There’s nothing like taking time for a relaxing vacation with your family. When it’s done right, you all create memories that last a lifetime. But vacations often become far more stressful than they should be, and much of that is because of poor planning. Here are a few of the top tips to help you plan a fantastic family vacation.
Save Up
Your next vacation is something the whole family looks forward to, but if your Christmas bonus isn’t going to get you far, how about having the whole family contribute what they can? Talk about places you can go on your current budget, what you want to see while there, and check on local costs. Your kids can earn money doing small chores around the house or the neighborhood, and using a family-oriented saving app, you can all contribute toward the family goal.
Get Spacious Accommodations
You don’t need to spring for the most massive and luxurious place to stay. After all, the accommodations aren’t why you’re taking the vacation. However, it is important to have enough space for everybody to be comfortable. The standard hotel room may leave you, your spouse, and your kids feeling cramped. After spending all day together, you’ll need a little space to spread out in. Consider getting an upgraded room or possibly two rooms that are connected. Or you could try a vacation rental, which is a nice hotel-alternative that feels more like home.
Choose the Right Transportation
For the most stress-free trip, you’ll want to choose the right transportation both to your destination, and once on the ground there. To get to and from your destination, you’ll likely need do fly or drive. It’s a good idea to get your kids used to flying, and that’s undoubtedly the best option for longer trips, but driving can work for destinations that aren’t too far.
If you fly over, you’ll also need a way to get around town. While public transportation is the cheapest option, getting a rental car is fairly affordable and can be more convenient when you’re traveling with family, especially if you have young children.
Don’t Plan Too Many Activities Each Day
Perhaps the number-one mistake families make on vacation is trying to cram every activity into a short amount of time. When you do this, you don’t fully enjoy what you’re seeing, and you’re more likely to feel rushed as you bounce around from place to place. When you plan your days on the trip, limit yourself to one or two major activities per day. A less is more approach will lead to a far more enjoyable time for everyone. While you may not be able to see it all, you can get everyone’s input before the trip on the one thing they want to do.
The difference between a great vacation and a bad one all comes down to your planning. With proper preparation, your whole family will love their next vacation.
Tags: budget, Family, planning, saving, Tips, vacation