Take these tips for a fun-filled family vacation

Family vacations really can be fun if parents invest some time and effort in ways to keep children engaged and amused.

Here are some tips on traveling with children from the experts at ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents:

•Keep it simple. Traveling with kids in tow involves many details. To make the process easier, consider using a travel agent, who can recommend vacation destinations tailor-made for your family’s interests and budget, find great deals on airfare and hotels while saving you time, and fill you in on the latest airport security news.

•Make getting to your destination fun. Use time traveling together for zany sing-alongs, family storytelling sessions, and scavenger hunts.

Parents can make a list of things one might expect to see from a car or plane, such as two-toned cows, a car towing a boat, or a man wearing a green hat, then have the kids vie to see who spots the items first.

If your vehicle is equipped for it, watching a movie or DVD on the trip may be a way to keep the youngsters occupied while on the road or while on a travel break.

•Put together a "bag of tricks" for each child on the trip. A bag with items such as drawing materials, games, books and puzzles will help children pass the time on the trip. By keeping these bags just for trips, they’ll retain their novelty and give the kids an additional treat to look forward to on the trip.

•Break up the trip with frequent stops: playgrounds, indoor fun centers, and family restaurants are good bets.

•Be prepared to save objects collected on the trip, such as interesting rocks or shells, postcards, and menus from a favorite restaurant or two. It can be a great way to create family memories.

•Try not to do too much, particularly when traveling with young children. The pace of a trip can be an important part of its success. One major activity in the morning and one in the afternoon is often enough.

When you get home, label a box for your saved objects with the trip destination and date, and you’ll have a great souvenir of your time together.

To learn more, visit the website of the American Society of Travel Agents at www.travelsense.org.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.