Family vacations can be difficult to pull off. Keeping everyone happy may even seem impossible!
Every member of your family most likely likes different things and has differing opinions on what “fun” may be. So how do you put together the perfect vacation that will keep everyone on good terms? How do you plan a vacation that’s the perfect mix of relaxation, learning opportunities and entertainment activities?
There are a few things to keep in mind. Deciding how far you want to travel, putting together a budget and discussing all ideas and options with your family are some of the most important tips we have.
Keep reading to see more ideas!
Plan a Vacation Together
When it comes to putting together a family vacation plan, the most important part is getting feedback from your family.
Sitting down with every member of your family, from the very youngest to the very oldest, will help you get an idea of just what the people in your household may want to get out of a long trip. Discussions like: “what kind of museums would you like to go to?” or “if we went to this national park would you want to go hiking?” are great ways to get the ball rolling.
Once you’ve settled on a few common entertainment features or activities that everyone in your family would probably enjoy, it’s time to find the right place to go.
Looking at some common vacation spots may help you narrow down the right place to visit.
Communication is Key
It’s very important to keep in mind, no matter where you take your family, you may not end up being able to do everything you set out to do.
Letting your family know the itinerary ahead of time will keep everyone up-to-date on your plans. It may also help prevent meltdowns should your first plan not work out.
Set a Budget
The most crucial step of planning a vacation is putting together a budget.
Taking a vacation can be an expensive endeavor. It is always a good idea to start setting aside money for any extended trip as soon as possible. Make sure you know the average travel costs. This includes hotel costs, plane tickets or gas money and how much food may cost during the trip.
Setting up a clear and itemized budget will help you stay organized and keep you from blowing the bank on your trip. Luckily there are many family-centric places you can stay at that will save you money in the long run.
One of the most common places to visit with your family is Disney. Seventy percent of American families have taken a trip to one of the Disney parks at some point. So how do those families afford their trips?
Luckily for families that want to experience the magic of Disney’s parks, there are many family deals available. It’s always important to decide what season you want to go in though. Off-season will be easier to navigate and much cheaper.
Get Everyone in on Saving
There are so many unusual ways to save that may actually make your life easier in the long run. And since this is a family trip, why not get the entire clan involved?
Come up with an idea that everyone will want to take part in. Someone gets a good grade in school? That’s a dollar in the tip jar. Find a quarter on the ground? Put it in that tip jar. For the adults of the family, setting up a savings account specifically for the vacation will help you keep your funds organized. It will also allow you to put as much or as little in as you want each week.
Use this opportunity as a chance to teach the younger members of your family money awareness. Teaching kids early how to save money is important. And making sure they know the end goal is a fun trip catered just to them? That may make the entire process a lot easier for all of you!
Staying Local vs. Going the Distance
We’ve all been there. We all get to that point where all we want to do is get away from the daily grind of our lives.
But sometimes a big family trip may not be an option. So, when you’re discussing your get-away with your family, try and decide if staying local may be good enough for everyone in your group.
Staycations may give you the option of discovering cool and unique things about your community you’ve never known! It may also give your kids a chance to get more involved in their community.
While not always the most glamorous option, it’s definitely something to keep in mind. Especially if big trips aren’t in the budget.
Keep It Fun
No matter what you decide to do, it’s important to make sure everyone (including the adults) are having a great time.
Vacations are meant to be relaxing and fun. For a lot of people amusement parks are more work then they’re worth. And not everyone is an outdoorsman.
Maybe it would be a good idea to consider visiting a resort. For instance, Marriott Timeshares has countless amenities to choose from. With flexible schedules, countless activities to choose from and a relaxing atmosphere, all of the members of your family will be able to have a great trip.
Keep It Simple
There are countless ways to plan a vacation. We’ve all given it our best shot. But when it comes to traveling with family, there’s always the worry that not everyone is going to have a great time.
Luckily, with some good communication tactics and a good budget, everyone will have a great trip, no matter where you end up. Just remember to not stress all of the details, be prepared for some things to not work out perfectly each time and to take as many pictures as you can.
If you’d like some more ideas on how to put together a good vacation, visit our blog!
