Planning a vacation can be incredibly stressful, especially when it’s for an entire family. Age differences mean everyone is interested in different things, and personal taste might affect what everyone wants to do. How do you balance being able to afford it with actually having fun?
There’s no need to hire a travel agent to plan your entire vacation for you and then charge you afterwards. With a little patience and determination, you can plan the ultimate and action-packed family vacation at home. If you want to give your family the best vacation experience possible, follow these tips!
Tip #1: Schedule
This may seem obvious, but having at least a loose itinerary will make your life on vacation so much easier. Look up where you’re going and what the best places to go are. For example, if you were going to on a beach near the ocean in a place like Dubai, taking your family deep sea fishing would make for an adventurous afternoon!
Depending on where you’re going, the types of activities you can do will vary. Ask your family what they’re most interested in. Your brother might want to go rock climbing, but your sister might want to go to a local market. Take your family’s wishes into account and find the best excursions for everyone.
Tip #2: Budget
Having a budget before you go on a vacation is a must to prevent overspending. To make sure you have enough money for food, excursions, souvenirs, and emergencies, it’s important to have a budget. Having your budget in mind while scheduling the activities you’ll do is a good idea. This way you won’t show up to the deep sea fishing boat and not have enough for your whole family.
It’s also necessary to have a small emergency fund. If you’re traveling to a foreign country, you might get hurt and will need funds for any sort of medical treatment. Or say you forgot a coat and the temperature drops, or someone catches a cold – having this money set aside will help you be prepared for any unwanted surprises.
Tip #3: Research, Research, Research
If you’re going to a place you’ve never been, especially a foreign country, then doing some research is a must. Laws are different pretty much anywhere you go, and there could also be cultural differences that you weren’t aware of. Research will also ensure you’re keeping your family as safe as possible.
Some destinations have areas you should avoid or food customs that go against your own. There are also ways to make sure you’re not being scammed when buying something as a tourist. All of these things and more you can find with doing a little research, and it will benefit you more than you realize.
Tip #4: Pack Everything You Need
Now that you know your schedule, your budget, and everything you need to know about the place you’re going, it’s time to pack. Pack what will be appropriate for your destination. If it’s a family Hawaii trip, then packing bathing suits, sunscreen, and beach toys. Make sure you and your family have everything you need so you’re not stuck buying an overpriced version at your destination.
Also, pack whatever your family’s daily necessities are. If one of you takes medication, pack extra. If someone can’t sleep without his or her own pillow, bring it. There are small but effective things you can do to make sure everyone has what they need. When everyone has what he or she needs, conflict is less likely to arise.
Conclusion
It feels almost impossible to have everything perfect before you leave for a family vacation. That’s true though, perfection is impossible. But following these few tips will guarantee that you’re as prepared as possible.
Now go and plan the most fun and adventure-filled vacation you can! You all deserve it, and it will be a memory neither you nor your family will ever forget.