The time of year that some parents live for, and that others dread—booking the much-anticipated family vacation.
Any parent knows that a family vacation doesn’t begin until everyone and everything has arrived safely at the destination; the kids have crashed in an over-exhausted heap, and the adults can let out a huge sigh of relief. You’ve made it.
Planning a trip doesn’t have to be stressful, though. After all, the idea of a vacation is that they are supposed to be fun and relaxing!
Here are a few helpful things to tick off your family vacation planning checklist to make sure everyone has a fun time!
Deciding Where To Go
The most important thing to consider when booking a family vacation is; where? Depending on whether you want to travel overseas, or explore the great places this country has to offer-there are plenty of family vacation packages to suit most budgets. If you’re a family that likes to live by routine and tradition, or you are explorers of new and exciting places, there are a variety of vacation spots to suit all. From exploring a new city to going to your favorite spot by the lake, to an outdoor pursuits adventure– there are so many family-friendly possibilities!
For sleeping arrangements, many hotels will have family suites, with multiple beds in one room, meaning you can keep an eye on your children. However, for older kids and teens looking for more privacy, paying for an extra room will add an extra chunk of cash to your budget.
It may be worth looking into a DIY option and opting for a holiday rental property. Air BnBs are versatile and offer a more home-away-from-home feel to your vacation. If you don’t mind preparing your own meals, this is a great option and will keep costs down.
Who’s Coming?
So, you’ve decided you’re going away, but—who’s invited? Will this be a trip for two adults and multiple children, or is there a possible place for extended family, too? Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins etc. are important parts of the family. Taking a trip with them can create a whole new dynamic that will need to be considered before going ahead and planning the vacation. Think about whether they have the budget or the means to go on a family vacation overseas, or whether a trip closer to home would be more beneficial. The people you travel on vacation with can influence the decision on where you’re going, too. Compromising here is essential—you don’t want to cause any more drama than needed before you’ve even made it away!
Are We There Yet?
Now that the destination and the company are planned, now it’s time to think about how you’d travel to your destination. Depending on where you go, you may not even need to get on a plane to get there. The country has so much to see and do, that even a few hours road trip to a neighboring state can give you the feeling of taking a vacation far removed from the normalcy of home. However, if you do need to jump on a jet, make sure you get the best flights for your money. Flight comparison sites make it easier to compare prices and to get the best deal possible. If you do need to fly, you might want to consider looking into getting a rental car for traveling between places during your trip—it might not be walkable, and unfamiliar public transportation may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.
What Shall We Do?
Planning activities is the fun part of organizing your vacation, but pleasing the whole family can be tough. Get the kids involved in researching what there is to do in the area. There are plenty of theme park reviews for them to check out online if that’s their thing or days by the beach where the grown-ups get to relax while the kids play. Bushcraft activities are fun for all the family, too. Get creative! Kids will bring their own fun, so remember you don’t have to have a packed timetable of activities to have a memorable trip!
Remember Why You’re Doing it
Going on vacation is a real treat, and can bring a lot of fond memories to the family for years to come. There are many reasons to go away; to celebrate a milestone birthday, wedding anniversary, or achieving high grades at school–even just to relax and unwind. Plan, take pictures and create memories with those you love the most.