How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation

Start saving early.

Taking a vacation isn’t as much fun if you spend the whole time feeling guilty about charging everything, or worrying about going over the limit on your credit cards. It’s better to save up throughout the year for your vacation, than to put it all on credit and pay it off later. That being said, though, always bring a credit card with room on it for emergencies.

Do your research.

The Internet has changed the way we plan vacations. No longer do we have to depend on travel agents to make plans for flights, accommodations, etc. The Internet allows you to shop around for the best price on flights, even choose or change your seats on the plane, and to check out the various accommodations, as well as what is closest to restaurants and train stations, which hotels offer wifi, and so on. Take advantage of what’s available to you and don’t make any reservations until you’ve weighed your options!

Plan out your activities.

If you are going somewhere you haven’t been before, how do you decide what to visit, where to go, what sights to see? A little research can go a long ways to helping you plan a trip you’ll remember forever. Check out guidebooks from the library, browse the bookstore’s selection of travel guides, and do a few Internet searches to help you plan what you’re going to do on your vacation.

Look for ways to save money.

Another reason to plan your trip out ahead of time is that you will find more opportunities to save money this way. You can often save money by buying tickets online or taking advantage of special group discounts. Do this ahead of time as much as possible, so that you won’t have to think about money during the vacation. Saving money on your vacation means that you have more money for something else, whether it’s an extra day of vacation, your next trip, or the next time you want to buy something for yourself!

Make a packing list.

Ever left for a trip and found that you left Blankie, or Binky, or some other cherished item that your child can’t live (or sleep) without? If so, you know how devastating it can be if you forget to bring an important item. At least a week before your trip, make a detailed list of everything you need. It is important to compile the list well before you are under the stress of your departure time nearing.

Take lots of pictures.

We all know the feeling of getting home and wishing the vacation could have been longer. There’s nothing you can do to prevent that feeling, but taking lots of pictures on the trip will at least help to preserve the memories. Besides, putting pictures in your photo album or scrapbook can be a lot of fun. Just make sure you bring plenty of film or memory cards, so that you can take as many pictures as you want.

Be flexible.

Family vacations require plenty of flexibility, especially when you are traveling with young children. It’s inevitable that something should happen, such as children’s uncanny ability to have to go to the bathroom as soon as it’s least convenient. Be sure to always build in plenty of time around what you plan on doing during your vacation, and be willing to be flexible if something comes up. Don’t let missing the dolphin show because little Sally wet her pants ruin your mood for the rest of the trip.

Have fun!

This goes hand in hand with being flexible. Remember, you are on vacation, and your first and only responsibility is to have fun!

The best way to ensure your family vacation goes smoothly is to do your research and get as much done in advance as possible. Then it’ll be easier for everyone to relax and enjoy the vacation while you’re on it!