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| Our Fall Getaways Section helps you plan for family fun! |
Dear Family Travelers:
Got your water bottle?
You're going to need it whether you're on the beach in San Diego or heading to the slopes in Colorado's high altitude. Don't forget snacks either, kids say.
I've talked to hundreds of vacationing kids over the past few years for my nine-book Kids City Guide series. The Kids Guide to San Diego has just been published; The Kids Guide to San Francisco will be out next month and the Kids Guide to Denver and Colorado Ski Country in early December. 
Here are some suggestions kids in those cities offered that really will help make your family travel more fun, wherever you are going:
SOUVENIR SMARTS: "Get a special souvenir that will remind you of your trip, like a keychain for your backpack." Gabe, 10, San Diego.
SIGHTSEEING SMARTS: "Always have your phone to take cool pictures and find your parents or friends if you get separated." Savannah, 13, San Diego.
EXPERIENCE something you can't do anywhere else-like ride a cable car in San Francisco! "I like that Cable Cars go slow down the really steep hills because I don't like to go really fast down a scary hill!" Hung Le, 11.
Look at your surroundings. "They are better than any screen!" Ruby, 11, Gunnison., CO.
KNOW THE LOCAL LINGO: "We don't call San Francisco 'San Fran' or 'Frisco' Sara, 17.
BE PREPARED: "It gets cold here so take a sweatshirt when your mom says you should!" Andy,10, San Francisco. "The sun is really strong in Denver. You should wear sunscreen." Parker, 10, Denver.
AT A THEME PARK: "At a theme park, be brave and try everything because you don't know when you'll be back." Emily,14, Phoenix, AZ.
EAT SOMETHING you don't eat at home. In San Francisco's Chinatown, "try shrimp dumplings. Very delicious and juicy!" Nevin, 15. "My favorite thing to eat in Denver is Mexican food!" Alyssa, 14, Denver. "I love to go to farmers' markets!" Mara, 12, Santa Cruz, CA. 
Wherever you find yourself on your next trip, let the kids lead the way!
