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As a child, I enjoyed what I considered to be an advantage over many of my peers. My parents believed it was important for my sister and me to experience for ourselves the fascinating and diverse places that make up our country. From the skyscrapers of Manhattan Island to seemingly endless fields of corn in our nation's heartland and further west still to the arid landscape of Death Valley, I had been to 40 states and 2 Canadian provinces by the time I was 12. I love to travel. Now that I'm married and have a daughter of my own, I will likewise expose her to as many settings as possible. There is perhaps no better time to undertake such a journey as the summertime. School is out for 3 months, and travel is considerably safer. The risk of inclement weather conditions is greatly diminished.

Because the summer months are such a popular time for family vacations, it is of utmost importance to plan ahead. Once a destination has been decided, start putting some money aside a few months prior to the trip. Estimate your budget, and put yourself on the safe side. Throw in a few hundred extra dollars. Unforeseen emergencies, such as a mechanical breakdown of your vehicle could occur. Maybe an unplanned souvenir will make its way into your home. Unless you are driving a motor home, never assume that lodging will always be available. Call ahead. Make reservations. There's nothing more frustrating than being tired after driving for 10 or 12 hours and learning that a Shriner's Convention has filled every motel around within a 50-mile radius.

Of course children will love theme parks such as the Six Flags chain or Disney World, but parents need to keep in mind that such entertainment, while relaxing and enjoyable for every family member, should not replace the educational opportunity of visiting famous, historical landmarks. As an example, it would be regrettably amiss to pass up someplace like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, or Hoover Dam just to rush to wait in line for an hour or more to ride a roller coaster.

Everything costs considerably more than it did 40 years ago, and this includes family vacations. A week-long trip across the country, whether by air or land, could set a family back $3000 or more. Certainly, not everyone will be financially able to embark on such a voyage every year, but with forethought and a bit of penny-pinching, every other year could easily be within reach for most of us.

My parents are gone now, but I am forever in their debt for showing me a vast world beyond the confining parameters of my hometown. Your children will be, too.

Learn more about this author, Patrick Sills.
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