1. Start planning now – the earlier the better. When you research your destination in advance, you’ll spend less money, and you’ll probably have a more relaxing time, too. Spend time as a family researching your destination using print travel magazines as well as online sources and guidebooks.

2. Let your kids in on it. Ask each of your children to choose a few things to see or do on this vacation, as well. When kids are invested in planning the trip, they take more responsibility and, ultimately, derive more enjoyment from the trip.

3. Take your time. Try hard not to cram too many activities in any single day, especially if you have young kids. Children need downtime, especially when they are away from their normal routine, so schedule time for resting between events. Plan to return to the hotel for a brief nap or quiet time before going to dinner, for example.

4. Don’t over-pack. Everyone will enjoy the trip more if you travel light. As long as you’re not embarking on a super long trip, kids who are grade-school age and over can probably be responsible for carrying their own suitcases or duffels. And, if they are seasoned travelers, you may be able to trust them to pack it, as well.

5. Bring things to do during downtime. You might reserve a special bag of goodies and activities that you bring out only when the kids find themselves bored and restless, perhaps when they are waiting for a connecting flight or for the multitude of other delays that can occur on a vacation. Here’s what’s in our “emergency bag”: a deck of playing cards, a few dice, a book of mazes, a small set of colored pencils and a book of intricate designs to color, that even my older children are captivated by. You’ll also want such a bag of “emergency snacks,” which includes nuts and other forms of lean protein.

6. Try to stick to your routine as much as possible. Don’t stray too wildly from the kids’ ordinary bedtimes, for example. And eat at normal times. Kids are so much more even-tempered when their sleep patterns and blood sugar levels stay on an even keel.

7. Consider the help of modern technology. While you’ll probably want to put limits on these types of entertainment sources when you’re paying an arm and a leg to see new parts of the country and the world, a well-timed (albeit brief) dose of portable DVD player, iPod, or Gameboy can help weary traveling parents in untold ways.

8. Stay open-minded.You want to have a fairly set itinerary, and you want to keep your routines fairly predictable, but the ultimate goal is to have a refreshing, rejuvenating vacation where everyone is able to lighten up, be flexible, and have fun. Start each day by reminding yourself of this simple truth, and have a great trip!

Bangkok is a city certainly well known for its high quality budget hotels with excellent affordable rates. But after the recent government protests which as ceased for now – hotels in Bangkok whether budget or luxury have begun to drastically reduce room rates even more. As a result now is the best time to find hotel deals especially for hotels in the budget range.There is definitely no shortage of hotels in Bangkok. Whether you are on a budget or can afford to splurge, consider staying at one of Bangkok’s many new boutique hotels opening up everywhere overnight.

Just what is a boutique hotel in Bangkok exactly?

A hotel in the boutique class are small though the rooms are quite spacious. Most of these hotels have fewer than 20 rooms, though there are a few with at least 50. But the distinguishing factor between a boutique hotel and a mainstream hotel is the emphasis on hospitality. Since boutique hotels are smaller in stature guests can expect to feel more personal service. Though don’t expect to be pampered as if you are in a 5 star luxury hotel.

Many of these hotels are operated and run solely by Thais. So the room rates are very affordable and are considered in the budget range. And since most of the boutique hotels in Bangkok have just opened recently the property itself is in excellent conditions.

You can find many boutique hotels in central Bangkok such as:

* Bedrooms Boutique Hotel
* Sacha’s Hotel Uno
* Paradiso Boutique Suites

All of the hotels mentioned above are near a BTS Sky Train station so that most of the major shopping destinations and attractions can be reached easily and quickly.

And if central Bangkok is too hectic and noisy for you then head up just a little bit towards the northeast to Khao San Road.

This quiet little neck of the woods is not far from central Bangkok. Though Khao San road is a popular backpacker’s den in the recent years many hotels have sprouted up:

* Navalai River Resort
* Boonsiri Inn
* Buddy Lodge

Finally, which ever hotel you are planning to stay in here is one really good money-saving tip. It is best to reserve your room through a licensed hotel booking agency that is based in Bangkok. Such agencies are in a better position of acquiring better discounted room rates since they are contracted as wholesalers with hotels throughout Bangkok, so you can expect to receive 20% to 40% off.

Praya Palazzo is a stylish 17-room mansion with a rich historical background that offers a unique experience for the discerning travelers. Dating back to the ancient kingdom of Siam, the mansion is situated in the heart of Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, one of the most significant rivers in Thailand. Ideal for travelers who want to relax while enjoying city life in the oldest part of Bangkok, Praya Palazzo is in walking distance to many historical sites and attractions such as The Grand Palace, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Chinatown, The National Museum, and Kao San Road just to name a few. Praya Palazzo brings back the sense and lifestyle of the King Rama V period, conveying authentic Thai culture through vision, taste, scent, rhyme and touch.