Backup plans for your 'ruined' vacation

Even the best-laid plans can be foiled by factors totally out of your control. To make the best of a bad vacation situation, it's important to have a backup plan, allowing you to take cancellations and stormy weather in stride. Children, in particular, see setbacks as an opportunity for a spontaneous new adventure. Whether your trip takes you to the beach or the mountains, there are always solutions for whatever problem may arise.

* When your beach trip is rained out

Try visiting the local aquarium, children's museum, theme park or science museum. When it comes to family trips, it's important to be a good role model for your children, so they can learn how to be flexible and go with the flow. Indoor theme parks such as Medieval Times and Dave and Busters are a great way to have fun with the family regardless of the weather.

Today, many malls have rides, attractions and arcades that are fun for all ages. Be sure to pack IDs and discount cards so you can take advantage of discount admission offered by many attractions. If all else fails, stay inside, whip-up some hot, buttery microwave popcorn, and sit back with the family to watch a movie on one of the satellite TV packages available through your hotel or rental.

* When the airline loses your luggage

Lost luggage and other setbacks are an unavoidable part of traveling, so it's important to be prepared for the worst case scenario. In most cases, airlines will recover luggage and deliver it to your hotel within a few hours, however, some companies may take up to five days to recover baggage. To prevent the hassle of losing essentials, pack important medications, bathing suits, clothing, snacks, cameras, toothbrushes and valuables in a carry-on so you can survive until the checked luggage is recovered.

In some cases, luggage may never be recovered. Choose to use this as an opportunity to try a new style or purchase some local garb - souvenirs you never even considered before. Grab a few T-shirts and some jeans at a local store, as you're likely to wear these items for multiple days on your trip. An added bonus is that basic items purchased on your trip can be worn at home as well.

* Dealing with missed or delayed flights and long layovers

Whether you missed your plane or weather is preventing take off, airports and the surrounding areas offer a multitude of activities to entertain everyone in the family. Nearly 50 of the nation's airports offer specialized children's play areas. For example, Chicago's O'Hare recently installed a 2,000-square-foot play area. Similar programs also exist in Seattle-Tacoma, Boston, Houston, Phoenix, and JFK Airport in New York.

Play areas are not the only option for occupying children; airports have built-in entertainment features, such as moving walkways and observation areas. Often, terminals stream in a number of popular Satellite TV channels through terminal screens, which are great for catching up on news or watching sitcoms.

No matter what obstacle you face, remember that you're on vacation, and this time is intended to be relaxing and fun. Instead of focusing on what's going wrong, try to see the positive in trying new things and truly being able to enjoy "down time." Your family will thank you, and you'll return to real life as rested as you would have been if all had gone smoothly.

Courtesy of ARAcontent