PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL OCEAN CITY FAMILY VACATION

Get kids involved in the planning – Parents hope their children will create lasting memories of family vacations. Let them take the lead in planning family outings and activities. Direct your kids to www.ococean.com to check out Ocean City’s calendar jam packed with numerous events, excursions and festivities.

Location, location, location – Do some investigative work before picking your hotel. Ocean City offers an array of hotel accommodations – everything from being in the middle of the action to hearing nothing but the sound of waves. Request a free copy of Ocean City’s Sea For Yourself Visitor Guide for in-depth information about Ocean City, including a map. The guide can be requested online or by calling toll-free 1-800-OC-OCEAN.

Plan must do activities – If you and your family have specific activities in mind such as golf, surf lessens, eco-tours, youth camps, etc. research them at www.ococean.com. With an abundance of miniature golf courses, amusement park rides and various other activities, planning out your “must-do’s” will incorporate all your family favorites into the vacation.

Travel light, but right – When vacationing at a beach resort, chances are you will be spending the majority of your days outside. Be sure to pack warm-weather clothes and lots of sunscreen. Lighten your load: when traveling, less is more. For each family member, lay out all clothing and personal care items needed for the trip. Remove half before you pack the rest, leaving room for all those critical beach souvenirs.

Vacation within your budget – Ocean City offers all kinds of hotel package deals and entertainment coupons to help ease vacation spending. Ocean City is known for its variety of restaurants and entertainment choices, ranging from very casual to upscale. Don’t forget to stop by the 40th Street Visitors Center for must-have coupons as well as weekly papers that list activities, events and feature even more coupons and deals.

Editorial Note: Midweek stays can be less expensive than weekends. If highlighting resorts with the best bargains look no further, Ocean City offers free activities every week July – August including Wednesday evening beach concerts, Thursday bonfires on the beach and Sundaes in the Park family concert series each Sunday!

Relax & have fun – Remember, the reason for taking a family vacation is to spend time together and make memories with your loved ones. Don’t stress about the details of the trip or feel obligated to fill every moment with entertainment. Just being together is a sure way to have a great time.