Getting Ready For Vacation

Well, school is almost out and we will soon be heading up north to see my folks, whom I haven't seen in a couple of years. I am excited, but I will not be taking my precious chihuahua babies with me so it kind of saddens me. There are a great many who do take their dogs with them on vacation, however, my dogs are not used to being on a leash. I have decided that they would be better off staying here at home, where they are used to being. I am very fortunate though, because I have 2 sons and a daughter in law that will be here to watch after them. What do you do with your pets when you go on vacation? Do you use a kennel service, a dog-sitting service, or do you take them along with you?