Summer is coming to an end. Have you enjoyed a fun break with your family? If your answer was "I wish!", we should talk. You don't have to go far from home to have a restful trip that teaches your kids about the world outside of your daily routine. By shifting our pre-child mindset of vacationing into a parenting one, we can see how these breaks can be well within reach with a little planning and prioritization, and without great expense.

Our family recently returned from a really fun, short vacation at a location about three hours from home. As we were driving back, I thought about how valuable these breaks are for us as parents, and how important it is that we recognize and honor what relaxation time means for families.

Long-distance trips (like Hawaii) or exciting outdoor adventures (like rafting the Grand Canyon) can be less relaxing when our children are small. Every heard anyone say: "I need a vacation from my vacation?” There’s no need to set yourself up for exhaustion!

Since my youngest was born, we have focused on short trips that don’t require long-distance travel. What is important for us is to step away from the home front and experience some enjoyment doing things that we love. For us, that is biking, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor pursuits. For you, it might be something different.

Just taking time to be together away from all the distractions of work, email, phone calls, bills arriving in the mail, and home management can reconnect a family. Also, it teaches kids important life skills like how to relax, take time for enjoyment and how to be present with people rather than just being productive.

Even on short trips, your kids are learning about the greater world beyond your daily routine. Even if you visit a spot close to home, the richness of new experiences are vital to their learning and growth. Think about what you would like for them to experience - nature, art, music, interesting geography, a physical challenge (like hiking), meeting people who have a different lifestyle - and pick a location that matches your goals.

Even if you are planning your trip around your kids, the perspective you can gain from just a couple of days away from home is priceless. You are likely to return with a new idea, a refreshed sense of gratitude and a bit more energy for home and work life.

Summer is almost over! Be sure to make time for a short, restful break - even if it's just a Saturday or afternoon trip into some unknown territory or a favorite nearby spot - before the fall arrives.

Are you gearing up for summer fun with your family? What kinds of trips will you be taking this year?

In our family, we love to go camping. Spending family time outdoors, appreciating the natural world and connecting in a slower-paced environment brings us closer together. It also teaches our kids how to respect and protect nature and gives them a personal relationship with our geographic area.

As you probably know, camping with kids is different than camping without kids! It is in many ways more fun. But it also requires extra planning and consideration.

Here are some tips to making your camping trip more kid-friendly:

1. Plan the trip as a family and get input from everyone – especially the children. To browse and reserve campgrounds, try Reserve America or the U.S. government's portal for campground reservations. Most states have a Web site for state park campgrounds, so try a Google search for yours!


2. Think about activities, not just scenic vistas. What do your kids like to do? Fishing? Swimming? Hiking in the woods? Try to find a camping spot with good activity options that will engage all members of your family. Educate yourself a bit about the place you're going, and be prepared to translate some local knowledge into exploratory activities relevant for your child's age. Looking for birds or bugs, dissecting a pine cone... whatever you'd enjoy exploring in your own back yard, only more so! And encourage your kids to leave most all of their toys behind. There will be plenty to explore!


3. Keep it short and sweet. Two to three nights is usually plenty for young children. As for the distance to your destination, avoid locations that require more than two of driving to get there, if possible. This gives your kids an opportunity to know your "neck of the woods" better, and shifts the balance of time away from traveling to and fro in favor of time spent at your destination.
   
4. Do a practice round. If your kids are new to camping, consider doing a backyard campout first, to practice setting up the tent and sleeping outside.


5. Come prepared to teach and model good stewardship. Depending on the camping arrangements, you may need bags to pack out your trash, to help kids understand the responsible and safe use of fire in camping, and avoid transporting firewood, buying locally or gathering it on-site instead.


6. Pack a simple first aid kit, including any medicines (especially prescriptions) you might need for fever, cough or allergies. We tend to bring herbal and homeopathic remedies. And remember the bug spray! We like the herbal spray Buzz Away.


7. Teach your kids what to do if they get lost. The most common advice is for them to stay right where they are if they are lost. Consider giving younger children a whistle to wear and blow if they need help.


8. Take clothing that can be layered so that you can adjust as the temperature changes. Plan for rain so you have fun even if it comes.


9. Bring several flashlights so the kids won’t fight over them. They are also fun to play with in the dark! Remember to bring extra batteries.


10. Bring more water than you think you will need and pack a small bottle for each child to carry.

Do you have tips from previous camping experiences with kids? What do you wish you had remembered to take? What was the best camping trip you took with your kids and why?

Many of us will be traveling to visit friends and family this holiday season. Here are ten ideas to make your trip a bit greener.

1. Visiting a new place? Try exploring the city using public transportation or take a walk and explore by foot while getting some exercise as well.


2. When staying at a hotel, bring your own shampoo and soap in reusable travel containers and resist using the ones provided by the hotel. I used to make it a habit of collecting these small toiletries as little souvenirs, only to find that I eventually ended up throwing them out without using them.


3. Instead of buying bottled water while out on your travels, bring a reusable water bottle such as a Kleen Kanteen and fill up from the tap. Bottled water is not necessarily more pure than tap water. Bring a reusable mug to have water or hot drinks in your hotel room instead of using their disposable cups.


4. Many hotels used to wash linens and towels every day, but now only do so every few days unless requested by the guest. Sometimes they automatically will wash the linens and towels unless asked not to. Check the hotel's policy to see how you can be sure they aren't unnecessarily washing items each day.


5. Many of us will be visiting the homes of family and friends and bringing a gift. Consider a green gift, such as an item off of our Tranquil Parent Gift Guide, or a food or beverage item in a reusable container. This wine tote would make a great gift, along with some wine.


6. When shopping, look for items that are produced locally. Not only will you be buying something unique, but you'll be supporting the local economy and buying something that didn't have to travel long distances to get there. When purchasing produce, shop at the local farmer's market or shop for produce that is grown in the area. You'll be surprised at how better tasting a piece of fruit is that was just picked off the farm that morning as opposed to being picked a week ago and trucked across the country, and will create more vivid memories of your stay, particularly when you buy food directly from its grower.


7. When packing for your travels, pack as light as possible. You save energy needed to haul around your luggage, regardless of your mode of transportation. Once you've packed, double check what you have packed to make sure you have what you need to avoid having to buy something later that you already have at home.


8. Use rechargeable batteries for items like your camera that may need a standard battery. For things like your cell phone or iPod that need recharging, consider purchasing a solar charger like this one from Solio, although if you are traveling somewhere that will be overcast or during winter, you're better off with standard rechargeables.


9. If you need a rental car, consider a hybrid. Not all companies offer this option, but even just inquiring about the option lets companies know that people are interested. Enterprise is one rental car company that offers hybrid cars at select locations.


10. Get out and explore nature in your travel destinations! Just remember to leave it the way it was and to make sure you are allowed to walk on unpaved paths before exploring off the beaten path.


Do you have tips to share on making travel greener? Please share them in the comments!