A stress-free family vacation sounds like an impossible dream. Fortunately, simple family vacation planning tips help minimize stress and maximize fun. Discover how to plan for a fantastic inter-generational escape and create amazing memories to last a lifetime. From simple to extravagant, the possibilities are endless.
Start Simple
While taking a long family adventure sounds incredible, starting small and simple for a stress-free experience makes sense. Many younger children are unaccustomed to spending hours in a car, bus, train, or plane. On the other hand, older travelers may have health issues that make them uncomfortable on longer trips.
Once you master a short trip, plan for more extended getaways. Include everyone in the planning process to ensure the journey appeals to the whole family. Encourage feedback on what made past trips successful or stressful to make essential changes for comfortability.
Be Prepared
Practice various travel elements with the kids, such as how to board a plane, to make the experience stress-free and easy. Ensure the family knows what to expect and has a timeline for travel. If you include pets, discuss where they will be during the journey and ensure you have all necessary supplies based on the mode of transport and destination.
Besides packing enough clothes and supplies for all family members, bring items to enjoy while in transport. Electronic devices are entertaining but could require frequent charging, so include puzzles, coloring books, and reading materials that don’t require electricity. Make the family vacation more stress-free by packing plenty of water and healthy snacks to enjoy between stops.
Plot the Journey
While the days of reading maps are over for most, plot the journey on your GPS to determine the number of hours to the destination and the best routes. Thoughtful family vacation planning includes figuring out where to stop for bathroom and refreshment breaks to avoid whining and discomfort.
Consider how often you may need to break for activities such as diaper changes and pet walks. In addition to enjoying destination attractions, there are opportunities to make the most of breaks by seeing unique venues throughout the trip. Research area attractions and include a few interesting stops for a more stress-free journey with plenty of wonderful memories.
Prepare a Travel Checklist
A travel checklist lets everyone feel reassured that all necessities are packed before leaving. Include general items, such as an oil change and gas in the car, as well as snacks, water, cash, and credit cards. Determine the weather and activities at the destination to pack essentials like jackets, sporting gear, and swimsuits.
Each family member should also have an individualized checklist of toiletries, medication, clothing, shoes, and other essentials for the family vacation. Work with the kids to verify their list includes everything, including toys and other entertainment. Talk to your veterinarian about including pets on the great family escape.
Conclusion
While family vacation planning is crucial to a stress-free getaway, flexibility is also key to a successful trip. Unexpected traffic, last-minute business closures, and upset tummies can all add stress to a family vacation – if you let them. Instead, be open-minded and flexible to encourage everyone to embrace the journey as much as the destination.
Plus, focusing on flexibility encourages everyone to try something new and different that you might have missed on the original vacation agenda. A stress-free family vacation is an attainable dream when you plan ahead, get the crew involved, and have a positive attitude every step of the way. Planning the perfect family vacation can be hard, but it can become a reality with a team effort. Are you ready to plan your next vacation?
