Family Vacations – Spring Break Survey

Parents that haven’t yet made spring break plans should consider taking off work to travel as a family, a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive, reports. The study was done for the U.S. Travel Association.

“We assumed there would be a connection between memories and vacations, but it was surprising to learn that some of people’s most vivid childhood memories are of family vacations that happened when they were as young as 5,” said Regina Corso of Harris Interactive, who conducted the poll of more than 2,500 adults and 1,100 youths.

Key findings include:

• Family vacation memories last a lifetime: Most adults surveyed (62%) said their earliest memories were of family vacations taken when they were between ages 5 and 10, and they remember childhood trips more clearly than school events or birthday celebrations.
• Like their parents, children cherish family vacation memories: Youth surveyed strongly agreed that they get to see and do things on vacation that they’ll remember for a long time (64%) and that vacations bring their family closer together (53%).
• Parents underestimate the value of including grandparents on family vacations: Children who traveled with their extended family reported that they get to spend quality time with their grandparents (78%), they feel closer to them (60%), and they like to remember stories about what they did with their grandparents (65%).

“These new research findings should encourage parents to plan family trips this spring break and summer as a way to strengthen family bonds for generations,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. “Families that take time to travel together will have stories to share for years to come.”

The survey reveals important lessons when it comes to planning a family vacation, including:

1. When on vacation, do activities as a family. 
While parents and kids often don’t spend quality time together at home and plan separate vacation activities, more than half of children say that vacations are a time to make up for that – and that they get to spend quality time with their parents.

2. Consider including your children’s grandparents. 
Contrary to conventional wisdom, children are enthusiastic about traveling with their grandparents. More than half the children questioned reported feeling closer to their grandparents after a family vacation together.

3. Do something adventurous or try something new. 
For kids, a meaningful vacation is one where they get to do interesting things – and this is more important than where they stay or where they go. More than two-thirds of the children surveyed believe that a family vacation is an opportunity to try activities that they cannot do at home.

“Ask any parent – or kid – and they’ll tell you family vacations not only are the best times they have together but create the most lasting memories,” said Eileen Ogintz, author of the syndicated column and website TakingtheKids.com and a nationally recognized family travel expert. “The more you involve the kids in the planning, and the simpler the itinerary, the happier everyone will be.”

The “Family Vacations Create Lasting Memories” survey explored the vacation habits of American families and how memories from family vacations are valued, captured and shared.

Harris Interactive conducted the online survey in December 2012 on behalf of the U.S. Travel Association. The survey included 2,531 adults and 1,130 youth ages 8-18.

Travel Effect is a campaign of the U.S. Travel Association.

Visit www.traveleffect.com

Article Source: Travel Agent Central

Indulge- Travel, Adventure, & New Experiences

Some people create a bucket list because they are dying; I created one because I want to live!

What’s on your bucket list?

You can submit your bucket list or your bucket list adventures to Bucket List Publications or info@bucketlistpublications.com for publication. Share your goals and find inspiration in the accomplishments of others.

The more unrealistic we are with our dreams and goals, the more we’re able to achieve!

Continue reading post at  Bucket List Publications | Indulge- Travel, Adventure, & New Experiences.

Real Family Travel Magazines New Interactive Features

Digital magazine Real Family Travel announces a major upgrade to their Apple Newsstand app Real Family Travel Mag.

Version 3.0.1 of the iPad app features numerous updates to enrich the magazine experience for readers.

New features include:

A New Design for the App Interface – New experience for our readers opening Real Family Travel Mags app for the first time in Newsstand. The new design is intended to provide greater ease for our magazine readers in downloading their first issue.

Clipping and Sharing Pages – One of the biggest differences between print magazines and digital magazines on Newsstand was not being able to “clip” and save articles or photos like many people do with print magazines.

Social Media Sharing – Version 3.0.1 includes a fun new feature allowing readers to clip parts of a magazine page and share it with friends on social sites like Facebook and Twitter without leaving the app. In addition, our readers can share clips on Pinterest and Evernote. We think our readers will enjoy this new feature of clipping, storing and sharing their magazine experience.

Video “Sneak Peek” Previews  - Previously a big drawback to Newsstand magazines has been the inability for readers to thumb through and issue before buying. The new video feature enables readers to see the featured stories of each issue before purchasing.

For more information about Real Family Travel Magazine, visit their website http://www.RealFamilyTravel.com

via Announcing New Interactive Features to Real Family Travel Magazines Newsstand App | Mar 11, 2013.

Lose Weight On Vacation And Still Have Fun

Mae West once said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” And we agree – at least when it comes to travel. But no one wants to return from a dream vacation with extra baggage around the middle, the result of endless lazing on the beach and grazing on the all-you-can-eat buffet.

So how do you avoid sloth and gluttony, two of travel’s deadliest sins? Read on for nine easy, active ways to have a virtuous vacation—and even lose a bit of weight while away.

Note: Calories burned during each 30-minute activity are based on a 155-pound person; data is from Harvard University. Check with your doctor before participating in any physical activity.

Take a hike

Calories burned: 223 for a moderate cross-country hike

High-octane adventure activities aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but hiking can be tailored to fit most travelers’ endurance levels. Plus, there are few better ways to get a breathtaking view of an unfamiliar destination. Even the most bustling cities have hiking opportunities; check out Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland, or the 50-some miles of trails at Mt. Tamalpais State Park, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

8 More Ways To Lose Weight on Vacation

 

 

 

Aruba Resorts Offer Family Packages

The Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba resorts are offering a Family Package promotion featuring patio or balcony accommodations for up to two adults and two children, children’s camp from Monday through Friday for children ages 5 to 12 with numerous activities, and non-motorized water sports including snorkeling, sail boating, kayaking and a “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic.

The Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba resorts are set on Druif Beach and feature a shopping arcade and the nearby Alhambra casino. Guests at either of the adjacent resorts have access to all facilities and services at both properties.

Stays include all meals and snacks, a choice of nine dining options, unlimited beverages at seven bars, and three freshwater pools.

via TravelPulse

Florida Residents Vacation Close To Home

Interesting – I would have guessed the Caribbean – but of course when your State has its own palm trees, ocean and sun  . . . . 

The annual migration has begun, as residents of the Northeastern U.S., Upper Midwest and Canada begin their winter treks to Florida.  Many will stay for the season.

But as the rest of the country seeks solace in the Sunshine State, we thought it would be interesting to ask where Floridians take their trips.

The answer, according to an analysis of hotel booking data from Hotwire.com, is that they too favor Florida.

A look at the numbers reveals that residents of Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tallahassee are all most likely to book hotels in other Florida cities.

via Paradise found: Florida residents vacation close to home.

Top U.S. travel destinations for 2013

Attention American travel aficionados: There’s no need to leave the United States to find the next hot destination.

With Lonely Planets Top 10 U.S. Destinations for 2013, innovative cuisine and drink, hopping art scenes and spectacular nature are available — all without a passport.

They include emerging destinations, locations that have something special for 2013 and longtime favorites with something new to offer visitors.”U.S destinations are always going to be popular for U.S. residents,” said Robert Reid, Lonely Planets U.S. travel editor.

Its a big country and we don’t have as much vacation time as Europeans.”So consider putting that limited time to good use at one of these top destinations:

via Top U.S. travel destinations for 2013 – CNN.com.