DO YOUR HOMEWORK:

More and more destinations are catering to families and are viewing it as a way of increasing business. Now there are families who won't even consider a holiday spot unless it gives special consideration to the entire family. Its not often that a teenager will want to do everything his parents are interested in. That, in a nutshell, is the problem that can easily make for an unhappy holiday.

Be sure to pay particular attention to your holiday planning when kids are concerned. Be sure that whatever your destination, there will be something that appeals to every member of the family. Ask your travel agent lots of questions or better yet, make some phone calls on your own and ask the resort staff yourself.

CLUB MED:

Club Med has resorts all over the world. Some cater to mostly singles and some cater to families and some even have "kids camps." What each individual club location offers is clearly indicated in the Club Med travel brochures. In the locations that cater to kids, activities for the entire day are planned. So the parents can go off on their own and meet up with the kids at mealtime. Its a perfect way to travel together and yet keep everyone happy.

CRUISE SHIPS:

Cruise ships have entire areas on a designated deck fully equipped just for the young ones. They have arcades with a wide selecion of games and when its time to relax the kids can even get themselves some pizza, ice cream or soda at their own restaurant. If your children are "really" young most ships even provide a baby sitting service so the adults can spent time on their own.

HOTELS:

The Four Seasons hotel chain has taken a major step in the area of family holidays. Some of their locations including Whistler, London, New York, and Chicago actually have teenage concierges. This is especially the case during the Summer and major holidays. For instance, when a teen is travelling with his parents in New York, a teen concierge would suggest the best places to shop and can make recommendations as far as what activities are available in the area. For instance, rollerblading spots in Central Park and where to find the nearest desert bar.

There are lots of options out there for family vacations, so don't feel that you have to stay home because you have kids. Do your research, ask the kids what they think. Including the whole family in the holiday planning will help ensure a great time will be had by everyone.

For years Club Med has offered all inclusive vacations that are tailor-made for women choosing to travel on their own. They will have the option of paying extra for their own room or will be paired with another single woman. Should they choose to share, they will have an instant companion. The rooms are quite spacious and have all the ammenities. As far as safety, Club Med has its own security guards and its not necessary to ever leave the club property, as everything you could possibly want is right there.

Several restaurants and bars can be found on most propeties and there are countless other diversions as well. Tennis, scuba diving and numerous other sports and activities are just a few of the options. Not to mention that you will most likely be on one of the finest beaches in the world.

Cruises have been growing in popularity in recent years and are another great option for the solo female traveller. Again there is the option of your own cabin should you be willing to pay the 'single supplement,' or the cruise line will pair you with another single female. The one down side of sharing on a cruise is that the cabins are quite small. If for some reason you don't get along with new roommate, it could make for a slightly uncomfortable situation.

It would seem a wiser option on a cruise to just get your own room. Cruise ships will sit you at a table of six or eight and it is never a problem to meet new friends among the hundreds of other passengers. Cruises also feature day excursions and they are all guided and are perfect for the woman travelling alone.

Better yet, some cruise ships have male hosts as part of the ships crew. They are there to keep you company during your holiday. They will be your dance and dinner partners if you choose and will be more than happy to go ashore with you as an escort should you want to do some shopping. Be sure to check if male hosts will be avialable on the cruise you are looking at as they are not found on every cruise ship.

A third option for the single woman is to look into their local singles clubs. Often they will organize several vacations a year. You have the benefit of already knowing the people you will be travelling with. This is perfect, because when you are in a strange city it means you can always find someone to go exploring with.

There are lots of choices out there, so if you are a woman and single, don't be afraid to get out there and and enjoy a well deserved vacation. Being single just means planning ahead a little. It does not have to mean spending all your vacation time alone and at home.