Family Travel Heats Up

If you’re considering family travel, you’re in good company. According to a nationwide poll across the U.S., nearly 80% of travel agents cited family travel as the fastest climbing travel trend. Though we know those of you who are interested in taking baby with you on a trip probably aren’t thinking about exposing your child to different cultures and customs – other parents are. Travel agents cited that travel was on the rise because parents wanted to teach their kids about the lifestyles in other countries. Of course, the bonding experience that comes along with travel is a strong point for going on a trip as well. So what does that mean for you, as the parent of an infant? It means that for 2007 and beyond, if you’re thinking about booking at popular locations or during the summer months, book early! Staci Blunt of Family Friendly Travel recommends you plan six months in advance whenever possible. For the holidays, you might want to consider planning even farther ahead if you can. If you’re traveling in the off-season, that’s when you don’t have to plan as far ahead. In that case, Ms. Blunt feels planning three months ahead of time is a safe bet.