Are you ready for a summer vacation? We’re sure you are! If you’re thinking of going on a family vacation – whether it’s for a weekend, a week, or a month – you’re going to need a plan. When you’re prepared, you can handle the unexpected with much greater stride.
Here’s our checklist to planning the best family vacation.
Choose Where to Vacation
The first step is to choose where you’re going and how you’re getting there. This largely depends on the time you spend on vacation – is it a weekend getaway or do you have a longer timeframe? Knowing this will determine how far you’re willing to travel, and how you plan on getting there. If you need some inspiration before you choose your destination, take a look online at resources such as TripAdvisor’s Best Family Friendly Holidays.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help the planning process:
Are you driving up north for a weekend at the cottage or are you planning a weeklong road trip with several stops?
Do you want to leave the country? Do you want to explore a metropolitan area or are you looking for an escape into nature?
Are you taking a flight? A train? A car?
Choose Your Activities
Now that you’ve chosen a destination, you have to choose how to spend your time. A family vacation means fun for the entire family – so plan activities your entire family will enjoy! Keep in mind your family’s interests and choose age-appropriate activities for children
If you’re headed to a new city, some fun family activities include visiting planetariums, children’s museums, or zoos. Don’t be afraid to take breaks from exploring every corner of the city and relax! If your children are tired from walking around museums or the city, don’t hesitate to unwind at the park or with a treat.
If you’re looking at an escape into nature, your family activities might look more like hiking, canoeing, or building sandcastles on the beach.
A fun way to choose activities that your children will love is planning activities together. Your children’s input might surprise you. Come up with a selection of activities your family can do and have your child choose which activity seems like the most fun.
Don’t Forget the Important Stuff
Now that you have the major planning covered, remembered the important planning points:
- Plan your accommodation
- Shop for anything you might need for the trip
- Create a packing list
- Renew passports if necessary
- Have someone keep an eye on your home
- Plan fun games to play while you’re on the road
Most Importantly – Have Fun!
Don’t stress about planning your vacation! Think about how much fun you and your children will have on your trip and get ready to enjoy your summer!