Trip Planner 2016-17 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 9

Schretter: I’ll name three trends: · Multigenerational vacations that families take to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary or events such as a graduation. · Aunts and uncles who do not have children are taking their nieces and nephews on trips, either annually or for milestone events. Schretter: Common mistakes include not involving every family member in the vacation planning process; not building in enough flexibility, variety and alternatives for all ages; not including both time together and time apart—“we time” and “me time.” It’s also important to build in downtime so that everyone can relax. · Because many parents and grandparents believe learning should be an integral part of family vacations, they look for educational travel opportunities. AARON TUELL/OUTER BANKS VISITORS BUREAU What are some common mistakes families make when planning travel? Larsen: Too often they travel to the well-publicized—and more crowded—destinations or attractions and miss the quiet, more authentic engagements with culture and history. Some of each— crowded and quiet—makes a well-rounded tour. And a tour operator can help you make reservations to avoid long lines at the crowded attractions. Armstrong: Families typically underestimate the costs that steadily add up on vacation, and worries about those escalating expenses can really undermine the parents’ enjoyment of what should be a special time. Part of the beauty of our Tauck Bridges trips is that they’re virtually all-inclusive, and every major expense is paid for before the trip even begins. A day at the dock in North Carolina’s Outer Banks For more information about tour ideas and product from the Family Travel Network, Ed-Ventures Inc. and Tauck, visit familytravelnetwork.com, ed-ventures.com and tauck.com. Seattle Southside makes the perfect home base for your next tour of the Pacific Northwest. With convenient access to Sea-Tac International Airport and Link light rail to downtown Seattle, it’s easier to get to everything on your clients’ must-see list. Contact the travel professionals at Seattle Southside for free help planning your next tour. 206.575.2691 ntaonline.com 7