Here we are at the end of another school year and the beginning of an exciting summer in the Southern Crescent. This month, Just 4 Families Digest is packed with fun-filled summer travel ideas that keep the family budget in mind. We feature "staycations", day trips, places perfect for weekend get-a-ways, and vacations just a half day's drive away. With families not as geographically close as they once were, and money a bit tighter, multi-generational vacations are becoming quite popular for the sharing of expenses and more importantly, the sharing of time to reconnect. We, as moms, become the travel agents for many of our vacations.

One thing this "travel agent" has learned over the years, is a little pre-planning can make the experience much more enjoyable. For instance on a multi-generational trip, if grandparents may have a great deal of trouble keeping up with the younger set, call ahead and rent a couple mobility scooters. My parents ended up having so much fun on their scooters that I became worried I might find them drag racing down on the main strip.

Other noteworthy pre-planning ideas are to check for ramps for beach access for older family members, call ahead to reserve bicycles for teens (this gives them some freedom to explore on their own, plus tuckered out teens get in less trouble), bring a small blow up pool and a jug of fresh water to the beach for quick “de-sanding” of the baby, and plan at least a loose schedule so you don't spend a lot of your vacation time debating "whatta you wanna do". So enjoy this travel issue, get your plans in the works, pack up, and get out there and have some fun! Make it a great month.