Helen Dyck

Vacations Go Multi-generational

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Helen’s career began in bookkeeping, insurance and international banking. She left the workforce to have children, returning in 1985 to join the travel industry. Helen’s love for geography and history has been richly rewarded in this industry. She loves to learn about different cultures and enjoys sharing this knowledge. Service is a part of Helen’s very nature. She is a Rotarian, a member of Beta Sigma Phi and a volunteer at the Salvation Army, Elder College and Sunday school. As Manager of Marlin Travel in Parksville, Helen is a CTC Certified Travel Consultant, a CLIA Accredited Cruise Counsellor, and a destination specialist.

Many of us have thought of how nice it would be to re-connect with our children and grandchildren on a vacation. Maybe a special anniversary is coming up or a graduation that you would like to celebrate.

Where should you start?

Determine what will interest all the participants. The options are limitless. You can choose a family cruise to Alaska or Europe. Most cruise lines have both children and teen programs during school vacations. Holland America Line and Disney both offer special shore excursions in Alaska that are specially designed for children. If relaxation is your goal, why not pick an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, such as Beaches or Paradisus Esmeralda in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Maui offers families the option of staying in one, two and three bedroom condos where you have full kitchens with dishwashers and laundry facilities.

You might think that coach touring is only for the mature market, but Trafalgar Tours has twenty different motor coach tours designed just for families. These tours offer culture and history and all the while, you will be creating family memories that will last a lifetime. Better yet, all the details are looked after for you. Hotels are confirmed, transportation is provided (no one has to do any driving) and most meals are provided. This allows you to be in control of the budget so you won’t be coming home with a huge credit card bill.  Such touring available in Canada, USA, Central and South America, South Africa and Europe.

While a family vacation can be much more than a trip to Disneyland, even this can be a memorable and educational vacation by including Sea World and the San Diego Zoo in your plans. You might even consider doing a three or four day mini-cruise to Los Angeles at the beginning or end of the Alaska season, with a start or finish in California.

All of these options and ideas are suitable for single women, elderly passengers or young children, as they offer a safe and secure environment. Most are all-inclusive, with the exception of Maui and Disneyland. The cruise lines and resorts offer meal options for children but also cater to the more mature traveller.

Once you have decided on your interests and considered your budget, make an appointment with your travel agent to sit down and discuss your plans. You will need passports for all members of the family. A good travel agent can co-ordinate family from across the country or around the world to meet up at the same place. Lastly, make sure that you properly protect your investment in this adventure by purchasing travel insurance.  And finally, take lots of pictures. Bon Voyage!

 

Helen Dyck
Manager, Marlin Travel
125 McCarter Street, Box 1900
Parksville, B.C. V9P2H6
Telephone: 250-248-2041 or 1-800-806-2041
Fax: 250-248-4767
Email Helen

 

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