Family Getaways with children from 0 to age 6

Families with children from 0 to age 6

We have all seen them. Those new parents wearing dark circles around their eyes as badges they have earned. Now mention the idea of taking a trip and many will respond with the “are you kidding?” look. The thought of packing all that gear from diaper bags to portable DVD players is not very appealing. Parents considering taking a trip instantly think about that long car ride or cramped airplane and all of the joy that comes along with it. Upon arrival to their destination, parents will imagine the stress of financing all of the expensive activities, meals at restaurants and of course, accommodations. Their attempts to comfort a crying baby or settle a restless toddler while waiting in a line or for a table can be a less than thrilling experience. After all is said & done, some parents might wonder if the trip is worth the hassle. Isn’t a getaway supposed to be fun?

Fun, family friendly getaways can be great for both children and parents providing that they are designed to suit the interests and needs of individual families. The first step is to establish a budget. Decide in advance what number that you feel comfortable with. There is no better way to destroy the joy of a vacation than worrying about costs. You may adjust the budget slightly one way or the other but if you begin by considering options at a certain price range, it is less likely that you will find yourself in a budget breakdown.

The next step is to review getaway options that are suited to the age of your children and that are equipped with the facilities that can make your stay more comfortable. For example, if you have a toddler and an infant, a cottage with a gentle landscape is very important and a property that has room for a play pen or that offers a crib can make the visit much more relaxed.

Once you have selected a location fits your family and is priced right, all you have to do is hit the road, right? Wrong! A successful getaway starts with some simple planning. Be sure that your car is serviced and ready to make the trip. Renting a mini-van might be a good idea if the road travel is significant. The room for luggage and sliding doors can make pit stops easy and organized. Often the price of a rental vehicle will not be much more than the cost of adding those kilometers to your ride once you factor in wear & tear. Be sure to pack just what you need and not much more. Too many bags can complicate a trip and the risk to forget items behind increases the more you bring along.

Congratulations! You are booked, packed and ready to go! Don’t forget the camera. You will want to record the smile not only of your children but also yours as you take a breath and enjoy some down time with the family. Keep it simple and remember that the children will have more fun when Mom & Dad are relaxed and at ease.

What is your best vacation memory as a young child?

Welcome to Affordable Escapes!

Welcome to the brand new Affordable Escapes blog! The concept of affordable getaways is one that Startell Marketing is working hard to develop into a widespread opportunity for families, friends and groups alike. We all need a change of scenery from time to time and we could often use a change of pace.

Sometimes a quiet retreat is the perfect solution to a hectic lifestyle. Some time to relax, recover & recuperate in a cozy cabin with a view of the lake can help to unwind and re-energize tense professional.

For others, a fun-filled adventure that forces hearts to race can offer thrills to inspire those that feel stuck in a rut. The excitement of testing your abilities in physically demanding sports or challenging your courage to try something new is sure to get the blood pumping and leave you with the welcome feeling of self-confidence and satisfaction.

Couples in today’s busy society can find it difficult to stay on track with their relationships. A quick weekend getaway can help partners to re-connect by eliminating the daily distractions and offering activities that both can share and enjoy. Many would agree that one of the best ways to strengthen a relationship is to share laughter with their mate. Finding new ways to smile with the one you love will create memories that can last a lifetime.

Families deal with various challenges at each level of development. Finding family friendly activities that offer value and convenience is not always easy. As children grow and interests evolve, parents can feel pressure to entertain their youth by participating in expensive events. Trips to theme parks and enrollment in organized sports can be fun and educational. They can also put strain on a family’s budget and schedule. The opportunity to spend time together with family without spending a fortune is possible by taking advantage of creative options such as festivals and community initiatives.

Getting together with the girls or hanging out with the guys are great ways to maintain friendships & create the kind of memories that will keep you smiling for years to come. Groups of couples, families or even co-workers can strengthen bonds by sharing unique experiences. Ski trips, scenic tours and even artistic performances can be available to groups at reduced rates. Take advantage of discounts offered to groups while enjoying the company of friends and family year round!

The economic impact of people participating in affordable escapes is immediate and powerful. The destination points may appear to be the most significant beneficiary of those getting away from it all but the local influence cannot be overlooked. When people take part in a trip or activity, they often find that their community at home benefits as well. Many individuals preparing for their getaways will do some local shopping or have the car serviced prior to leaving. Groups tend to gather at a local restaurant or coffee shops before hitting the road. Businesses that provide services such as trailer and boat rentals or outdoor equipment suppliers can see increases traffic when getaways are being planned.
We look forward to exploring the great ideas for affordable escapes with readers, travelers and service providers through this venue. Feel free to share you thoughts, questions or reviews on any of the affordable escapes that are discussed here.