Are you a parent trying to find a way to have more grown-up quality time? So was actress and writer Christie Mellor, who penned the new "The Three-Martini Family Vacation: A Field Guide to Intrepid Parenting" (Chronicle Books, $12.95).

With wit and wisdom (she has two sons), Mellor advises parents how to be in charge — especially while traveling.

"Traveling with children in tow can be challenging, but so can traveling with anybody who doesn't want to do exactly what you want to do exactly when you want to do it," writes Mellor.

Chapters include "In Praise of Getting Out of the House," "Traveling with Your Picky Eater," "Your Child-Free Getaway: The Best Lei'd Plans." What we like best: The spoof lyrics about the superrich dumping kids at luxury resorts — "Camp Grand Wailea," sung to the tune of "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah."

Reach Lesa Griffith at lgriffith@honoluluadvertiser.com.