Tips for Planning a Family Ski Vacation

by Martha Edwards on

Family ski vacation were a staple of my childhood, despite the fact that my parents didn’t particularly like to ski. Nonetheless, my brother and I terrorized the Rocky Mountains for many years — until Mom and Dad stopped footing the bill at least. Family ski vacations are a great way to bond, and a great way to get your kids (or yourself) active when it’s cold outside. They might not be super cheap, but they’re worth it, if you ask me.

We Just Got Back has some great resources for people looking to book a ski trip, and you should check it out sooner rather than later because prices just go up as the ski season nears closer. If you search around, chances are you can find a package deal that will include accommodation, ski lessons, lift passes and rentals for the whole family, but act fast.

Here are a few of my own tips for planning your ski vacation: Don’t go around the Christmas to New Years time — prices are sky-high then. Opt for a weekend in January or February, or if you can handle letting the kids miss a bit of school, go for a mid-week trip. Choose somewhere you can drive to (if possible) and consider staying in the nearest town, rather than on the hill. And try to find accommodation with a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals and pack lunches for your day on the hill — ski hill food is expensive and unhealthy.

Travel Trend: Taking the Kids on Business Trips

by Jonathon Morgan on

Due to the growing number of single parents and two-income families, coupled with the trend to have children later in life, it seems more and more business travelers working in time with their kids by taking the family along for the ride.

As you might suspect, the service and travel industries are getting in on the act, trying to capitalize on the new business. Conference planners are seeking out vacation-friendly destinations, and hotels are catering to families — not so much for vacationers, but to appear more attractive to convention organizers, who feel they can attract more participants by encouraging parents to bring their kids.

One hotel even partnered with Fisher Price to offer suites complete with a crib, baby swing, and CD full of lullabies.

Amid all the growing concern with Blackberry Parents (a term for parents whose kids feel less-important than their wireless device), and the tendency toward workaholic behavior in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, it’s nice to see business travelers finding a way to incorporate more family time into their work schedules.

Because before you know it, they won’t be kids anymore.