by Christine Loomis

As Travel Editor of the former Family Life magazine and author of Fodor's "Family Adventures" among other guides, Christine Loomis travels often with her own children. Ms. Loomis advises parents, "Research is really the only way to ensure that a family vacation will be okay."

This noted author shared her guidelines for evaluating children's programs at family resorts during a seminar at the LA Times Travel Show. "Most of us have only one or two chances a year, and there's a tremendous amount of money involved," Ms. Loomis noted, "so we have a lot invested in having a good time."

If you're thinking of vacationing at a family resort, Ms. Loomis suggests interviewing the staff yourself, rather than relying on a travel agent's recommendation.

Dial the hotel's direct phone number and ask to speak with the Recreation or Children's Activity Director. Ask him or her:

 What is the staff's training in education, CPR, life saving, and First Aid?

 What is the counselor:child ratio? [Editor's Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 1 adult:3 infants, 1 adult:5 toddlers, 1 adult:7 school-agers, and 1 adult:10 teens.]

 Are kids divided into play groups by appropriate ages? 

 Does the program take advantage of the local environment?

 What is the ratio of outdoor to indoor activities?

While you're at it, you may also want to think about the resort itself -- what does it have to appeal to children beyond the specialized children's program. Points to consider include:

 Space: A family-friendly room must have enough space to sleep at least four people comfortably. Adjoining or connecting rooms are also important features.

 Family Amenities: Sofa beds, rollaway beds, and cribs should be available.

 Family Perks: Some to look for are kitchenettes with a refrigerator and microwave, in-room video games, and in-room DVD players with rental movies.

 Family Services: Look for babysitting, a kid's selection on the room service menu, a fast-food restaurant or deli on-site or within short walking distance, a children's pool and strollers available for guest use.

 Family Friendly Staff: You'll know it when you see it!

When you find appropriate choices, be sure to share brochures with your children and ask for their input before making reservations.

  FTF Tips

Many family resorts feature their lowest rates between the New Year and President's Day school breaks, between March's Spring Break and the (usually) mid-April Easter holidays, and during the months of May and October, when the fewest numbers of families with children are traveling.

Although many of the top tropical resorts are "sizzling" in summer time, it's become such a popular "off season" for family travel that summer rates are no longer the bargain they used to be.

Also note that no matter how elaborate the facility and well-trained the staff, the experience your child has in a Kid's Program is often dependent on the other children who are there. If your son or daughter finds a quick friend, the experience is likely to be positive. If there are no other children the same age or gender, the discomfort your child feels may color his or her experience.

Laura Sutherland
FTF's Blogger



Posted Fri Oct 20, 2006 2:30pm by FTFblog