QVI Club: Explore Your World

When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted of driving for a weekend to the village to visit my grandparents. In spite of that, we still had fun, managed to find interesting sites to explore and those are the memories that I still have. Family vacations have evolved over the years. There have never been more choices, more variety and more options available for family vacations as there is today.

Especially since the tragic events of 9/11, the focus on family and community has played a strong role in our society. The travel industry has taken notice and has geared up for families. From all-inclusive vacation packages and cruises, which are equipped with kids clubs and special activities; to resorts that supply a nanny for your stay, it's never been a better time for families to travel. Still not sure this is for you? Here are just a few of the benefits of taking a family vacation:

1. The family that plays together, stays together.

It is a time to get away from it all. Away from work, the phone calls, the kid's activities, the daily to do list. This is a great opportunity to spend time as a family and get to know each other. Go for a hike, build a sandcastle, explore a museum. There is more time to talk and spend time together without the daily distractions.

2. Teach your children well.

Travel is an excellent learning tool for kids. They can have the opportunity to learn about things first hand they may have learned in school, read about or saw on TV. Any destination can offer this learning experience whether it is a few hours drive away from you home or in Europe. Family vacations will teach children about different cultures, food, history, geography, climate, environment and so much more. The best part is that it's way more fun for them then learning it through homework!

3. New experiences they will never forget.

Family vacations provide a whole new venue for experiences that your kids never would have had otherwise.