Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

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If you prefer staying in one place, we urge you to consider ‘all-inclusive’ resort stays. You can have all of the features of a resort, great food, delectable drinks and unlimited activities, all included in the price. That gives the entire family the freedom to experience an amazing array of activities without stress or hassle. We love Club Med’s “Most Inclusive” family plan programs at resorts like the Cancun Yucatan, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and the recently renovated Sandpiper Resort in Florida. These are places that really know how to manage the diverse needs of family groups, from tots to teens to adults of all ages.

Q: I want to take my two older sons on a ‘sporty’ vacation (and not just golf!). Any suggestions?

A: There’s really nothing like fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is spectacular and the angling is world-class. We recommend the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs. But caution: this trip can be very habit-forming! Hiking and river rafting in the National Parks is another great vacation.

We already mentioned Royal Caribbean cruise line with a number of sports activities onboard, but they aren't the only cruise line.  Consider Norwegian Cruise Line, specifically their new ship, the Norwegian Epic.  Here they'll find a sports deck with a repelling wall, extreme rock climbing wall, bowling alley, full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, a batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24 ft. tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web.  Then they can cool off in the first ever Aqua Park that offers 3 waterslides. The Epic Plunge, the only tube slide at sea, has a thrilling drop through a 200 ft. long tube. How that for a variety of "sport activities?"

Q: We’re having a tough time deciding which U.S. National Park to visit this year. Any clues?

A: Yellowstone is great for kids, with all the animals and geysers. Yosemite is good for older kids and adults, who can climb Half Dome and appreciate the waterfalls and wildflowers. For a little more adventure, how about hiking the Appalachian Trail or camping in Maine’s stunningly beautiful Acadia National Park?

Q: We’re planning a big family reunion getaway. Do you have any suggestions?

A: We keep getting rave reviews from large reunion groups that cruise together. There’s loads to do, both aboard and on shore, great accommodations for group activities and staff that really know how to entertain and satisfy the needs of several generations in one party. Depending on your time and interests, consider a family cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Q: We want to start planning our next great family adventure. What are the hottest “long-haul” destinations right now?

A: Australia and South Africa are at the top of our list of favorites. We can take you to both places, from azure oceans to cosmopolitan cities to the wild outback. Take a fabulous safari to South Africa and travel to Cape Town and the Kapame Game Reserve. Discover Down Under with a grand journey to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and Sydney. Whether you want an experienced guide to help you navigate the new terrain or would rather venture on your own, we’ll help you choose a guided vacation or craft a tailor-made independent journey just for you.

Q: My husband and my kids and my parents want to go to Hawaii. Help!

A: Hawaii is the perfect multi-generation family destination. From lounging at the pool to hiking, surfing, shopping, golf, spa treatments, etc., there’s truly something for everyone. Consider Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, where children 18 and younger stay free. Or how about the new Aulani Disney Resort & Spa on Oahu? It’s the first Disney resort not attached to a theme park…and sure to be a big hit!

Q: Any last-minute packing tips for traveling with families?
A: Limit each person to one wheeled suitcase and one carry-on backpack or shoulder bag (keep one hand free to hold onto your child). Make a packing checklist for each person and let older kids be responsible for their packing. Pack several days before you leave so you have time to remember those last-minute items. Pack each day’s clothing together in outfits. Choose washable clothes that can be mixed and matched and dressed up with a jacket or shawl, and make sure shoes are comfortable and broken in before your trip! Visit our Travel Advice section on our blog for more travel tips. If you are looking for a new luggage set or carry on bag, take advantage of this ebags coupon code. 

Q: Any recommendations for a family getaway at the end of the year?

A: For a really ‘magical’ holiday, the dazzling Christmas markets in Europe will please all the family. Or, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday and an escape into warm weather, take a Paul Gauguin Cruise to Tahiti or enjoy a relaxed resort experience on Fiji. But plan ahead! Resorts sell out in the summer for the holidays and family suites tend to sell out first.

Q: We’d like to take our kids on a guided vacation as a graduation gift for our daughter. What do you suggest that would appeal to both the young people and the adults?

A: For starters, here are two very different suggestions: Costa Rica and Italy tours. Both of these remarkable places are packed with scenery, colorful culture, fantastic food and warm, welcoming people. There are plenty of other options across the globe, so give us a a call and we’ll help you craft the experience that fits your preferences and your budget.

Q: I’m worried about what will happen if someone gets sick when we’re on our trip.

A: Being sick on a trip is never fun, but you can protect yourself against some of the anxiety and inconvenience with travel insurance. There are many options and we’d be happy to talk with you and help you choose the best plan for your family.

This was not our first cruise, but it was our first river cruising experience – and it will not be our last! From the moment we settled into our stateroom, we began to feel less like tourists and more like extremely fortunate residents of the City of Light. When the ship was in port, we strolled on and off as if we had our own pied à terre; when the ship was underway, we had more fascinating views than we could possibly enjoy from a taxi. And the service…no detail was overlooked.

That first full day in Paris, we re-discovered old friends – Notre Dame Cathedral, the jewel-like Sainte Chapelle, the Musée de la Conciergerie – and, Gerry’s passion, the wonderful bridges of Paris.

Following the meandering loops of the Seine approximately northwest, our next stop was the village of Les Andelys. All the way, we had seen signs of Christmas – lights and decorations and other river boats decked out in holiday cheer. After the cosmopolitan hubbub of Paris, Les Andelys seemed to transport us to another age and culture. Gerry read me passages from Ivanhoe as we explored the fascinating fortress and castle of Richard the Lionheart. Narrow streets and half-timbered houses invite strolling in this green river-side town.

Then it was on to Rouen, an exquisitely preserved medieval city, where the highlights of our stay were a holiday choir recital in the gothic magnificence of Rouen Cathedral and, not to be missed, the Marché de Nöel, Christmas Market, in the Place de la Cathedrale. Beneath a galaxy of twinkling lights, stalls offer an array of trinkets, handmade goods and signature edibles, such as roasted chestnuts, crêpes and the spiced wine known as vin chaud. Returning to the ship carrying bags of treasures, Gerry felt like Père Noël himself!

On our return journey, we disembarked at Conflans Sainte Honorine to tour the incomparable Palace of Versailles, with its Hall of Mirrors and wall-to-wall opulence. Finally we returned to Paris, feeling enriched and fulfilled, calmed by our stately progression up- and down-river and excited to share the city’s dazzling display of holiday lights and to open presents with Julia, Paul and 3-year-old Cammy, whose welcoming “Joyeux Noël, grand-maman!” was truly a grandmother’s delight.

This is just a sample of the hundreds of river cruises we can offer to fit your preferences. Call us today.

In Germanic cities, towns and villages you will find all kinds of Christmas merchandise and gifts, whilst in France's Alsace region villages are glittering with Christmas lights and timbered fairy-tale buildings decked for the season.

Smell the air filled with aromas of roasting chestnuts, exotic warm spices of mulled wine, freshly baked mince pies and warm continental bread. Savour hot espresso coffee as you welcome the day. The crisp fresh air of winter makes every smell a memory.

Escape the festive madness at home and enjoy shopping for traditional gifts at the markets of Europe, at the same time giving you the ultimate Christmas gift - an amazing winter vacation.

Europe's Christmas Markets featuring Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland: 
8 days from $1,249 pp

Christmastime in Bavaria and Alsace:
8 days from $1,499 pp

Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland:
7 days from $1,385 pp

Vienna, Prague and Budapest w/ Christmas Markets: 
7 days from $1,175 pp

Christmastime in Munich & Eastern Europe:
9 days from $1,329 pp 

There are also wonderful Christmas market river cruises available. Here is a short video from Uniworld's Rhine & Holiday markets river cruise.