Remember back when…you were just a child, and mom and dad whisked you and your siblings away on that much-anticipated family vacation every year? Now, it’s your turn to do the planning and lead the way. Your next family vacation can be a time to de-stress and unwind…to expand your horizons and experience something new…and most importantly, to bond with family members. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your precious vacation time together – and make wonderful memories that last a lifetime:

1. Involve all family members in the planning and decision-making process. That way, everyone will feel that it’s their vacation, too, and all will be more likely to do their best to make it a success.
2. Look for resorts and destinations that are kid-friendly, with plenty of activities, a kids’ program and a kids’ menu. All-inclusive resorts and cruises simplify planning and offer activities that appeal to the whole family.
3. Get the advice of your local travel agent. Whether your trip is across the state or around the world, there will be someone at your hometown travel agency who can offer personal experiences and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable for everyone. And while away, keep the phone number of your travel agent handy, just in case an unexpected situation arises that you need help with.
4. When staying in a hotel, request “connecting” rather than “adjoining” rooms. Adjoining rooms are side-by-side, but do not always have a door that connects the rooms to each other.
5. Book flights well in advance so that you can get the best prices and most convenient arrangements. When possible, opt for non-stop flights even if it costs more. The stress of regrouping a family after members run to the bathroom, visit gift shops and food stands is rarely worth the few dollars you might save.
6. Create a “buddy system” so that no one will get lost or left behind. If possible, supply each family member with a cell phone or pager.
7. Pack just a few favorite toys and books along with plenty of snacks. Don’t forget a familiar blanket for the little ones. Freeze juice boxes if you’ll be taking a long flight or walking around all day.
8. Encourage teens to pack books, snacks and CDs or cassette headsets in carry-on luggage. If possible, let them bring a friend along.
9. Factor in some downtime so that individuals have the opportunity to pursue their own interests. Don’t attempt to do everything together. Giving everyone their own space can go a long way toward promoting group harmony.
10. Remember that no matter how meticulously you plan, you can’t please everyone all the time. Just enjoy your time with each other, and remember to bring along your sense of humor.

Cruises offer an excellent value to families, because cruise ships are self-contained, floating, (almost) all-inclusive resorts.

Aboard Holland America Line, with its Club HAL, the entire family can have the vacation of their dreams. For the littlest ones (ages 5 to 8), there’s storytelling, arts and crafts, ice-cream sundae or pizza parties, ship tours and bingo. Tweens (ages 9 to 12) play at miniature golf, ping-pong, theme parties, on-deck sports events and scavenger hunts. Teens (ages 13 to 17) can enjoy a teen disco, dance lessons, arcade games, sports tournaments, card games, trivia contests, bingo, movies and videos. And, not to be missed, are the kids-only shore excursions to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

Princess Cruises also has great children’s programs for age groups 3-7, 8-12 and 13-17 (the teens category is called “Off Limits”). Adding an extra measure of security, one of the extras that Princess provides is pagers for parents, in case they are needed in an emergency.

Royal Caribbean International’s “Adventure Ocean Youth Program” caters to roughly the same age groups as Princess. The company also offers a program called “Royal Reunions,” that includes lots of extras for families — door decorations, photos, personalized cake, gift set, and more — in one convenient package.

Resort stays are another good choice for families because they are generally connected to skiing areas, beaches, or other attractions. And, many properties provide children’s programs.

And, at SuperClubs resorts, one upfront price includes: accommodations; meals, snacks and premium liquor; land and water sports activities, entertainment, taxes, and as always, no tipping is allowed, ever!

Breezes Resorts, for instance, are ideal for family vacations...active and exciting for the kids, yet peaceful and relaxing for you. They offer a variety of age-specific programs - each with a children's club staffed by trained childcare providers. Starfish Trelawny, situated on a three-mile stretch of powder white sands and sparkling sapphire waters on the magnificent island of Jamaica, serves up a healthy dose of food, fun & entertainment for everyone. The enormous kid's pool comes complete with splashing waterspouts, fountains and an incredible 124-foot waterslide. Meanwhile, the adults-only pool, swim-up bar and 84-foot winding waterslide is sure to keep the grown-ups afloat.

Kids and rides? Need we say more? Families that opt to go on a theme park adventure together can stay for anywhere from a long weekend to a full two weeks, and never run out of things to do and see at a place like Universal Studios in Orlando or Hollywood.

Keep in mind that Universal Studios offers special packages for groups (perfect for a family reunion). Some of the customizable group options include: souvenir photographs, disposable cameras, meal plans and barbecue lunches, free admission for chaperones, and private buses for group transportation needs. Just be sure to bring your walking shoes – and your sense of adventure.