have a deep-rooted interest in technology, 
which is why a road trip to a natural, outdoor 
destination is an opportunity to “give your child 
the gift of the outdoors, which is a gift for life,” 
says DiLorenzo.

The journey to a national park in the United States 
or Canada – perhaps Yellowstone in Wyoming or 
Banff in Alberta – is as bonding an experience as 
whatever happens at the destination.

“And there are parks in every state,” he notes. 
“If you don’t have the time or money to go 
cross country, pick a park closer to home.”

DiLorenzo offers these helpful tips for the road:

• Games, games, games!: Yes, there is ample 
entertainment for both drivers and riders in cars
these days. BUT, the goal is to bond with the 
family, so consider a fun, albeit off-color game
like “Road Kill Round-Up.” A point system 
might break down like this: two points for the 
first to spot a poor critter; three for whoever first 
correctly identifies the species; two points 
subtracted for a false road-kill call; three points
subtracted for misidentifying the kind. 

• Beware of dairy drinks (and other smelly 
snacks): A spill in the backseat can eventually 
create quite a stink during a summer road trip.
But do pack plenty of healthy snacks to save on
pricey pit stops and avoid all the sugar and salt
in junk food. 

• Avoid big-city rush hours: When traveling 
through metropolitan areas, consider the busiest 
traffic periods. Whether you plan to stop and check
out the city or simply zip through it, bumper-to-
bumper traffic is something to avoid. A bit of
consideration can save your family hours of grid-
locked misery. 

• Tech help: Various apps and websites can help 
drivers find the cheapest gas prices, food options,
hotel rates and travel routes. Also, don’t forget a 
music mix that appeals to the entire family on one
of these devices. (Remember, leave work at home
– forget about work-related calls, texts and emails!
Use a non-work-related smartphone, if needed.) 

• Schedule pit stops: Being in a hurry should be 
left for the morning commute; vacation should be
different. When traveling across states and provinces,
consider local culture. For example, barbecue in South
Carolina is very different from Missouri’s version. 
Enjoy diners and unique attractions, and don’t be 
afraid to take notes.

“The greatest family memories are created in shared 
adventure,” DiLorenzo says. “Outdoor recreation is 
filled with these memories just looking for a family
to bring them home.”

About Michael A. DiLorenzo

Michael A. DiLorenzo is a married father of three
living in the outdoor-rich environs of Michigan. He 
created the “Adventures with Jonny” series to 
entertain and educate children (and parents!) about 
the activities available in the great outdoors.