Have you asked the kids?
At our recent TMS Family Travel Summit new research underscored what we already thought-the vast majority of traveling parents acknowledge that their kids have an influential role in where families go on vacation and what they do when they get there-starting as young as eight, according to Google research.
So what do kids want? According to HomeAway's new Kidfluencer Survey, they want to experience a new adventure doing something they can't do at home. A pool is a must, with a water slide, if possible. They'd also like room to spread out and possibly bring along their pet. 
Not such a tall order, really. Since we know a lot of families don't have time to plan that far ahead, we've partnered with Family Travel Forum to bring you Our Very Best Summer Vacation Ideas that are guaranteed to please even the most finicky travelers in your house-at least most of the time.
Here are four ideas you might not have considered:
--Old fashioned lodges: The last great American summer vacation lives on at Woodloch Resort in the Northern Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Days at TripAdvisor.com's 2015 #1 Hotel for Families are filled to the brim with
activities - go-karting, archery (and even archery tag!), zip lining, swimming, rock wall climbing, and boating of every imaginable sort and then some! Evenings are highlighted with both the brilliant lights of their Broadway-style theme show and world-class entertainers... and also by the more low-key illumination of campfire sing-a-longs.
--The Caribbean and Mexico where rates and flight prices drop. Many call summer family season in the Caribbean because so many resorts offer added discounts (think a second room at half price) and amenities (resort credits!). Read my travel diaries about a recent visit to Riviera Nayarit on Mexico's Pacific Coast where you have your choice of all-inclusive resorts, luxury properties or off-the-beaten track fishing villages known for surfing and bird watching.
--Let the kids lead the way planning a city long weekend. Hotel rates drop on the weekends when the business travelers are gone and many locals take off too in summer. Go to a baseball game, a museum, a farmer's market, a festival, or concert in the park. Jump-start your high school junior's college search along the way. Use my Kids City Guides to help plan. Check the city's official website and local parenting magazine website to see what family activities are being offered and what special hotel deals you can grab like those from Omni touting 20 per cent off a three night stay.
--Cruise from a port near your home. You don't have to plan that far ahead if you don't have to worry about airfares and you might be able to get a last-minute deal. Invite the grandparents! See what line is best for your family in our 2015 Cruise Guide.
What would be your kids' vote?
