How to make your family vacation a great one

Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! (If you haven’t been thinking about them all year, that is.)

The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You want to choose a destination that is fun for everyone, including the kids. You want to ensure they’re safe on the trip, wherever you go. And you probably want to figure out how to make traveling with them easier, too.

We’ve got you covered with some great tips, so you can relax when you hit the road—or at least after you get to where you’re going.

Instead of thinking about where to go, first think about what you want to do. Experts interviewed by the New York Times recommend starting with figuring out what you want to do on your vacation, because that will help you narrow your list of possible destinations. Want a laid-back trip with lazy days, but one that will still keep kids of all ages engaged? Maybe a beach trip is best. Looking for a few thrills? Theme parks are great for kids ages 3-12 (younger kids might not be able to go on many of the rides, and older kids might not be as enthusiastic). Think it would be best to give everyone a chance to do their own thing? Cruises have lots of family-friendly options, along with chances for kids to be more independent.

To help the kids feel good about where they’re headed, you can let them choose some of the activities for certain days, or actively involve them in designing the entire itinerary.

Think about how you’ll get there, too. Traveling with kids—especially young ones—can be a challenge. For trips longer than a couple of hours, one old trick is to wrap up inexpensive toys or treats for children and use them as a reward for good behavior. For every hour they’re good, they get to open a present. Not only will that help keep them in line, it will keep them occupied for the hour in between.

Some vacations require a flight, of course, but car trips and train travel can be great options for families. In the car, you’ve got flexibility and control—you can meander and explore along the way, break the trip up however you like, and pull over whenever you want for rest or a fun activity. You don’t have as much control on a train, but there’s plenty of space to move around, and kids often find it fun to watch the world go by outside.

Keep safety in mind. When you’re away from home, no matter what kind of vacation you’ve planned, make sure your kids know what to do if you get separated or there’s an emergency. Safewise.com recommends that families practice these situations—and create “information cards” for kids to carry that include phone numbers, where you’re staying, etc. Having your children wear bright, recognizable clothing, or even using GPS devices to keep track of them, are good ideas as well.

Another useful trick many parents use is taking a photo of each child every morning before embarking on the day’s adventures. Then, if someone gets lost, you have a current photo to share so people know exactly what to look for.

Don’t try to do too much. As one travel-company professional and mother of three told the New York Times, make sure to build some downtime into your itinerary—she recommends limiting planned activities to a half-day or less. The rest of the day can still be fun, but give yourself a break with some time at the pool or a local park.

There’s no way to guarantee a great vacation, obviously. But with a little planning and consideration, you and your family will be well on your way. Safe travels this summer!

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Hurricane shutter guide: Compare types

Hurricane shutters remain the most economical solution for most homeowners to protect window openings in a storm, although hurricane-proof glass is increasingly popular. Prepare ahead of time, say experts, particularly with panels and plywood protection. Make sure the right tools and hardward are on hand before the storm nears. Here's the lowdown on hurricane shutters and window protection.

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Storm panel hurricane shutters

These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.

The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanently attached beneath the window.

The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.

The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.

The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners often don't check them when they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.

PROS
-- Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
-- Removable, so they don't change the look of the house when not in use.
-- Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.

CONS
-- Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space.
-- Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.
-- Sometimes don't line up properly.
-- Have sharp edges.

Average cost: $7-$8 per square foot;
Average storm preparation time: 15 minutes per window depending on the style.

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Accordion hurricane shutters

These one- or two-piece hurricane shutters are housed beside the windows or doors when not in use. They unfold accordion-style to cover and protect during a storm.

PROS
-- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Some models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theft deterrent.

CONS
-- Can look bulky and out-of-place on some houses. Consider the aesthetics before having them installed.
-- Glide on wheels, and have the potential to break more easily than some of the other systems.

Average cost: $16-$20 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes for an entire house

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Colonial hurricane shutters

These are two-piece louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside each window. The fold together to protect the window.

PROS
-- Are permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Are decorative; they can beautify as well as protect your home.

CONS
-- Some types of colonials require a storm bar or center rod to lock the shutters in place. This can increase installation time.
-- Can't be used to protect doors, and must be combined with another shutter system to ensure complete home protection.

Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: At least 45 minutes to an hour for an entire house.

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Bahama hurricane shutters

These one-piece louvered shutters attach directly above the windows and prop open to provide shade for the window. Bahama shutters are storm-ready when lowered and secured to the wall.

PROS
-- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Provide permanent shade and privacy, even in the open position.

CONS
-- Have traditionally been weaker than other systems, but the newest models protect well.
-- Some people complain that they block too much light.
-- Design limits their use. They can't be used to protect doors.

Average cost: $18-$30 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 15-30 minutes for an entire house.

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Roll-down hurricane shutters

These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use. They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by push button, and lock in place for storm protection.

PROS
-- Are permanently affixed above the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
-- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
-- Offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theft deterrent.

CONS
-- Most expensive of the popular shutter systems.
-- Push-button-operated roll-down shutters require a battery backup system so the shutters can be lowered and raised during power outages.

Average cost: $30-$55 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: Minimum; probably the easiest shutter to operate.

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Hurricane glass

This glass can withstand hurricane debris and eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more, especially to retrofit an older house. Modern code requirements, which already require hurricane shutters or other protections on new houses, make the glass a more practical option at the time of construction.

PROS
-- Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters.
-- The most practical hurricane glass is similar to a car windshield, with a durable plastic-like layer sandwiched between glass. The outside layers break, but the center prevents a hole.

CONS
-- Must be installed by a window contractor.
-- The frame must be replaced along with the panes to meet code.

Average cost: $35-$50 a square-foot, including new window frames and layered hurricane glass
Average storm preparation time: None.

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Other window coverings

-- Some newer window covers are made of a high-tech fabric that allows light and visibility while protecting from high winds effectively enough to meet hurricane codes. One brand is Armor Screen, which costs roughly $15 per square foot. These fabric screens must be installed by a dealer, not the homeowner.
-- Few, if any, types of window film as storm protection meet hurricane codes, but may give some limited protection if properly installed.
-- Less expensive panes, commonly used as thick plastic-like security windows, are about half the cost of layered panes. But they are less aesthetically satisfactory for household use because they scratch easily and fog when in contact with household cleaning chemicals.

Average cost: Varies widely.
Average storm preparation time: Varies by type.

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Plywood

Plywood hurricane shutters do not meet most building codes, yet many homeowners who lack more permanent storm shutter systems cover their homes with them. If you decide to use this system, it is important to install the shutters correctly.

Barrel-bolt plywood shutters
Use on concrete-block stucco homes that have windows inset at least two inches from the exterior wall.

• Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick./li>
• Buy 3 or 4-inch barrel bolts, enough for one bolt for a minimum of every 12 inches of plywood.
• Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for a snug fit in the inset.
• For larger windows or sliding doors, attach two pieces of plywood together with 2x4's or a piano hinge.
• Attach bolts to plywood, mark where you need the holes to be drilled in the concrete stucco.
• Drill holes, in marked spots in concrete stucco.
• When storm approaches, fit plywood into the inset as tightly as possible. You don't want wind to get under the shutter.

Overlapping plywood shutters
If your windows do not have a 2-inch inset, plywood shutters can overlap.

• Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
• Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for an overlap of at least 4 inches. Label each panel.
• Drill corresponding holes in the plywood and walls. Use a 1/4-inch drill bit for the wood. Use a masonry or carbide-tipped bit for concrete or stucco walls.
• Hammer 1/4-inch lead sleeve anchors – not plastic – into the holes in the wall. The anchors should be at least 2 inches long.
• When a hurricane threatens, use tapping screws at least 2 inches long to bolt the plywood in place.

Average cost: $1 - $5 per square foot
Average storm preparation time: 1 - 1 1/2 hours per window.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 

Bob Lancaster Insurance

                                                     Serving Florida since 1964