Family Short Trips

The best family road trip ever is—impossible. I have been a seasoned journalist specializing in travel writing for the past 13 years and author of Consummate Connecticut: Day Trips with Panache (Cat Tales Press, 2006). My professional globetrotting days began, accompanied by my husband, collectively transporting my infant son (today 13) in a back carrier. A year later we had a baby girl in tow!

RV trips are great for family bonding, whether you are an experienced RVer or just starting out. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has lots of great ideas and help at their site www.gorving.com . If only the Munros had known about this source of information. Whether you need a CD on the basics or a list of campgrounds to get you started, RVIA can help you avoid the pitfalls that the Munros suffered.

The better the brand, the more lasting the used mini ATVs will be. If the used mini ATV is from a reputable brand name, you don't have very much to worry about especially if the previous owner has been using the mini ATV for a short period of time. That's because established brand names used higher quality materials to produce and manufacture their mini ATVs and can usually outlast any other cheaper brands.

Fall in Maine is considered to be the most beautiful of all the seasons, and hence vacations can be planned around this time of the year. The peak season for the fall foliage is between late September and the middle of October. It would be wise to reserve the accommodations well in advance, as most of them are usually full almost all through the year. Payment can be made through various options offered by these rental services.

The advantage of taking a long trip of three or more months is you tend to get a real feel for locations. Instead of feeling like a cow being herded along the tourist trail, you can plop down and meet the locals. Frankly, they are far more interesting than any church or museum. Well, usually!

Most of us do not explore our city parks. Some of the parks could have exciting bike and walking trails. Utilize the free events. Use your local paper as a guide to finding out what is happening within your area itself.

Another item you might like to consider for your tank bag is a disposable camera. It is cheap and easy, instantly replaceable, and yet with the potential to capture some wonderful moments and sights. Get one with a built-in flash and the light, or lack thereof, will not matter. If you are into photography you will obviously want your own "good" camera, but a disposable will do the job in most instances.

We've since moved back to the states and I enjoy reflecting on those precious seven years worth of travels that the Army blessed us with - 45 countries worth of trips, 364 weekends worth of family fun, and countless unique commentaries of the sites from my son. As I recall the places I've seen - breathtaking world heritage sites, museums full of priceless works of art, ancient castles that still stand strong, soaring cathedrals that take your breath away, or ruined cities that echo with its lost souls - it's not my mature, educated appreciation that comes to mind.

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