Exploring Uncharted Territory Your Family
Vacation
by: News Canada
(NC)—Picture it – your minivan is
stopped at a rest area. Your partner sits at the wheel while
you are buried under a mess of unfolded maps. You
feel tense as you debate over directions while your jumpy kids
in the back seat are spreading chocolate over each
other. Aah, the joys of a family
vacation.
Don't despair, not every trip has to be like that. By
making plans in advance, you can help ease tensions on the trip
and turn it into a family adventure filled with wonderful
memories for everyone. Before getting started, consider these
quick travel tips.
Where are we?
Try to map out your trip in advance or at least be prepared
with a road atlas in the car. Michelin's 2003 North America
Road Atlas is spiral bound and compact, which means it lies
flat for easier navigating and folds over easily so it can be
tucked away in the glove compartment. A great innovation is
that maps are organized by geographic region, not by the
alphabet … according to the way you actually drive.
Are we there yet?
Let your children also have their own map so they can follow
along with you. Use a road atlas to teach your children how to
use maps and help them learn to answer that gnawing question,
"Are we there yet?" Make a game out of it and try to see who
can calculate the distance the fastest.
I have to go!
Plan exciting pit stops along the way to give everyone a chance
to stretch their legs and use a restroom. Choose interesting
locations and tourist attractions such as the world's largest
coffee pot in Saskatchewan, magnetic hill in New Brunswick or a
haunted lighthouse in Ontario. Make these stops part of the
fond memories of your family trip.
I'm bored!
Entertaining car-based activities for the kids will help make
the journey more pleasant for everyone. There are a variety of
great board games available in compact sizes, which use magnets
to ensure pieces stay on the board. Other options include
reading out loud, singing or listening to audio books. Consider
the classic games of "I Spy", a scavenger hunt or even counting
cows, horses and other unique items you identify.
I'm hungry!
To avoid grumbling stomachs keep some snacks handy such as
fruit, granola bars or juice boxes to keep everyone satisfied
while you search for the next rest stop.
Spending time together on a road trip is a great way to have
quality time with your family. Don't let it ruin your trip.
Instead make it part of the adventure and the wonderful
memories. Not only will some advance planning make your trip a
lot more pleasant, it may keep everyone talking to one
another!
- News Canada
About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use
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