Thanks everybody.

I think I will get a camera for each boy, it might be costly but it will (hopefully) prevent the "Moooommmm (read whine), he won't give me my turn with the camera..." The photobook is a great idea. We really shoud do something special to memorialize such a special trip. Although I don't know if I could take 80 hours putting together a DVD, I just don't have that kind of attention span anymore :) .

I was thinking I might bring a journal for each of the kids to write or draw pictures in during the down time at the camps. Maybe I could incoporate some of the things they wrote into the photobook.

Also thanks for the comment about ear pressure. I will definitely talk to my pediatrican about that in addition to the innocutions.

Tara

The journal idea is a good one! Even if they use them only occasionally, they'll remember how they felt and what they thought, as well as what they saw.

I know you'll have a wonderful time. Happy travels!

Thank you all for your great ideas.

Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year!

We have an annual, family membership to Med Jet Assist. Its not "travel insurance" in that it doesn't cover the cancellation of a trip, but it will get you back home if any medical emergencies arise. You might be interested, especially with elderly travelers in your group. AARP offers a discount.

http://www.medjetassist.com/plans/regular.aspx

You might want to speak with your son's teachers to find ways they could bring the trip back to the school room -- possibly for credit. Might get special assignments regarding particular things to learn about the cultures for the next school year. We met a lovely family in French Polynesia traveling with two daughters who were posting back to their classes regarding their trip around the world.

Hi TC,

Thanks for the info on Medjetalert. Have you ever had to use their services (although I hope not!)? Since we doing at 3 trips this year (2008 is going to be great!), this might be the least expensive option for medical emergencies.

ALso, thanks for the idea of reporting back to school. Although it will be summer, I will probably know my younger son's new teacher and she might an African Journal as a special project.

Tara

Thankfully we have not had to use them, but like you, we are making several big trips and it feels good to have the coverage. They do have a sterling reputation.

Hi Sundowner,

Can I ask you another question about your safari with you children. Our trip in Southern Africa is 14 days and after reading all the amazing posts here, especially that of PredatorBiologist, I am thinking of adding on two or three days in the Okavango Delta (which is really expensive in high season about $6,000-$8,000).

Based on your experience is 16 or 17 days getting to be too long for 9 & 11 y.o. kids? Was there a point during your trip where the kids lost interest and were more interested in going home?

Although the Delta is amazing, it might not be worth it if the kids are just too exhausted to enjoy the experience.

Thanks for your help.

Tara