Planning a family vacation is a fun and exciting experience for the most part, but it can also be overwhelming at times!
Deciding where to go, what to do, how to get there, and more can be a time-consuming process, and making the wrong decision could make your happy family getaway more stressful than relaxing.
Luckily, with proper planning and preparation, that doesn’t have to be a concern!
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, remember to avoid these common mistakes that many people make when planning a family vacation.
Forgetting Family-Friendly Accommodations
It’s all too common for parents to assume that a hotel or resort will work for their family, as long as there are enough beds for everyone.
But, choosing accommodations that are specifically tailored to families can ensure that an okay experience becomes a great one!
Choosing the right accommodations is a key aspect of any good vacation and, according to vacationrentalsoceancitynj.com, family-friendly locations that offer spacious rooms and kid-friendly amenities are a must in keeping kids happy and parents stress-free.
Look for accommodations that offer features like family suites, kid-friendly activities, and pools, playgrounds, or babysitting services.
Remember to read reviews of any places you’re considering staying to see if other families have had positive experiences, and consider calling the hotel or resort to make sure it will be appropriate for your family’s needs.
Ignoring Everyone’s Preferences
A common mistake many families make when planning a vacation is failing to consider everyone’s interests and preferences.
It’s easy to get caught up in planning the activities you want to do, but ignoring the needs and desires of your family members will lead to frustration for everyone.
To ensure a family vacation that’s fun for everyone, make sure to involve both kids and adults in the planning process, especially when it comes to choosing destinations, activities, and accommodations.
This doesn’t have to mean letting kids decide your trip will be an expensive week-long stay at a theme park, though!
Provide some options that fit your family’s interests and budget, and discuss the pros and cons of each one.
Then, once you’ve decided on your destination, take a look at the activities in the area and let everyone provide some input on the things they’d like to do.
Finding a balance between everyone’s interests will help create a vacation that’s fun for all.
Overfilling Your Itinerary
Packing your itinerary with too many excursions or events can quickly turn your dream vacation into a chaotic experience.
An enjoyable family vacation should always leave room for downtime, and for spontaneous fun activities you may discover along the way.
So, instead of trying to see and do everything, focus on a few key activities you truly want to experience.
In between those, build in time for relaxation, whether that means lounging by the pool or enjoying a quiet meal at a local restaurant.
Keep in mind that sometimes the best moments on a family vacation happen when you’re simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of travel.
Underestimating Travel Time
Whether you’re making a long-distance road trip or navigating through the airport, travel time can quickly eat into your vacation.
Make sure you’re prepared for that by always giving yourself extra time to reach your family’s final destination, so that you’re ready to handle things like traffic delays or long security lines.
If you’re flying, consider layovers that allow for breaks between connecting flights. If you’re driving, plan for frequent stops to stretch and recharge.
The less rushed and stressed you are during the journey, the more enjoyable the entire vacation will be.
Forgetting to Budget for Unexpected Costs
From food and souvenirs to parking fees and tips, it’s easy to overlook additional costs when budgeting for your trip.
Failing to plan for these extra expenses can lead to stress and anxiety when you realize that an unexpected charge is affecting your vacation budget, so be sure to set aside extra funds for those unforeseen costs.
A good rule of thumb is to budget at least 10-20% of your total vacation cost for things you might not have anticipated.
Of course, the type of vacation you choose will factor into those costs as well. A trip to an all-inclusive resort will likely have fewer unexpected costs than a trip where you’ll be eating out for every meal, for example.
Research the costs of meals, transportation, and attractions before you leave to get a better idea of what to expect.
This way, you can enjoy your vacation without constantly worrying about your wallet.
Not Having a Contingency Plan
The one universal truth of any vacation is that it’s always a good idea to expect the unexpected.
Bad weather, transportation delays, or a sudden bout of the flu could all end up throwing a wrench into your family getaway.
Not having a backup plan for these situations can cause unnecessary stress and frustration for the entire family.
Before you leave, make sure to research alternative activities or destinations, in case your original plans fall through.
Keep a list of local medical facilities, and look into restaurants and attractions that are indoors or easy to access if your outdoor plans are disrupted.
Having a contingency plan in place will allow you to handle unexpected challenges with ease, and keep your family’s vacation on track.
Avoiding these six common mistakes when planning your family vacation can help reduce stress and ensure you get the most out of your time away.
In the end, it comes down to ensuring that the vacation you plan has something for everyone, while also being ready for the unexpected.
With a little foresight and careful planning, you’ll be able to create a vacation that leaves everyone with positive memories.
So, the next time you plan a family getaway, keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone involved!