Raising a family is a major responsibility. The midst of making sure your children are fed, happy and well-educated, can feel like a seemingly endless role. However, the day will come when your children leave the nest. This is why it’s so important to make the most of the time you all have with each other. One of the best ways to cherish the moments is by spending intentional time together. A great way to do this is through a family vacation. If you don’t know how to plan or prepare for a family vacation, consider the following tips.
1. Consider Activities for Everyone
Just because you love golf doesn’t mean you should plan a family vacation to a golf resort. If your children hate golf, this will be a miserable experience for them. Instead, find a vacation spot that can include the hobbies and experiences everyone can enjoy. If you have a child who is deathly afraid of the carousel, a trip to Disney World isn’t a great idea. Even if it’s a popular attraction for children, you have to know and consider what your children will like. One of the best ways to accommodate everyone’s interests is by making sure everyone compromises on a specific day or time. If you choose an all-inclusive resort, this can help to make sure everyone enjoys themselves.
2. Include a ‘WOW’ Factor
Most families go on vacation once or twice a year. At least once a year, make sure a portion of the vacation has a unique ‘wow’ factor to it. An example of a ‘wow’ factor might be that you all stay in a five-star hotel. Even if you can only afford two nights in that one location, make those two nights the final nights of your stay and go out with a bang. Instead of booking business class tickets on a commercial flight, consider private charter flights instead. By flying on a private jet, you can have the deluxe treatment, the fun photos for social media, and another check-off on your bucket list of experiences to try.
3. Plan in Advance
To take advantage of the best deals and prices, plan for at least a year. When you plan that far in advance, you’re able to save up enough money to cover all of the expenses. Planning helps you and your family to talk about the experiences and excursions you’d like to try. Look online to find interesting restaurants, entertainment acts, and landmarks to visit. Research the costs, traveling distances, and more. By paying for certain excursions in advance, some vendors will provide great deals and discounts.
4. Research Specific Logistics
The details and logistics for the trip will differ from family to family. For example, if you’re traveling with a toddler, your needs will differ from a family with teenagers. Consider how you’ll travel with your group and whether you’ll need extra hands on deck. If you’re traveling internationally, get specific about how the family will travel from location to location. If certain paperwork is needed to rent a car, always walk with that information. If the family is traveling to a place like Manhattan, consider whether it’s worth it to take the subway or catch taxis everywhere. Those types of details matter because they can make or break your experience.
5. Create a Packing List
Packing is another major detail to consider because it boils down to knowing what your family needs regularly. Items like medication, strollers, and breast pumps are important factors to consider. If you all are taking a flight, know what the travel restrictions are regarding certain items, liquids, and more. Once you all decide where you’re going (a year in advance), begin to stock up on items you’ll need for the trip. For a family who is traveling to a tropical island during the summer months, items like mosquito coil and bug spray will come in handy. Look for lists of items to pack based on the location you’re visiting to be as prepared as possible.
When it’s time for the trip, do your best to remain present and in the moment. Don’t take your work laptop on the trip. Put everything on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode until you get back. It’s so easy to blink and realize that your children are growing up. Work will always be there, but your family won’t be. By prioritizing experiences like family vacations, you prioritize people you love and cherish deeply.