Here are some tricks to guarantee a sudden, but hassle-free, trip:

1. Go to a Place the Whole Family Will Enjoy!
Rather than drive yourself crazy with a complicated itinerary, choose one place that has a lot of activities that appeal to the whole family. You save on entrance fees and avoid the problem of transportation—getting a tour bus, and waking everyone up in time to catch it.

One example is Lake Sonoma. This 17,700-acre reserve has everything you need, for every mood, for every age. Want a little peace and quiet? Then sit by the beautiful lake and just enjoy the view. Read a book, sketch, or take a leisurely walk through the groves full of oak, madrone, alder, redwood and bay trees.

Looking for a little action? Than go hiking, swimming or hunting. Adventure-seekers can even set up camp, or hire a boat for an exciting ride around the lake.

Hoping to squeeze in a little “educational value” for the kids? Biology lessons come alive with the amazing variety of plants and wildlife. There are many species of birds (including the endangered peregrine falcon), deer, rabbits, and insects. Children can also start a “nature scrapbook”, collecting flowers and plants they find along the trail, then looking up their scientific names. It’s cheaper than sending them off to Science Camp!

2. Take the Quickest Route to Paradise
Do you think you don’t have time to “see everything”? Maybe not the traditional way—but if you get a scenic air tour, then you’ll be able to explore acres and acres of California in just hours.

This is a ride you’ll never forget. Travel over the valleys and vineyards, and even see places accessible only through plane (don’t forget to bring your camera!).

The pilots are also trained to give interesting geographical and historical information of the areas you fly over—and can even customize the trip or arrange special photography flights. Visit www.sonomacountyairport.com/scenic-air-tours.php for more information.

3. Sign Up for Guided Tours
You can, in theory, read several books and then make your own itinerary. But that takes a lot of time and coordination. Save yourself the trouble and just sign up for a tour, which already has specific stops, maps, and even discounts.

Tours don’t have to be boring. You can get unique historical or cultural tours that you can’t find anywhere else—like the Sonoma County Farm Trails (which includes the chance to feed livestock, pick berries, and buy fresh produce straight from the farmer), or the Sonoma County Art Trails. You can even go on a Wine Tour—California is famous for its famous vineyards—which includes classes on developing your palate.

4. Book Your Ticket Online
Websites make travel as easy and as fast as clicking on a website and typing in your reservations. Companies such as Orbitz, Last Minute Travel, Expedia, Hotwire and Priceline will give you discount tickets to save you money when traveling. You’ll find cheap flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, car rentals, activities and more!