This article contains affiliate links which means we receive compensation if you purchase a product through them. Visit our disclosure page for more information.
Are you in the process of planning a family vacation? Hoping to book a trip that you, and everyone else, will remember for a very long time?
Forget about what happened before and turn your attention to the here and now. With the right tips guiding you, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to book the perfect family vacation.
Do a lot of research and compare hotels and airlines’ rates with an online travel service like Expedia to find the best family vacations in any part of the nation or world. Also, check out all-in vacation packages from Vacations Made Easy.
Traveling with kids – it’s hard, but it’s worth it. Use these tips to ensure that your next family vacation is both awesome and affordable!Click To TweetNot to mention if you like vacationing during winter, be sure to check out the top resorts for skiing. If you still need a push in the right direction, here are five tips that will help you plan the perfect family vacation:
Ask Your Family
You may be the one planning the trip, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the input of others. From your spouse to your children, you should ask them what they are looking for in a family vacation.
With this feedback, you can then narrow your options with the idea of making the perfect decision when the time comes.
Set a Budget
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could spend as much money as you want on your family vacation? While this may be the way you live at some point in the future, most people find that they have to stay on budget.
Once you set a budget, it’s easier to know what you can and can’t afford. Sure, you may find that some destinations don’t work for your budget, but it’s better to realize this upfront. No matter how much you can afford to spend, there is more than one family vacation destination out there. You simply need to open your eyes and remain flexible.
Give Yourself Enough Time
One of the top mistakes you can make is rushing through choosing a destination and settling on the finer details. The sooner you begin to think about your trip, the easier it is to decide on the finer details and avoid feeling rushed.
In other words, don’t be afraid to start planning your next family vacation the second your current trip is over. This may sound like overkill, but there is nothing wrong with being ahead of the game.
Plan Activities in Advance
There is more to booking a family vacation than choosing a hotel and flights. It would be best if you also thought about what you will do once you arrive. Some people have no problem winging it, knowing that they will always find something to keep them busy. Others, however, like to have everything planned out well in advance.
The best plan of attack? Search online for activities. Once you run these by your family, you can decide which ones to book and find something that will make everyone happy.
Just Smile!
There is nothing better than the thought of spending time with the people you love. This is what a family vacation is all about. The most important thing you can do is keep a big smile on your face at all times.
Even when you’re dealing with a severe case of jet lag, make sure you’re in a good mood. Even if your hotel isn’t exactly what you were hoping for, find a silver lining. If you let every little problem drag you down, you’ll look back at your trip and wonder what went wrong.
It can be hard to stay positive at all times but set this goal for yourself before you ever leave home. Taking this approach will make everything more enjoyable – and that’s what you’re hoping for.
So, there you have it. These are the types of tips you can follow if you want to plan the perfect family vacation. By doing these things, you’ll put yourself in a position to book a trip that you and your family will remember forever.
What steps do you take when booking a family vacation? Is there anything you always try to do? Is there anything that you attempt to avoid, if possible? Have you successfully booked one of these trips in the not-so-distant past? Share your thoughts on booking a family trip in the comment section below. Your feedback can go a long way in helping other people get exactly what they want out of their next vacation.
PS I’d love to go on a cruise again soon!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
Biggest Signs It’s Time to Change Jobs or Start a New Career
Krystle,
Great post! As a mom of 4, and an avid cruiser, I completely agree with this post. A great vacation does take some planning ahead, budgeting, and remembering to focus on the silver lining. We’ve learned the hard way that a cheap motel is not the best investment sometimes. Oh sure, we saved $30, but hearing my asthmatic little girl trying to breathe/cough through the damp, moldy, and smoky (which was supposed to be no smoking room!) wasn’t worth the few dollars I saved.
On the other hand, we’ve had some incredible adventures as a family. Jet skiing in Aruba, swimming in Bonaire, going to an indoor waterpark when it’s 19 degrees outside, and watching Pirates of the Carribean…while sailing through the Carribean! Wouldn’t trade those moments for anything 🙂 . ~ Johanna
It sounds like you have had some pretty awesome and successful vacations. You must plan for what’s right in terms of your family because each one is different!
I like the “Give Yourself Enough Time” tip. Time tolerance is important for safety, too.
These are great tips for planning a family vacation, thank you so much for sharing! It definitely helps when everyone is excited about where you are going. As the mom, my biggest problem is stressing less and smiling more! It can be difficult to just relax sometimes.
I know what you mean – sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation
Thanks for the tips! Family vacations can be very stressful!
Yes family vacations can be stressful unfortunately. Planning well often helps