Family and travel are two words that when paired together, are recipe for fun and relaxation; however, when it comes to saving money and making sure the kids (and you) still have an incredible time, traveling as a group can also be very stressful. Whether you’re driving across the country or jet-setting to Europe, here are some tips to making sure the whole family stays happy, healthy, and harmonious.
Plan Ahead
One of the biggest stress factors of any family vacation is money. Once you decide on a vacation destination, research your cost-saving options: Does the hotel have special family deals? What restaurants can you afford to splurge on and what days should you pack a picnic? Does your trip offer excursions or activities that are affordable for the whole family? Another budget-friendly option would be to look into an all-inclusive resort. These resorts have tons of events catering to the fussiest of family members, and many cover meal and drink costs for your entire stay. Although all-inclusive prices might have a higher initial cost, you definitely get a bang for your buck while staying within your vacation budget.
Be Prepared
Find packing lists online for what to stuff into your suitcases for a trip to Greece or make your own for your visit to the grandparents in Florida. Preparing a list will keep you from forgetting important items and prevent you from over-packing (which no matter how hard you try, always seems to happen, right?). Make sure you double-check the weather and pack accordingly: boots and tents for mountain trips and sunglasses and sunblock for beach visits. If you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to pack books, movies, travel games, and plenty of snacks for long car or plane rides. Unfortunately, lost luggage happens to the best of us, so make sure to pack a few necessities and spare changes of clothes in everyone’s carry-on as a precaution.
Organize Different Activities
Every family has a range of personalities and preferences for what to get accomplished on your vacation, so make sure to research activities that cater to different family members. Maybe you could attend a museum or explore a castle one day and participate in a more physical activity (surfing or hiking) the next. Also, plan a few mini-trips and/or sightseeing activities for the whole family to do together, and make sure to leave time for relaxing on the beach or at the resort. Dealing with over-traveled, cranky kiddos is never a pleasant experience, and free days mean that you and your spouse get some quiet time, too.
Take Some Time for Yourself
Speaking of quiet time, make sure to fit in special moments with just the two of you. If you are visiting extended family members, ask if they’ll watch the rest of the pack while you two treat yourself to a nice restaurant. Some resorts have certified nannies, so definitely take advantage and go get a much-needed couple’s massage. If your vacation offers neither of these options, sneak onto the patio after the little ones go to sleep and enjoy a glass or two of wine.
Document Your Experience
Sometimes vacations get so busy we forget this step: take tons of pictures, save ticket stubs and programs, and collect anything else that would be perfect for documenting all of your amazing memories. One of the best parts of a family vacation is reliving the experience by creating a photo album to share with each other and close friends. You can even turn this into a family activity, where each member writes down their top 5 memories or anecdotes and decorates their own scrapbook page. Framed pictures of everyone in their vacation finest also makes great Christmas gifts and ensures that you remember the special happiness shared on the best family vacation ever.
Bio: Molly Borter is a writer from Indianapolis, IN, who specializes in diabetic socks for men. She is a lover of family time, the outdoors, traveling, and trying out new restaurants. Image by D.B. Blas
Family vacations are a must!! good article!!