How to Plan a Family Vacation (with Kids)

Everyone is excited! Your kids are already talking about activities to do when you go on a vacation. All the family members have their own ideas of fun in mind. Everyone gets hyped up and chaos is developing. As parents, we also have other things at the back of our mind: job, expenses, chores, and so on. With that, vacation planning can be a real piece of work, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you better plan your vacation:

Plan as a family

Planning a vacation is a bonding activity in itself. You can be aware of the family members’ schedules and interests. Make sure that each member’s concerns will be taken into consideration. Have a list of the family members first. Indicate each one’s interests and activities he or she wishes to engage to.

Also, include any special requests such as Wi-Fi access or certain allergies. Even as parents, you should also include what you want to do on a vacation. Include the inputs of your younger children too.

Pick a spot

Based on the family brainstorming, you can now look for vacation destinations that match what you have on your list. It is likely that you will not find a destination that would cater to what everyone in the family wants. This is where the negotiation part will come to play.

Ask the family members if there are certain activities or amenities they are willing to give up. Parents as leaders of the family should be able to mediate in case of any conflicting ideas. In culminating all the points, you can then make a decision on where to go.

Budget

Each family member should be aware of the budget. This step goes side by side with choosing your destination. Generally, the more amenities and top-notch services the heftier the price becomes.

Consult with the family members with regards to matching the vacation details with the budget. Who knows if some of the members of the family are willing to shell out some funds to make vacation cravings a reality.

Set the date

Since you already know each other’s schedules, you can now set the date for your vacation. If the children do not yet have classes and you as parents have work, file for your leave that will cover the duration of the vacation. It is also wise to set your leave so you will have some allowance to prepare before the vacation and some time to rest after.

Plan the transportation

If you have younger children with you, vacations requiring long travel time won’t be advisable. Most toddlers and babies get bored and grouchy during the trip. If you are planning to travel by plane, choose direct flights to minimize the logistics. Book early so you can avail of affordable flights.

In case you need to travel by land, you can save time if you book car rental and research on the routes going to your destination. Using your own transportation can save you some money since you no longer need to rent. However, make sure that your vehicle is in good condition to avoid any problems on your trip.

Book accommodations

Book your accommodations as early as possible to make sure it’s available. If you will be visiting any popular vacation spots, chances are booking a place to stay can get tricky. Try to find accommodations located in adjacent towns. You can get better deals on these hotels, B&B, or transient houses.

However, you should ask about the available amenities in the establishment and make sure it would match the needs of your family. Also, do not book too far from your destination because traveling to and fro can be tiring for the family members.

Book activities

If you have certain activities to do, book early as well. There are destinations offering promotional discounts if you book in advance. This can also save you the trouble of queuing in long lines just to purchase tickets.

However, avoid overbooking activities for each day of your vacation. Otherwise, you might find yourself rushing from one activity to another. This can hinder your family from enjoying the vacation.

Make a list of things to bring

When you are nearing the date of your vacation, make a list of the things that you should pack. You can designate this task to older kids for their own things. As parents, you can just review what they have on their list and suggest what you think they are missing.

Also, do not bring too much stuff. Packing just right can help you be more mobile. Make sure that your clothing matches the weather in your destination and the activities.

With discussion, cooperation, and coordination between family members, planning your vacation is delightful for everyone. Knowing that each member is an active participant, all will feel their involvement in the vacation.

If you have older children, you can already delegate some parts of the vacation planning to them. A vacation is a time for family members to talk, have fun, and bond with each other. Planning beforehand can help you avoid troubles along the way. Where are you planning to go for a vacation?