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Top 10
Arizona Travel Tips for A Fun Filled Day Trip With
the Kids
 There is nothing more rewarding for parents than
spending quality time with the kids on a family
vacation. Snapping pictures, exploring and
discovering new territories while blazing new trails
can make for great family fun. After all, isn't that
what a family vacation is all about anyway? Just
being together, sharing, laughing, talking ~
creating some of life's most memorable moments.
All too often though, the hopes of a rewarding
vacation or day trip with the kids can slowly
dwindle into a day of frustration and
disappointment. The kids get hungry, then they're
thirsty, they get tired and cranky, now they want to
argue and of course the ever proverbial "are we
there yet"...coming from the back seat of the car
feels as though it will forever be ringing in your
ears. Is this bonding? Well...in a sense - yes.
Certainly, years from now when the kids are grown
you can reminisce and laugh about the trials and
tribulations of the family vacation and day trips
you used to take. But wouldn't it be more rewarding
knowing that you can actually have fun with your
kids in the present moment! Why wait until they're
all grownup to reminisce about the good ole day
trips gone by.
When my family and I take an Arizona vacation or go
on a day trip we like to think about bonding with
the kids in the present moment. Have fun now, talk
with the kids now and share in that hilarious belly
laugh now ~ so that when we all get home we can
immediately begin to reminisce about the fun times
we had on this family vacation.
No matter where your travels may take you and your
family the following travel tips will help get you
there with your peace of mind in tack so that you
can enjoy all of your wonderful "present moments"
with your family.
Advice and Tips for Arizona Travelers and
Vacationers:
Check Your Vehicle: A breakdown could spell disaster
for a fun filled day. Whether you are in your own
car or a rental, always take a look before you
start. Make sure the tires look properly inflated
and check the windshield washer fluid. Fill your
tank. You can always go to our
Best
Gas Prices in Arizona page to find out
where to buy fuel in Arizona for the least amount of
money.
Pack a Cooler: Purchase a small Styrofoam cooler
available in any grocery or convenience store for
just a few bucks. Pack it with bottled water and a
few light snacks. Avoid sweet drinks because they
tend to dehydrate you in the Arizona heat. Water
will keep you hydrated and feeling good. Keep a box
of crackers and Nilla wafers handy because they are
easy on the stomach. And drink plenty of water
during your day. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
Dress Properly and Comfortably: Flip flops and
sandals are great around the hotel or pool, but on
your Arizona day trip wear durable, comfortable
footwear. Pack some sunscreen and wear hats. It
doesn’t have to be a Stetson; a baseball cap will do
fine. The Arizona desert can get cool in the evening
and downright cold at times so keep jackets handy.
Keep the Kids In the Loop: Rotate seats in the car
so everybody gets a window. Let the kids help decide
things like where to have lunch and spend time at
the things that interest them. When our son was 8 or
9 years old he could spend what seemed like all day
observing reptiles and other animals at the various
places on our day trips. It wasn’t necessarily our
idea of heaven but today he is a Biologist preparing
for his P.H.D. in Zoology. Who would have guessed?
So let the kids pick a place or two to go visit.
With a little guidance from you, you may be
surprised to find a P.H.D. in your kids too.
Create Family Memories: Pick up small mementos along
the way to remind the kids of the places they've
been and the great things they have experienced. You
don’t have to break the bank. It’s the small things
that make a difference and are great conversation
starters with your kids!
Take Lots and Lots of Photos: When you get back home
and are sitting around with the kids, looking at
your photo collection, it will hit you. Arizona is
so amazingly beautiful ~ sometimes…it just doesn't
sink in until you see it in print.
Don't Try to Beat the Clock: You can only move as
fast as the slowest one in your party. Different
size families with kids of various ages travel at
different paces. Your family may want to spend more
time at one place or another or at one particular
activity. Go with the flow and enjoy. Arizona’s
wonderful places have been around a long time and
they will be there tomorrow. Believe me, you and
your kids will be happier enjoying the things you
get to do than having the day become a nightmare by
trying to rush.
Travel Safe: If you are doing all the driving
remember to give your eyes a rest. There are plenty
of scenic areas to park and stretch your legs. Take
advantage of them. You are going to see some of the
most amazing natural beauty on Earth. Take the time
to drink it all in. July and August is monsoon
season in Arizona and afternoon thunderstorms occur
regularly. Be prepared, they usually only last a
short time.
Talk and Laugh a Lot: Talk to one another about the
things you are doing and the marvelous sights you
are seeing. It’s a great time for the kids to use
their imagination and express themselves. Listen to
them. You will learn things about each other that
may surprise you and you will be better off for the
experience. Laugh, laugh and laugh some more! Leave
your stress and cares behind and have fun. You owe
it to yourself and your kids. Life will be waiting
when you get home.
Bend the Rules: Extend bedtimes. Take an evening dip
in the hotel pool. Have that extra ice cream cone.
Whatever it is that is different from the everyday.
Step outside late one night with your kids and look
up at the sky. The night sky in Arizona is filled
with stars to wish on so get out there and look up!
City dwellers will be amazed.
We hope you keep these hints in mind during your
visit to Arizona or wherever you and your family may
travel. My wife, Ronnie and I have spent over 30
years traveling throughout Arizona and have found
these tips to be true for our family. We know they
will be true for yours too.
Always “Be good to each other and your mother Earth.
Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but
footprints.”
Adios Pards.
See ya on the trail! The Arizona Day
Trail!
http:www.ArizonaDayTrails.com
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