Allocating time for vacations is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make for your family. It’s a chance to break away from your routine, create long-lasting memories, and form the foundation of your bond. Whether you’re going on a cross-country road trip or traveling across the world, we’ve put together a few practical tips to make your trip one for the books.
8 tips for planning an unforgettable family vacation
Follow these tips to plan a trip you’ll be talking about for years:
1. Plan your itinerary together
As you plan a family vacation, remind yourself that it should be enjoyable for everyone, not just for yourself. It’s crucial to give everyone a chance to voice out what they’d like to do. Whether it’s going to a museum, dining at a fancy restaurant, or visiting a landmark, make sure that everyone gets to do at least one thing on their wishlist.
While crafting your itinerary, be mindful of your kids’ ages, as certain activities may be too overwhelming. Note that in some cases, you may need to compromise.
Let’s say you have a child who wishes to swim at the beach, but you also have a toddler. For your tiny tot’s sake, it would be wise to avoid prolonged sun exposure. A practical solution would be to find a pool with a shaded area—that way, your child can swim as long as they’d like, without risking the toddler’s safety.
2. Book everything in advance
A family vacation isn’t the time to “wing it”. It’s not a wise move to book a hotel only when you arrive or buy tickets to a show on the day of. Because what if all hotels are fully booked? What if the show your kids wanted to see is sold out? Last-minute arrangements may lead to disappointment and put your plans at risk.
To avoid stress, sort out the details in advance, including your accommodation, transportation, and more. You’ll have fewer things to worry about, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vacation.
Besides, booking early can save you a significant amount of money. Group reservations, for instance, often come with discounts that you wouldn’t otherwise get if you booked at the last minute.
3. Prepare your kids for the trip
Give your children a rundown of what to expect, especially if it’s their first vacation ever. Walk them through the entire journey, starting from the moment you arrive at the airport to the time you head home. When children are mentally prepared for their trip, there will be fewer disruptions. This results in a smoother experience for the whole family.
4. Take it slow
When you and your spouse were younger, you might’ve had no issue with a whirlwind trip. But you’ve got kids now, and you know how easily they can become cranky!
Traveling with kids isn’t the time to attempt to hit as many places as possible within one day. Instead of packing your schedule, opt for a more relaxed approach. Plan two to three activities per day, leaving room for last-minute changes. Make time for downtime, allowing your tiny tots (and yourself) to rest and recharge for more adventures ahead.
The secret to a stress-free trip with little ones is to take it slow. While it may be tempting to speed-run your itinerary, it’s important to allow your kids to be immersed in the moment. Only move on to the next activity once they’re ready.
5. Prepare entertainment for dull moments
Waiting is an unavoidable part of any vacation—whether it’s waiting to board the plane, waiting for your room to be ready, or waiting for the train to arrive. While mom and dad will probably be preoccupied with trip-related tasks, your kids will likely get bored quickly.
Consider coming up with fun ways to entertain the whole family while you pass the time. For example, you could play classic games such as “Eye Spy” with your children at the airport. By doing so, your vacation will still be enjoyable, even during the dull moments in your journey.
6. Capture the moment on camera
What better way to create memories than by capturing moments on camera? You don’t even have to be in a picture-perfect location to snap pictures with your family. You’ll find that the most treasured pictures are the ones that capture the real, raw, and heartwarming moments with loved ones.
Whether it’s a picture of your children on their first plane ride, or your spouse striking a cheesy tourist pose, photos make sure your shared memories never fade. So don’t be pressured to get the angle right or to nail the lighting. Just enjoy the moment, be candid, and create mementos you’ll look back on for years to come.
7. Seek local experiences
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones your tour guide didn’t tell you about. If you’re seeking a surefire way to create memories, why not immerse the whole family in the local culture and cuisine? New experiences can make your trip truly memorable, as well as cultivate a love for exploration among children.
Go into town, explore the neighborhoods, and mingle with the locals who have a wealth of knowledge about their city. They’ll be more than willing to guide you to hidden gems, great eats, and one-of-a-kind adventures.
8. Spend time away from your kids
Family trips can easily feel like children’s trips, but remember, you and your spouse deserve time to yourselves too! This is a must if you rarely get to spend some much-needed alone time at home.
If you don’t have an adult travel companion (such as a relative) to look after your children while you slip away, don’t worry. Most accommodations have childcare services, while certain childcare centers offer drop-in daycare, which caters specifically to families on vacation.
Plan a memorable experience for your family
Planning a vacation with the whole family is never easy, but with these tips, you can embark on this process with confidence. Be sure to bookmark this guide for future reference, as it can help you curate an experience that your family will cherish for years to come.
