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
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