My wife and I have eight children, the youngest two (twins) are now 12. Over the years we have traveled with our kids around the country and across the Atlantic.  We have tried things that have worked and things that haven’t to make the getting there easier on all of us. 

Have long hours spent confined in cramped spaces with normally well behaved children, who in their boredom along with the complete disruption of their normal routines, become wound up, bundles of uncontainable energy testing your patience as well as those around? Then try putting some of the following into action.

1. Plan and discuss. Before you leave on your next trip take some time to sit down and talk to your children about the trip and the plan for the day. Tell them what’s going to happen.  What the eating plans are going to be. How long the will trip be. At what points of the trip will they need to be quite. Explain the event markers as to the progress of the trip.  Using the restrooms at every stop whether they think they need to go or not. Inform them if they will be sleeping during the trip. Discuss any treats or rewards they can earn or look forward to as they reach event markers. Remember children have little to no concept of time and distance, therefore talk to them in terms they will understand. Break the trip down into event markers that they will understand and can follow.

2. Where’s the entertainment committee when you need it. Whether you know it or not, you are the entertainment committee. The most successful trips with young children will be those where planning of a variety of activities and games that stimulate there minds in order to help pass the time. I emphasize again children need variety.  More is better. The following is a list of a few suggestions to help with your planning:

• Portable CD/DVD Players - perfect to occupy an hour or two of a trip if your child likes to watch movies or listening to familiar songs are perfect for family road trips. Sing along with your kids it will help build great memories for all.
• Hand held video games - these are great for distracting the kids but can also stimulate hyperactivity during the course of the game that may linger after the game is done.  The noise can be unnerving for the driver or others around.  Best when used with an ear phone.
• Games - for children having a parent’s undivided attention is everything and for the parent(s) it can be quality time spent with your children without distraction.
• Role Playing - let the trip be part of a movie scenario that they can act on. Turn the trip plan into a special ops mission plan with goals, objectives and dead lines that they have to accomplish in order to complete the mission.
• Books on CD - these are wonderful, especially if you have a child who is beginning to read. Books on CD’s that accompany a book help to teach word recognition to children.
• Activity/Coloring/Puzzle Books - with young children this is another great way for parents to interact with their children.
• New Toys - children like new toys. Bring some familiar ones but make sure you buy some that will engage them while traveling. Legos are always good for traveling and there are an endless number of things they can create.
• Healthy Snacks - an important part of traveling! Take a selection of snacks that are fun to eat, but low in sugar (unrestrained energy) and low in salt.

3. Stock a traveling toy box. I like giving them a small plastic toolbox to keep their prized possessions in.  No matter how we travel; by car, plane, train or bus, they can take their mini toy box.  Having the toy box within reach of the child gives them the opportunity to play with their toys while having the option to choose what they want to play with.  My boys liked action figures and Lego the girls were more into ponies and dolls.

4. Look - it’s the Energizer bunny. Children by their very nature are not able to sit still for long periods of time.  I’ve never understood the expectation of adults that children should sit still and quite for an hour or more and pay attention to someone who is moving and talking, but I digress.  Even though the goal is to get to your destination you must plan for the release of the Energizer bunnies.

If you are traveling with children by car, plan a stop every 2 hours - you can check with travel organizations like AAA or go online and Google parks, walking trails, historical landmarks or other interesting places in or near communities you will be passing through. We like to visit caves and caverns and will make side trips on the way to and from a resort.  Sometime we see a sign and make spontaneous side trips to see something of interest that relate to the kids and their interest or studies. It can make for some great adventures.  Even if you’re just stopping for gas, look for a place where everyone can get out and walk around. 

If traveling with children by plane, go online to the airports where you will be changing flights or having layovers and see if they have play areas. Bring along a jump rope, a small ball, a puzzle etc. look for an out of the way corner or area of the airport to play with your children. My boys like to race each other between points.  They also like to walk the concourse and look at the signs, shops and people.

5. Choices and Change ups. We all fall into a routine of some kind and our children may be more aware of this than we are.  When we travel we change from the at home routine to our traveling routine.  The traveling routine needs to allow for choices and change ups.  Who sits where? Who gets the window seat? Who orders the food? Who picks out the snacks?  This will all become exciting for them and make traveling mor enjoyable for all.

These are just a few ideas to make traveling with children more enjoyable for all. If you have additional ideas to share please leave them in the comments below.

Now is the perfect time to start your new home based business and there is no better opportunity out there than MOR Vacations. In fact, MOR Vacations has just announced a new streamlined product named “MOR HOT WEEKS” for an amazingly low $498. This product is not the same as the company’s flagship product, the Diamond package, but it still offers the single best feature of the Diamond package for a small fraction of the price.

MOR Vacations recognized that many people are looking for an affordable alternative travel option and are very excited about the $149 Hot Weeks that MOR Vacations offers. So, they decided to create this new “streamlined” product that just focuses on a lifetime membership to the Hot Weeks - the most affordable high end travel program available.

So, here’s what you get. A lifetime membership with access to hundreds of affordable resorts destinations for just a fraction of the retail price. You can explore the inventory and book directly online. These are Hot Weeks and inventory will vary month to month as they are primarily last minute discount packages. You won’t find them available months in advance, but what you will find is incredible discounts.

Most people will recoup their entire $498 investment in just one trip! That’s right, you’ll likely save more than $500 on just one trip. Then you have the rest of your life to take advantage of the savings for free!

Travel remains the top answer people respond to when they are asked “What would you like to do more of?” Why not support your travel desires with a travel membership that not only provides incredible value but offers you the business opportunity to refer others as well? In fact, you can pay for your entire $498 membership by referring just 3 people.

For more information, contact David Peterie at (540) 338-2193

The main reason that MOR Vacations has created such a stir in the Travel Industry is that the company has its finger on the pulse of the American consumer.  MOR Vacations recognizes the economic situation that we are all in and rather than just blindly marching forward, it continues to innovate and create new ways for it’s affiliates to be successful by offering products that make sense.

On December 5th MOR Vacations, LLC unveiled a new product - the MOR HOT WEEKS package.  Recognizing that that many people are looking for a more affordable solution, the MOR HOT WEEKS package is a streamlined travel package focusing purely on the most affordable resort destinations in the MOR Vacations arsenal - the Hot Weeks.  Hot Weeks start at just $149 per week and many of those units are 3 and even 4 bedroom units sleeping 6 or 8 people - all for the low price of just $149!

Now this product will not feature many of the other benefits of the high end Diamond package, such as Guest Weeks, discounts on Airfare, Cruises, Travel Packages, VIP access, etc…  But this new Hot Weeks package sells (for a limited time) for just $498.  But you must act soon, because this is a limited time offer and it won’t last long.

So, just in time for the holidays, why not treat yourself or your spouse to a special gift - the gift of Travel!  This price is so amazingly low that you will likely recoup the entire cost of your lifetime membership in just ONE trip!

So, go ahead, take a trip on us!

To Sign up, go to Mor Vacations Website and click the check box and then click on the Start button, then select the $498 Mor Hot Weeks product.

I wanted to announce the launch of MOR Vacations’ premier vacation membership and affiliate marketing program.  After many weeks of pre-launch activities and development we have arrived as promised. 

Since it was first announced that Johnny Bolton was leaving his former vacation membership company, the internet has been a buzzed with all kinds of speculations and rumors.  But one thing is for certain; MOR Vacations has brought changes to the market place. 

Other vacation membership companies have had to scramble to keep up with the affiliate marketing program that MOR has introduced; i.e. financing, an improved pay structure, $2000 commission payments processed directly to your bank account, bonus programs to reward those that put in that extra effort, free affiliate membership and a free website with product information and a sign-up processor.  Why should you have to pay someone to market for them?  Do they not believe in there own program?

While MOR Vacations may bring MORE to support and reward its affiliate marketers, it’s what the Travel Provider is bringing to our market that really sets it apart from the competition.  To start with how about HOT WEEKS that are as low as $149 for a week; that’s seven days of enjoyment, in some of the greatest places to get away to; many are here in the USA and within driving distance for many Americans. 

MOR has access to over 5400 resort locations world wide not to mention cruses, hotels and hunting lodges.  There are reduced pricing on air fares and MORE benefits available through the VIP program. 

In addition to all of this, I invite you to join me on one of our MOR Vacations Team Diamond training calls.  Get to know us and our team sponsors, Jim and Rob who have combined there many years of marketing experience and resources together to create the undisputed number one; supporting, developing and producing team in this business.

To learn MORE about MOR Vacations and the MOR Diamond Team, go to www.morvacations4less.com.  I also invite you to visit my web site at www.davidpeterie.com where you can learn more about me and my business. 

Remember, Life’s not a Destination it’s a Journey. The quality of which will be determined by those you spend it with.  Put yourself in a winning team and join me today and get ready for positive things to happen in your life.

Most of this success comes from the marketing experience of the membership.  But another major asset has been the forming of the MOR Vacations Team Diamond (aka MOR Diamond Team) which is co-sponsored by Jim Loreto and Rob Franta.  Leadership with in our team is provided by a number of other marketers including myself.  With our knowledge and experience focused on the growth and success of those members that we recruit on a daily bases, MOR Vacations is destined to become the next big Internet success story.

This delay will no doubt lead to those in competing companies to boast of doom and gloom along with I told you so.  But the reason for the delay is to correct a glitch in the True Perpetual Leverage pay plain to insure proper compensation and fairness to all affiliates including those non-qualified affiliates.  Not to worry, the time during which the software changes are being made allows members to continue marketing our uncompromising valued product at the prelaunch price for a little longer which will be a benefit for many that have not yet signed on. 

To the naysayers, all I can say is start stocking up on the tissue paper.  When we launch and they see all that MOR will be offering and why it is the new leader in the vacation membership market, they will be crying and lamenting that they chose not to join at the prelaunch special pricing.

Remember, value sells.  MOR Vacations will be the value leader for both it’s affiliates and it’s customers.

DNP

 There is no doubt that GRN (Global Resorts Network) is a good company with a great product.  The problem with reaching a place of success is that complacency sets in and you quit setting new standards within your industry.  GRN became comfortable with their program and what they would offer their affiliates.  The affiliates asked for more that could be offered like financing, but we were told not possible at this time.  Then along came MOR Vacations with MORE to offer their affiliates and their membership owners.  Things started to change.  Johnny Bolton left GRN, not because he disliked GRN, but he had found an opportunity that offered more value like no interest financing.  Then out of the blue GRN announces it will be offering financing.

 MOR Vacations does not make an affiliate give up all of their first commission.  They get to keep half and the other half goes to their sponsor.  This allows them to have money to use to keep going and help their business grow.  Then today 9/30/08 GRN sent out the following email:

You asked, we listened…
 
Due to an overwhelming response, we have decided to implement an important enhancement in the GRN pay plan structure.

 When I talk to someone about MOR Vacations and what they offer, I don’t have to say that it’s a good company or a great company, I can say; “They are the best company in the online travel membership industry.”  There is no, “Me Too” here.  Remember, those that can - DO.  Those that can’t - well they just follow in the shadows of the ones that DO.

DNP

DNP

 A seasoned internet marketer could take any business opportunity and start making money within hours.  They already have systems in place; personal web sites, blogs, lead capture and auto responders that with some tweaks can be used for anything they chose to market.  This is why some opportunities say join and start making $5,000 a week.  For the experienced this is possible, but for the new business owner this is unrealistic; not impossible, but not likely.

 For the person looking for an at home business opportunity as well as the person who already has a home business but is struggling with little to know help from there sponsor or up-line.   I would suggest looking at joining a support group like We Make Top Earners.  They will teach techniques and the skills that are necessary to be successful.  Rob who runs the site and training classes has over 9 years of experience.  He has articles as well as recorded audio and video training that covers about every aspect of marketing made over the years and all this is available to the members.  This is not the only place for training by any means but it is a place I can recommend to start.  I know I have learned more in 2 weeks than I had learned in nearly a year with the RFS and GRN program.  When I’m stuck I call and get help. 

 When I look for a business or any opportunity to market, I look for a fit.  Does the time require learning the products, opportunity, or program along with the actual marketing fit into the time I have available.  What skill(s) will I have to improve upon or learn?  Most importantly, do I believe in the company and the product(s)? 

 Take the time to learn about the company and its products along with the opportunity.  If you don’t believe and are sold on the company and its product then why would anyone believe in you when you talk to them about the opportunity or anything else? 

 When I’m contacted by someone about an opportunity; I ask myself, does this person care about me, or just how deep my pockets are.  What kind of help will I get from them?  If they are new to the business, and I trust them through their honesty, I will want to know what kind of support system is out there.  Is the team supportive of other members, or is it everyone for themselves?  I’ll attend some team calls and get a feel about the group through their interaction.

 One has to remember that any business enterprise one becomes involved in will require some capital.  The lower the cost to join or the lower the commission payout the less the income potential will be.  Remember in the end it comes down to advertising and marketing.  There is a cost that goes along with these in either time and/or money.  Actions to get traffic that require little to no cost will need more time and effort invested in them.  Those methods that reach a lot of people, but with little time or effort will require a greater level of monitory investment.

 A real business will require real commitment and real sacrifice in order to produce real results.  If you see an ad stating; “Instant wealth, no work on your part needed” or “Just join and get rich,” I wouldn’t waste time looking at them.  Establishing a successful business is not an overnight activity.  Winning the Lottery does not insure financial freedom.  Most people who win have no financial plan and after a few years are right back where they were before they won.  Having a home business is not about the money.  It’s about having your own business that you grow and nurture so that it can provide for you and your family.  For this to happen you need a business plan, set goals, and invest in your personal development. (More on this to come)  If you bought a brick and mortar business, on average it will take five years to be profitable.  A good home business, with proper dedication and commitment should be profitable in 3 to 6 months if not sooner.  If your business is not profitable then it is a hobby.

 For me choosing the right home business, sponsor and a team is much easier than choosing the right person to become a home business owner; one that I would invest time training and mentoring to become personally successful as well as an asset on my team.

 Check for my next blog on interviewing and selecting people to join your business opportunity.