How To Get The Most Of Your Upcoming Family Vacation

Going on your first big vacation as a family? Many parents aren’t quite sure what to do or where to go when taking the kids for the very first time. Honestly, if you plan properly and have a relaxed attitude, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way. We promise it’s not as intimidating as it sounds.

Choosing a Destination

Choosing a destination is probably the toughest (and most exciting) part about preparing for an upcoming trip. The more people you are trying to make happy, the trickier. This is why you’ll see so many families discussing their options and preparing for theirs weeks or months in advance. Sit down with your children and talk to them about the different solutions when you’ve come up with a shorter list and make them a part of the selection process. They’ll love having a say. Want to make the trip a bit more spontaneous? Place the names of your favorite destinations in a hat and draw one. The left over pieces can be used to help decide on where you’ll go next year.

Don’t forget to research local hotels and villas. Depending on the length of your stay and what kind of atmosphere you are going for, hotels may feel a bit too cramped and can be downright expensive. If you want to be able to cook your own meals and feel more at home as you explore this new part of the world, it may be nicer to have a larger place to stay where the kids can let loose without you needing to worry about keeping fellow travelers awake at night. Many villas will come with their own living rooms, full kitchens and even a pool, so you can have your own little paradise to relax in. Many are even pet friendly, so your furry friends don’t have to be left behind and can be part of the memories.

Finding the Right Restaurants

If you plan to eat out during your trip, research in advance what your options are and what’s on the menu. Find a place that everyone in the family will love. Many restaurants actually allow children to dine for free, which will give you more cash to use for other activities along the way. To save yourself even more cash, pick up snacks and nonperishable foods at local shops (or bring some with you from home) and keep a cooler in your car for water and sandwiches. Those mid-day cravings can prove to be quite expensive if you’re shopping with your growling tummies. Try to limit yourself to one meal out per day, and you’ll be amazed by the savings.

Packing Light and Smart

Now that you know where you’ll be going and where you plan to stay, it’s time to think about packing. We advise creating a packing list well before departure day. If there are certain toys or blankets your children cannot go without, make sure to bring them along. The trick is packing smart – remembering to bring everything you’ll need on a daily basis – without over-packing. Take a moment to think about toiletries, first aid, medications, entertainment, and clothing for varying types of weather. Place items you would like to keep together in Ziplock baggies for easier unpacking when you arrive. Of course, what you plan to do during your vacation is going to affect what you need to pack, and we’ll discuss a few ideas with you below.

Activities Everyone Can Enjoy

There are many activities to keep you busy in any destination; the trick is knowing how to locate them. This is why it’s important that you thoroughly research the location before arrival and always have backup plans because the weather or unexpected closures would otherwise leave you scrambling last-minute to find something to do. The internet is an amazing way to quickly locate hot spots and events that are perfect for your family. Expedia has a Things to Do list for around the world, which includes lunch at the Eiffel Tower in London and a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando. Browse concerts, special events, wildlife exploration and fun on the water such as rafting or canoeing. With the right amount of effort, this year could turn out to be a trip your family will be talking about for years to come. Take photographs and videos along the way so you can relive those precious moments time and time again.