How to Find Kid-Friendly (and Budget-Friendly) Vacation Spots

Summer vacation is upon us and if you haven't already planned your family-friendly trips, it's time to start thinking about it.

It's no secret in this day of an unsettled economy and nearly record-high gas prices, the thought of airfare and several nights in a motel is enough to make anyone reconsider leaving their own backyard. But family vacations are more than just the trip; it's making the memories that last a lifetime. These trips are meant to be time spent away from work and focus on strengthening the family bond; not stressing over how much it's all going to cost. With that in mind, here are several family-friendly and budget- conscious ideas to get away.

Even though airfare (and baggage prices) are through the roof, there are still ways to save if you're going to fly. Check your local airport and see what airlines have 'hubs' in your departure or arrival city. These hubs will often offer specials on ticket prices and may even include package deals to area attractions. Another thing to keep in mind when flying; non-stop costs more than having even just one connecting flight. Driving is always cheaper than flying and there's nothing wrong with choosing a family-friendly destination that's close to home.

Now that the actual travel part is out of the way, it's time to consider food and lodging, both of which can be kid-friendly and budget-friendly. Many hotel chains offer a 'kids stay free' promotion when they stay in the same room as their parents. Also, especially if traveling with younger children, be sure to choose restaurants with kids menus. The fare is usually popular items that most children like and the price is usually right.

One more thing to consider for a vacation. If you are planning a trip of a week or more, consider renting a house rather than staying in a hotel. Renting a home or cottage can seem like a big expense at first, but when you consider there is a kitchen and perhaps a grill to use rather than eating out for every meal it isn't that much more. Plus, if you are traveling with little ones who need a nap or even just some down time, a house is a perfect place for you.

Drink Water for Good Health

Drinking lots of water might seem like an obvious tip, but it is surprising how many people neglect to actually do so. A large number of people in the world, including those in Western countries such as the United States, are actually living in a state of continual dehydration without even knowing it.

One study even found that as many as 50 percent of all women are chronically dehydrated.

Don't worry about drinking a particular number of cups of water per day. The trick to knowing whether you are drinking enough water is to pay attention to how you feel. If your skin has a tendency to be dry and itchy, your mouth is dry and your lips chap very easily, then chances are that you are dehydrated.

Drink water several times a day instead of coffee or tea or sugary drinks. Some drinks, such as alcohol and tea, can actually cause you to become dehydrated.

Brain Tips for Teaching and Learning

Reviewing and reflection are two methods of thinking about anything that you have recently learned.

Reviewing can be undertaken mere moments after a question has been posed, a passage has been read, directions have been given, a comment has been made or an activity has been performed.

It simply requires some time given over to thinking about what has just taken place, processing that information and then reacting in an appropriate manner.

For students, reviewing also needs to be undertaken at periodic intervals over the course of a year so they have the chance to revisit, clarify, relearn, consolidate and then commit to memory what they have learned.

Reflection, meanwhile, not only refers to the actual material or one's response to it, but also takes into account the way one actually goes about the process of learning in the first place.