New York ? Family vacations should be fun for everyone.

And that’s the No. 1 selling point for a trip to the city, says William Travis, an editor at Fodors Travel Publications.

“What’s good about city vacations is that they’re good for any age because there is so much to do,” says Travis.

Cities are open 24 hours, seven days a week and good weather isn’t a make-or-break factor. “Beach vacation plus rain equals the hotel room,” Travis says.

Also, most people live within driving distance of a city so the trip can be somewhat spontaneous.

The only time a city vacation isn’t right, according to Travis, is when finances are really tight. Transportation and food are often more expensive in the urban jungle than anywhere else.

“You can do a city on a budget but you can’t do it without spending any money,” he says.

Fodors recently published 15 city-specific guides, featuring “68 great things to do together” in each place, including New York, Denver, Seattle and Rome.

The first thing to do when considering a family vacation no matter what the destination is prioritizing the attractions.

A vacation schedule should never be overloaded, especially when traveling with young children, Travis says, but, at the same time, there should always be enough options mapped out just in case the day speeds along faster than you expected.

“Know your child,” he advises, “know when they need naps, know their interests.”

In general, a museum or other indoor activity that requires attention and concentration to enjoy is best in the morning, while a park or other form of physical fun works in the afternoon when they begin to get a little antsy. An IMAX movie or a trip to a planetarium are good rainy-day alternatives, says Travis, the father of a 2-year-old girl. No matter where you go, don’t forget to bring a lot of nonperishable snacks.

And, he adds, remember that the little things that are routine to a city dweller but might be fascinating to a child who has never experienced them. A hot dog from a vendor in New York’s Central Park, for instance, is the ultimate city experience; as is taking a streetcar in San Francisco; or a ride on the “el” train in Chicago.

For a sports-crazed teen-ager, activities in New York City might be either a stop at Chelsea Piers for indoor rock climbing or a New York Yankees or Mets game; the NBC Studio Tour is the highlight for any starstruck kid; and for a little person awed by big objects, the Empire State Building is a must.

For a rural kid, city lights in any city can be beautiful and amazing. Take a sunset steamboat cruise in New Orleans or a Circle Line trip in New York to see the city’s bridges lit up at night, Travis recommends.