With the occurrence of Summer Solstice on June 21, 2007, summer was officially ushered in…we know what that means for most - TRAVEL & VACATION.
The logistics of Travel & Vacation can be challenging for some, but for families with children, travel and vacation can be painful if not properly prepared and organized.  As a mother of three boys all under the age of five years, I know all too well.
Cherished Journeys will provide a four-part summer series on Family Travel & Vacation. 
Each e-newsletter will provide travel tips, suggestions and insider secrets guaranteed to save you bundles of cash, time, energy and yes - your sanity.

Travel & Vacation Basics 

1. Contact your favorite Leisure Travel Consultant (LTC). If you don’t have one, get one. A good LTC can get you the best value (price and quality) for your travel needs, in addition to providing insight on a variety of exciting vacation destinations based on industry reviews and/or personal experience. Contact Cherished Journeys by email or phone (888.6. BOOK ME)  to discuss travel and vacation possibilities or visit www.cherishedjourneys.com if you want to first review a sample of the available cruises, tours, vacation packages and resorts that we offer. 

2. Get everyone involved with planning the vacation early-on. Once the vacation destination has been chosen, be sure that everyone is involved with selecting some of the activities, excursions and tours. There are a variety of fun and interactive ways of getting youth excited about the pending family vacation, such as: starting a calendar countdown to the departure day, the use of maps and globes to depict the the distance between the origination and destination, or research and learn about the culture, history and customs of your travel and vacation destination. Be sure to plan your excursions ahead of time and always, always book early.  Take a gander at the great activities, tours and excursions.

3. Before you pack, make sure that all of your documentation is ready to go. As of January 23, 2007 travelers to the U.S. traveling by air must have a valid passport when entering/re-entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Even if these aren't your travel & vacation destinations for this year or even next year, why not get your passports now.  The process can take a while (time varies based on volume) and if you don't have the necessary paperwork (birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, etc.) it will take even longer.  So you are better off starting the process now… Easily Apply or Renew Passports.