Planning for a summer trip or a vacation? Remember that the purpose of the vacation is to have time as a family to rest and recharge ourselves.
Here are a few simple tips that may help make it a memorable, instead of a regrettable, family time.

a. Plan activities for all family members-even young family members have favorite activities and hobbies that might be worked into the vacation.

b. Involve everyone in the planning- get everyone involved from where to go on vacation, to what to do and how long to stay. Keep everyone informed about the plans so that they know what to expect.
c. Plan for rainy days. Make sure you have plans to go to a movie, museum or other indoor activity on a rainy day.

d. If you have a long drive to get to your destination, check the route for sightseeing side trips on the way. It will give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and see something new. It will also keep children from becoming bored and starting to fight.

e. Plan some rest time and quiet activities into each day. Smaller children will need naps, but everyone needs time to relax. Bring along a good book for quiet reading or for family reading and story times.

f. Make sure that you make time to talk as a family about what you are seeing and learning each day.

g. Make healthy choices when choosing restaurants and meals. On vacation many families get so busy that they forget about meal planning and end up living on fast food. Take fruits and healthy snacks with you, and plan your meals so that you get fruits and vegetables every day.

The greatest tip of all for parents or grandparents who are planning to take children on a family vacation is to make your trip tobacco free. If you are a smoker, your addiction can make your family members sick and ruin a great vacation with memories of smoke filled hotel rooms and being trapped in a smoke filled car.

When you take your family into the smoking section of a restaurant, children inhale as many carcinogens as if they had smoked four cigarettes. If you are a smoker, make this summer the summer you quit. Talk with your doctor about the great new cessation products that can help you quit smoking. This vacation can be the one you will remember as the best summer ever.