4 Tips for the Perfect Family Vacation

Family vacations are supposed to be fun, memorable experiences, but they can definitely be challenging. Obviously, the purpose of the trip is to relax with your loved ones, make memories, and form lasting bonds. However, for a lot of families, pulling off the perfect family vacation can be very difficult. You have to find ways to keep every person happy and interested in the vacation, and be inclusive for each family member. Here are just 4 tips for the perfect family vacation!

Make time to exercise

Many people think vacations are a break from everything routine, including fitness. While you may want an escape from everything that burdens you at home, you should make time to exercise, or at the very least, remain physically active. Research has shown that exercising stimulates endorphin production in the brain, which acts as a natural stress-reliever and painkiller. In short, exercising will improve your mood, which can be especially helpful when your family is stressing you out. However, this doesn’t require visits to the gym. Simply engage in physical activities like hiking, swimming, biking, and walking while on vacation.

If you’re in a different country, perhaps you and your family can try new activities or sports of the region. Try cricket when in the UK or Australia, handball in Iceland and Denmark, or kung fu martial arts in China. Wherever you travel, the options for physical activity are endless.

Get everyone involved in decision-making

It’s rare to have everyone in the same family enjoy the same interests. Since not every member of your family is going to enjoy the same activities, the last thing you want to do is “force” anyone into activities they don’t want to be a part of. So before you set off, have a round-table discussion with your family and choose activities that you can all agree on. Discuss each idea and interest so that no one gets bored or uninterested during the trip. Your kids may be young, but their concerns and suggestions count just a much as yours. One of the most important tips for the perfect family vacation is to involve your kids in the planning and get them involved! After all, if your kids aren’t happy during the trip, you won’t be happy. 

Make bookings in advance and plan stops ahead of time

Everyone will benefit if your trip has a schedule or itinerary. If tourist destinations allow you to order tickets ahead of time online (and are fully refundable should your plans change), go ahead and buy those event tickets. This allows you more time at the destination and less time standing in line. This is especially helpful with young children who have shorter attention spans.

Pre-book all your hotel or Airbnb accommodations, as well as your planned activities, months or weeks before your trip to avoid delays or disappointments. For especially young children, schedule in naps or rest stops because rested children are happy children! Allow for plenty of time when traveling, whether it be by train, plane, or car. You should cushion your daily schedule with an extra hour of preparation time during travel days in case you encounter delays.

Consider traveling off-peak

Traveling with your family during popular vacation periods can be very stressful. Dealing with large crowds, long lines, hot temperatures, and delays can be problematic and disheartening. After months of planning and preparation, it can be incredibly frustrating to not get through your lists of things to see and do because you’ve spent most of the day waiting in line.

If you run into a snag with your hotel accommodations or flight, traveling during the peak season can limit your alternative options. Traveling during off-peak season is one great way to avoid the crowds and long lines (and save money!). Obviously, with school aged children, it can be hard to pull them out of school for a significant amount of time, but you can always take advantage of weekends or school holidays to plan your trip.

Planning and preparing for a family adventure can be a daunting task. However, if you follow these 4 tips for the perfect family vacation, you’re sure to have a much more enjoyable and memorable trip.

Happy Travels!

Julie