Family Vacations: Five Tips for Making Family Travel Fun

Family vacations can and should be fun, but more often than not they tend to be something to be endured with a few moments of pleasure thrown in. Yet it doesn’t have to be that way. Regardless of whether you camp, take a road trip, plan one of the many fun and entertaining Disney cruises, or stay at a popular resort, family vacations can be enjoyable. Here are four tips to help put the fun back in your family vacation.

I. Avoid Driving Long Distances

Unless you and your children genuinely enjoy traveling by car, it’s best to avoid long distance driving. While it’s certainly more expensive, consider flying if you’re going more than a day’s travel by car. If you can only afford to fly every other year, better to save your money and do so. In the off years stay at home and go on day trips.

II. Plan - But Not Too Much

Have each family member chose one thing he or she would like to do. Spread the events over the week, planning a day for each. However, avoid the temptation to plan every minute of every hour; instead, go with the flow. Don’t adopt the attitude that you must maximize the time; after all, we are tied to a schedule every day of our lives. Slow down and enjoy.

III. Separate Accommodations

Mom and dad should have a separate hotel room or cabin if possible. Vacation can be a great time for romance, but not if the kids are in the same room. They also need some time away from you; time to stretch out, laugh, giggle, and just be silly. Set a reasonable curfew for lights out, so the kids get enough sleep.

IV. Budget Extra for Spontaneity

Include some extra cash in your budget without telling the the rest of the family. As you’re out and about you may see something you’d like to do or a souvenir to take home. Allow yourself a little spontaneity. It’s the spontaneous things that create the most smiles and make the best memories.