Consider what your preferences are; is it swimming, fishing, golf relaxation, river trekking, and mountain climbing? Make up your mind on this point first and once you have decided on the type of vacation you want to - then choose the spot that will give you exactly what you want. Check the location and the facilities and the most important is the price.

After you have selected the exact spot for vacation, you decide on the best way to go. Should you drive, fly, or go by train or avail of the public transport or service? Which way offers the best roads that is safe and in case you have an emergency there would be people around to ask for some help. Consider also the fact that the prettiest scenery is not always the best place to go - check the surroundings and history of the place before spending a night or two with friends and loved ones.

If the trip to your destination is more than you can accomplish at one time, break up the trip into sections. Plan ahead in one day how far you would go to particular scenery and how you would enjoy and use the facilities there. Select in advance where you would stop and rest and then plan the activities for the succeeding days.

Before leaving the home make sure that somebody would look after the house and make sure that you turned off the heater, air conditioning system, and unnecessary lights. This is to ensure that you would still have a house to return to.

Do no forget to bring first aid kit and medicines for upset stomach, ulcer, headaches, pain reliever, lotion, sun-block, vaporizing ointment; the toiletries such as toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush. Women may bring along your very own vanity kit.

Remember to watch each other's back all the time and headcount is a must for every trip. If someone is missing, stop and look for that person and never leave until everybody is complete. Do not make assumption. Instead - check the real whereabouts of the missing person; check his or her belongings, the last time and place where he or she was seen.

If all efforts have already been made - seek professional help by calling the proper authorities within the area or the police. Have fun but be safe all the time.

Life at North Shore Tahoe in summer is warm and wonderful. Leave your dressy duds at home; dinner out at one of the finer restaurants in the area will be the sole occasion to dress up a bit. Evenings can be cool in the mountains, so be sure to pack some sweats and light jackets.

To become a part of the area during your North Shore escape, rent a condo, home or one of the older, charming Tahoe cabins; cute but be prepared to wash your own dishes! Be sure you rent an abode with outdoor deck or garden; space for relaxation, reading or quietly enjoying the climate and beauty of the mountains and lake; all of which are my favorite Tahoe summer activities.

Tahoe's North Shore has been our home away from home since the "60"s. The gaudy glitz of the casinos at South Shore is not the focal point here. That is not to say that there is no night-life at North Shore. There are, in fact, several small casinos in which to party, but they are found only at “Stateline,” in Crystal Bay.

About one mile North of Crystal Bay is King's Beach. In recent years, this area has become quite desirable; at least on the lake side of the highway. The beach itself is dirty and not great for sunbathing; choose your lodging with lakefront or pool by which to relax and lounge.

If you would like to participate in water activities, King's Beach is where you can find wave-runner rentals, take water-skiing lessons or parasail. As you are floating high above the lake, tethered to the boat by a single line, look down; I'll be the one on the deck at Jason's, with a margarita in hand, watching you sail! There is a boat launch at King's beach, and a place to park your car and trailer while you enjoy cruising the gorgeous lake.

Just a note: If you do plan to water ski on Lake Tahoe, you need to do some major squats and build up those quads before you go! Skiing on Tahoe is more like ocean, rather than lake skiing, and I'm not exaggerating! Even in summer, bring your summer-suit (a short wetsuit) for the summer season. The water is quite COLD, even in summer.

Farther north, just a few minutes drive, is Tahoe City. Tahoe City is Family-friendly, as it is easy to walk to restaurants, from fine dining to fast food, and there is a movie theatre for a family night out. I find Tahoe City a bit more trafficked and crowded than other enclaves to the south such as King's Beach, Tahoe Vista and Carnelian Bay. However, if you like a more upbeat, young crowd, Tahoe City may be attractive to you.

There are miles and miles of hiking trails at the north end of the lake, fishing both in the lake and on the river, and the best activity of all; lounging or walking in the warm Tahoe sun, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and taking in the awe-inspiring views of one of the world's most beautiful lakes.

The most important tip before leaving home is to write down all of your information. This includes your phone number, destination name, flight numbers, airport name, and other information that may be of importance. If you happen to run into trouble when abroad, someone will be able to properly contact you. Next make sure you know where you are going, especially in airports.

They can be big. You can find layouts of different airports online. This will help you in being able to find your gate number quickly and efficiently. It is manditory that you also look at the airport travel guide before traveling. Many things have been limited and prohibited from being taken with you.

It is a good idea when taking lots of luggage to properly tag them, just in case they get lost. Also mark your bags with something that you can identify them by, such as with a piece of ribbon or tape. Once you arrive to your destination, it is a good idea to call back home and let everyone know you have made it.

When you arrive in the Philippines you may want to hurry to a beach and retire on a beach chair with a cocktail. Before you do, you should explore the capital city of Manila, on the island of Luzon. Manila is a collection of towns clustered together and each has its own character. They make for a lively destination that buzzes with life day and night. The best way to see the signs is to jump into a jeepney. These brightly colored painted buses were inspired by the US Army vehicles brought to the Philippines during World War II. No two are alike and the owners vie to outdo one another with their designs. Splashed with colors, ornaments and balloons, it's the most fun way to get around. Take a jeepney to Manila's street markets. There you will find stalls selling jewelry, clothes and trinkets for next to nothing. You are sure to find bargain and be sure to haggle over the price.

More shopping can be had at the giant Mall of Asia, which has more than 600 stores as well as an IMAX cinema, ice skating rink and over 150 food outlets. Filipinos love to shop and they are equally passionate about food. Filipino cooking is a mix of Malay, Spanish and Chinese, reflecting the country's ethnically mixed past. A place worth a visit is the walled town of Intramuros, with its huge San Agustin Church (which unfortunately was badly damaged during World War II). You can catch a performance of traditional dancing in Intramuros, much of it influenced by Spain with flamenco style music and costumes.
Of course, the Philippines were inhabited long before the Spanish arrived in 1521, and evidence of human life on the islands dates back over 47,000 years.

North of Manila, in the lush forests of the Cordillera, visitors can get a glimpse into the past centuries. Around the town of Banaue, humans and nature have worked together to transform the landscape. Rice terraces stretch up the hillsides and were carved out of the earth more than 2000 years ago. They were build by a tribe called the Ifugao whose people were skilled carvers and head hunters. They sacred wooden statues, called bulol, still preside over the terraces. This part of the Philippines has a network of trials leading through the mountains to the villages, where local people live much as they've done for hundreds of years. There are also caves and white water rapids, and stretches of beaches to enjoy.

If you are looking for nothing to do at all, but take a short walk to the beach, then head to the Visayas, a collection of islands that are breathtaking. Visayas, about 200 miles from Manila, are dozens of islands and thousands of smaller islets, some so tiny they aren't even marked on a map. Among islands not to be missed are Cebu, where you'll find the capital Cebu City, and Bohol. Each of the Visayas has white sand beaches and lots of palm trees, but most people head for Boracay. It's tiny (just six miles long and less than a mile across) but it has dazzling beaches and turquoise water. The entire island is surrounded by coral reef that teems with life. It is perfect for snorkeling and diving. It's always warm in the Philippines-between 72F (22C) and 90F (32C), but some months are very dry. The best time for sunny weather is between November and May when there are fewer wet days.If you don't want to go too far from Manila, then Puerto Galera, on the island of Mindoro, has some spectacular coral gardens and it's just an hour from the capital.

A great place to get lost for week is Palawan, a small island lying southwest of Manila. It's harder to get to, which means it's less developed than other islands. But if you go there you will find that Palawan and the small islands around it are packed with beauty and adventure. There are jungles to hike through, lakes to swim in and coral reefs to discover. Just off Palawan's northwest coast is one of the most beautiful places on earth-the Bacuit Archipelago. This is a collection of jagged islands that soar out of the sea. Sheltered bays conceal perfect beaches, blue lagoons and more coral gardens. You can kayak, snorkel and relax on tiny Secret Beach, which can only be entered by swimming through a hole in the island's rock face.

The Philippines has so much to offer and it is well worth looking into more information about these beautiful islands. Lonely Planet, always a great source, can tell you much more about them.

1. Hosts

   You ask, they serve. Isn't it a nice break to not have to go and fetch some apple juice yourself? And to have your meals delivered right to you, without having to move at all. Can't complain.

2. Entertainment

   Music, movies, games, radio, television shows and dramas. There's something for everyone when you're flying long-haul. You can watch a recent blockbuster, before listening to some calm, relaxing music, followed by an episode of your favourite drama.

3. Neighbours

   If the people sitting next to you are wide awake, and if you are too, perhaps a little conversation wouldn't hurt. You never know, you may find that you're sitting next to the most interesting person in the world!

4. View

   Looking out at the clouds... aren't they pretty? You can just imagine a city up there, with creatures light enough to stand on the clouds... or maybe it's just me who can imagine that. Anyhow, the view is often spectacular, and you can't miss the city and country views during takeoff and landing.

5. Food

   Although it may not always be great, there's always at least 1 item of food that's delicious, no matter how your appetite is. And best of all, it's made and served straight to you! 6. Relax: Flying long-haul is the perfect time to relax and ponder things over. All you have to do is sit down, and think. (You can also even listen to music on demand while you do this)

6. Travelling

   Last, but certainly not least, you're travelling! You have a new location to enjoy once you land. Often this is something to look forward to, after the long (and fun!) flight.

The Song Game

You think of a song category. Then go around the room/ car/ bus/ train carriage/ breakfast table/ plane cabin / bush hut / holiday home/ disused mine shaft that your group has fallen into on a hiking trip…okay we will leave it there it is getting silly, to the people in turn, saying the name of the song that fits the category. If you can't think of one, you are out. The winner is the person who stays in with the most songs. You can play it with kids and adults alike.

Suggested topics

• Songs with girls names in them e.g I Dream of Jeannie, Martha My Dear, Dear Prudence
• Songs with Boys names in them e.g Ben, Stan the Man, Levon
• Songs with a Colour in them e.g Blue Bayou, Green Tambourine, Yellow River
• Songs with a City in them e.g. I Left My Heart in San Francisco, San Bernadino
• Songs with a means of Transport in them e.g Last Train to Clarksville, Henry Ford, Drive My Car
• Songs with Toys in them e.g Cuddly Toy, Red Rubber Ball, You're My Teddy Bear
• Any song with “You “ in the title
• Any song sung by a singer whose name begins with B
• Any kids song e.g Teddy Bears Picnic, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Puff the Magic Dragon

I think you get the picture. Make them up. Have fun and a laugh. Isn't that what life is for?

Growing up I always wanted to be Flight Attendant. From the youngest days I can recollect I would fly to and from Alaska. Those were the days with no inflight movies, fairly decent airplane food and the only “competitive” edge one airline had over the other was, no, not price, service! An unheard word in today's industry. Due to airline regulation, all flights cost about the same to any given destination.

Thus, if you wanted to woo customer's, you have to show them how much you cared about their business by being customer service oriented. Thus, the Flight Attendant's on board would allow me to practice being a Flight Attendant. At the tender age of eight or nine I would assist the inflight personnel with such pleasant tasks as collecting the passenger garbage. But to me, it helped pass the time and also gave me a break from playing with the cards or reading the magazines (provided by the airline, of course). My career began in those early years and I was able to pick up where I left off upon graduation.

My life as a flight attendant in the early 1980's was always eventful. It started shortly after deregulation hit the industry and flight personnel were only governed under what we termed FAR's. Prior to that most airlines had union contracts that protected them from lengthy days and being away from home too much.

Having grown up in a very strong mining area with unions that owned most of the town, I didn't feel unions served much purpose other than to protect the lazy and drive wages sky high. Of course if wages went sky high, prices obediently followed. Who wins there? And even though prices have never come back down - wages sure did and this was evident in the days of my flying career.

I started flying in 1984 with an airline who was currently in their first of many bankruptcies and whose union personnel were on strike. Yes, I was a scab! That alone kept each day adventurous. I braved the six weeks of training while living in a hotel. When graduation day finally arrived I wanted to leave the hotel to run a brief errand to the dry cleaners. It was a drizzly day as I ventured out and started my 15 minute trip to town. Within seconds the weather turned and I was driving in what seemed to me to be a hurricane. (Coming from the dry arid desert of the mountains, more than a couple inches of rain would qualify as hurricane weather to me.) Never having experienced such a phenomena, I continued to the dry cleaner. I picked up my clothes, raced to the car and continued back to the hotel. I had plenty of time before the ceremony started so I wasn't too put off by this somewhat seemingly minor delay. The traffic was moving slower and slower as the water inched higher and higher. Soon the traffic stopped altogether. I couldn't figure it out. There didn't seem to be a wreck or anything significant that would prevent our moving forward. But as minutes turned into hours, I sat, watching water gather on the road. Soon it was rising high enough to seep into my car. This was really bizarre. I had no idea what to do. I was trapped and couldn't move and all I could do was sit and watch my feet get engulfed with water while situated on the car brake pedal. The rain subsided some time later - but my car was not going anywhere. We didn't have cell phones in those days and I was in a city far from home, knew no one and had no recourse but to start pushing my car to the nearest gas station. They helped me dry the car out as best as they could and sent me on my way. Yes, I missed graduation. This was certainly an omen of what was yet to come.

When I got back to the hotel, which was on airport property, many of us “graduates” were called upon to fly trips that night as so many regular flight attendants were unable to get to the airport, due to rain. We had observed many flights and were only suppose to be one of the crew members on the flight. We were not to be “the crew”. Thus, four of us “greenies” got on board a 727 flight bound for Tampa Bay, Florida. Having very little clue what to do, we fumbled through the galley, set up the drink cart and started our in flight service, after running the appropriate safety checks, boarding the plane and taking off. We left the food to warm in the oven for the second round of drinks. Things seem to be going okay when all of the sudden we heard the pilot's voice over the sound system saying that we had begun our initial decent into Tampa Bay. Whoa! We were not even done with our dinner service. A mad scramble began to get the flight ready to land and to secure all the equipment. In flight personnel who were passengers on the flight jumped up to help us and with the aide of our pilot's circling over the Tampa Bay area we finally were able to secure the cabin, strap into our jump seats and prepare for landing. We realized then how much we needed to learn before crewing a plane again.

But as time went on, we melded into the system well. It was grueling working the very long hours required, due to shortages of flight crews. FAR's are bare bones rules that simply keep you from collapsing with exhaustion. That was all the protection we had from a company who was struggling to recover from the mad “fare wars” brought on by deregulation. For a mere $900 per month - we worked most everyday 12-14 hours a day. Unions weren't sounding too bad at this point in time.

Due to drastic infrastructure change in the airline industry - we rarely were on time, only most of the time went where we were originally scheduled, and lucky if we got home the same day our work schedule stated. We were flying out dated equipment, which frequently had “mechanical” delays to secure the flight for safety. I never did quite understand why people were so upset that we wouldn't take off until we ascertained the flight worthiness of the aircraft… Hmm... I was as inconvenienced as anyone and not getting paid any more for the delay - why take it out on me. I wanted to get home as much as they wanted to get to their destination. Tough to figure out the mentality of people sometimes.

One of the most vivid examples came on a “turn” we were scheduled to fly from Houston to Miami. A turn simply means you go out and back the same day. We were always advised to carry extra clothes and supplies, “just in case”. But this day I didn't heed that wise counsel and left home with only my flight manual, apron and in flight shoes.

We boarded the plane as usual and traveled to Miami on a DC-10 with roughly 250 passengers on board. Landing in Miami was uneventful and thus we rounded up the Houston bound crowd and took off on our one hour and 30 minute flight over the Gulf. Shortly after take off, while safely secured in my jumpseat, the plane started shaking and vibrating immensely. The four pink bell symbol went off indicating an emergency and my aft facing jumpseat became the target of all eyes on board. I just shook my head and shrugged my shoulders. I truly did not know what was happening. It was frightening as people's eyes were watery and fear was evident on their faces. I was no source of comfort or security as I was clueless as to the events taking place. Soon my jumpseat phone beeped and I answered. No need to fear - our starboard engine had just taken in a seagull and were going to be circling the Gulf to dump fuel and return to Miami.

Appropriate announcements were made to calm the passengers and we made preparations for an emergency landing back in Miami. All seemed to go well until we landed in Miami only to find that another DC-10 had the same problem we did, so roughly 500 passengers were now stranded in Miami and the Pam Am hub had an airline strike in progress.

As the priority is to get passengers out first, all rebookings were prioritized with their needs in mind. We got to stay with the plane until a new engine could be shipped from LAX to MIA. What ensued was utter chaos. They finally situated us in a hotel, realizing this wasn't going to be a “turn” any longer. Airline rules state that while on duty you must remain in uniform and technically we were still “on duty”. Besides most of us did not bring a change of clothing anyway. We were not to be seen out and about in uniform, so we were confined to our room. Thus, some with money went and bought clothing to wait out the storm, until our engine arrived. Most think it would be grand to be stranded in Miami! I guess it would have been except for those pesky rules that confined us to our rooms.

Three long days later, we were finally ready to leave. Most of our passengers had left days ago so the plane wasn't too full. To lighten the mood of all involved, the crew opted to throw caution to the wind and invest in some t-shirts to wear on board - an absolutely forbidden policy. Flight crews must be in FULL uniform at all times when the flight is in route. We just couldn't resist the colorful t-shirts splattered with bird dung stating “DAMN SEAGULLS”. It was too appropriate and certainly lifted the spirits of all.

Even though the flight didn't land in Houston until 2 am, we were all relieved to arrive at our destination, safe and sound. The passengers deplaned and as we were gathering our belongings to go home, the Captain announced that we would be taking another DC-10 to Acapulco as soon as we got off the plane. That plane had experienced some mechanical issues and in the delay the flight crew became “illegal” to fly as they had been on duty too long. Since we had three days to bask in the sun of Miami, we were legal and could thus escort this plane full of inebriated (they comp'ed liquor to pacify the angry crowd) to the pacific coast of Acapulco at 3 am.

Tired, angry and discouraged, we did our best to keep this crowd under control and maintain a positive outlook. We flew down, picked up the waiting people in Mexico and departed for Houston. About 30 minutes out of Acapulco we lost one of the engines on this plane mid-air. But Houston was closer than turning back, so at least we were going home. Once again we prepared our worn down passengers for an emergency landing and safely landed at Houston's Intercontinental airport at 5:30 am. We breathed a sigh of relief and planned to avoid the Captain at all costs. Our efforts were in vain as we sat on the runway, waiting for Custom's to open at 7:00 am. Nice to be home - but would have been better to be in my own bed resting peacefully instead of waiting for Custom's to allow us entrance into the United States.

That trip did end. We did get to rest. I don't remember how long, but I am sure it wasn't long enough!

Years later were doing a San Antonio turn. Very easy trip. Short, full loads and not a lot of time to think about much. We left Houston without incident. While turning the plane back to Houston, the passengers outside waiting to board were watching television screens flashing news casts about an L-10-11 that had just crashed in Dallas, killing most everyone on board. Initial speculation blamed wind shear. There was a decent size storm in Dallas that was now on its way to Houston - our destination!

It need not be said that most of the passengers boarding the flight were a bit anxious and feeling uncomfortable about flying into the eye of the storm that had just downed an L10-11 with most on board perishing. But the Captain reassured of our safety and we took off and began our short 30 minute flight to IAH.

Upon our initial decent we felt the plane go into a rocking pattern, not typical for landing. Nerves were fragile and the tension high. We knew we were crossing paths with a deadly storm. As most sat frozen in their seat the aircraft lost power and was now swaying madly. Flight Attendants are to remain calm in an effort to maintain control. Passengers started screaming and the Flight Attendant next to me joined in with vigor. My thoughts focused on the ridiculous high heels we were required to wear and the pantyhose that would burn into my legs if a slide evacuation become necessary. I was sitting right next to the door so I was certain I had an escape route readily available. Off went the shoes and the pantyhose… I was getting prepared. Just about the time I had gathered my thoughts and prepared for the worst, the pilot eased the plane down to the ground and reversed the engines. We slowly taxied to the gate and quietly deplaned passengers. We were safe.

After a few months of uneventful flying we were taking a flight to Detroit on a DC-9. The trip was quiet and most of the passengers were comfortably resting while we descended. A faint smell of smoke alerted the crew. About the time passengers had detected the smoke a rush of thick brown smoke filled the cabin. Shortly thereafter, we touched down, taxied to the gate and patiently waited for the smoke to dissipate. It did and after deplaning the passengers our pilots informed of that one of the engines had caught fire. It never fully ignited and was quickly denied oxygen, in essence putting it out before it really started!

After that, I never really had any more incidents as a crew member. Things were settling down and procedures put in place to maintain better care of the planes. Even though fares were low, airlines were learning how to operate profitably in a lean market. Our schedules were calming down and we were starting to realize the benefits of working for an airline. Time off and flight benefits make for a unique and comfortable job. Despite the calm, I still encountered a few mishaps as I flew on my own time.

I was returning from a visit with my family in Wyoming. I left the Rock Springs, Wyoming airport on a Convair, prop plane, as a passenger, but dressed in uniform because I had a flight as soon as I got back to Houston. Our first leg of the journey was from Rock Springs to Denver. The take off was uneventful and I was settling in as we passed through 10,000 feet and the “No Smoking” sign was turned off. I had a window seat over the wing and was casually looking out the window when I noticed that the prop quit turning. Several other passengers noticed the same thing and were looking to me to provide an answer. Obviously I was no help, I was not a crew member, but simply a passenger. I confirmed that I did not think that it was normal… big help I was!

Shortly after the prop quitting turning the captain informed us that we would be returning to Rock Springs. We safely landed, made a few changes and took off again, barely running late! It is amazing to me how many things can go wrong and still not truly cause a problem. That helped me feel safer as I continued flying.

Since Wyoming was considered home, I flew there often. Planes were small and winds high on the plateau where the airport was situated. One another trip from Rock Springs to Denver we boarded the plane and were cleared for take off when the wind grabbed the plane and drove us off runaway. I am not sure what really happened because the pilot came on the intercom and said there was a paperwork error we needed to go back to the terminal and fix. Hmmm…..

Although much of this sounds a bit scary, I think of how many “close calls” I have had driving and I still feel much safer in an aircraft!

Toward the end of my flight attendant career I was leaving Houston for a trip and when it was complete I planned on going straight to Wyoming for Christmas. Prior to my scheduled work flight I needed to put my 15 year old dog on the plane and send her to Wyoming so she would be there when I finished my trip. She did not do well flying so I gave her a mild sedative. I was standing in line, in uniform, with the other passenger checking baggage. While I was waiting I was holding her in my arms. She was passively resting in my arms when all of the sudden I felt something warm on my stomach. I looked down to realize that she had urinated all over my uniform. I felt very uncomfortable and the horrified stares of those waiting in line with me made me want to crawl in her kennel and hide! I continued to wait and put her on the plane and quickly took my luggage and went to the closest restroom where I was grateful I had an extra uniform to change in to. I found a plastic bag to store my soiled uniform in my luggage and was even more appreciative of the fact that none of the passengers waiting in line with me were on my flight!

Flying has truly proven to be an adventure for me, in more ways than I anticipated when I yearned to fly the friendly skies!

To keep life interesting, these were not your typical well behaved children. Flying was their life, and although we did it often, they were totally enthralled with the whole process each time and never bored of racing through the airport, climbing over seats and throwing up incessantly.

Tricks I learned to make it worthwhile:

1. Always come prepared with ample diapers, change of clothes and LOTS of things to do - kids NEVER sleep on the airplane. They also have sensitive stomachs so diapers and clothing changes become imperative. Don't dress them in the good clothes either!
2. Bring items to occupy them in case of delays
3. Strollers are great and can be “gate checked” so you can use them throughout the airport
4. If your child is suffering from ear trouble due to altitude changes, request from the Flight Attendant two paper cups with VERY HOT napkins inside and place over your child's ears to relieve the pressure
5. Upon arrival, especially with young children, we always bought breakfast and lunch food at a grocery store and stored in our hotel room as we opted for a room with a small kitchenette. If your travels don't involve flying, pack a cooler of food and don't waste time or money eating out. Children don't care and actually prefer to eat familiar foods that you have brought along.
6. Seek out children's museums. Most areas have one, they are relatively inexpensive and it is a great place for kids to experience “hands on” activities where they can explore and learn, quite often with educational opportunities native to the area visited.
7. Book far enough in advance to get discounted vacation rates and if funds permit - pay for a seat for your lap child. Two or three hours is a long time to hold a child.
8. Make sure the rental car location has car seats readily available and prepared for your arrival. If price is a concern, don't book the larger vehicles unless you have a long drive planned.
9. If you are going to amusement parks or popular locations, schedule off season. Prices are less expensive, lines are shorter and your children have more fun because they aren't “waiting” for all the fun!
10. Look for in state discounts. One of our best vacations was when we traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming by van. The package included a room for two days and one night, two meals and lift tickets for $99 per person. Our room was right by the door that led to the lift. The kids could come and go at their leisure. We had purchased children's' skis and boots at a local ski rental shop for $25 at the end of a season so rentals weren't an issue. They would ski for a bit, come in and warm up, grab a snack and go out again. It was a fun trip that we looked forward to often.

My children are grown now and moving out. As I become an empty nester I miss those days when we had so much family time. Strong bonds were forged and the children recall their experiences fondly as we reflect on times past.

The children have commented often that although money was always in short supply when they were growing up, they didn't remember feeling it because we always found opportunities to travel together and experience the joy of family.

A great place to take the kids, especially in the spring and summer months. As it sits along lake Michigan, there's a Ferris wheel outside along with indoor shopping and food. Parking is quite expensive, be prepared to pay anywhere from $20 to $30. This is true for most of downtown, Chicago. During the weekday it is impossible to find inexpensive parking.

Millennium Park

A recent addition to Chicago, Millennium Park sits on Michigan Avenue. In the winter months there's an ice rink. During the hot summer months, bring a spare change of clothes for the kids, there's a fountain they'd love to get wet under. Underground parking is available.

Michigan Avenue

A trip to Chicago would not be complete without seeing the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. Shop the stores, visit the Art Museum, and ride the trolley.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Be sure to bring the kids to Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission is always free. Grab a bite to eat at the zoo or be sure to take your own picnic lunch.

Wrigley Field

On the Northside of Chicago sits Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs. Many films have used the outside of the stadium and you will likely recognize the bright red sign. Tickets are difficult to come by, even for die-hard fans that live in Chicago. If you do manage to find tickets (stubhub, ticketmaster) don't leave before the 7th inning stretch as someone (sometimes famous) will sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” You will also notice that residents surrounding the stadium will be on their roofs, with stadium seating watching the game from home!

The Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago hosts many museums located along Lake Michigan. Most are near Solider Field (home of the Chicago Bears). The Museum of Science and Industry however is located near the southside, right off I-55. They typically have temporary exhibits worth noting when you visit. They've hosted both CSI and Star Wars.

1. Making a snowman

   A traditional classic and fun for the whole family. You can personalize it for and homemade added touch of uniqueness. Can also be made into many shapes and sizes.

2. Snow Forts

   Your snowy home away from home. How big, how small is all for you to decide. Can be a great addition to a backyard and is perfect for a snowman to watch over.

3. Snowball Fights

   The most used activity to accompany the snow fort (mentioned above). Compete with your friends in a head-to-head competition, and make the most out of your winter at the same time.

4. Shoveling Snow

   A fun way to clean up after a massive snowball fight, clear a driveway, or do something when you are alone. A fun way to keep healthy as well.

5. Ice Skating

   Its not exactly on snow but still a fun way to enjoy the winter weather. Enjoy gliding on ice while others talk. A must do winter event for the whole family.