Some tips to organize your family vacation.

1.    First, since it’s a family vacation, make sure to take into account the likes and dislikes of every family member. Try to plan something that will have fun activities for everyone. Will everyone be happy on a vacation at the beach? If not, can you go somewhere that mixes beach activities with something else, such as museums or shopping?

2.    Once you have decided on the type of vacation, determine how far you want to travel. With small children you may want to stay close to home. Decide if you can drive, or if you have to go by plane.

3.    Set up a budget. Take into consideration not only the travel expense and hotel room, but also the cost of activities, meals, and any shopping that you may do during your stay.

4.    If you are travelling by plane with small children, try to avoid connecting flights if possible. A direct flight may be tolerable for them, but getting on and off a plane several times may wear on both you and your kids.

5.    As an alternative to hotel rooms, try vacation apartments or houses. If it fits in your budget, these types of vacation lodgings usually give you more room, and provide kitchen facilities, which can save you money, since you won’t have to eat at restaurants for every meal.

6.    Think about getting trip insurance. If your children get sick and you have to cancel your trip, this can ease the financial sting.

7.    Don’t over-plan your activities while on vacation. Set a nice leisurely pace that lets everyone enjoy themselves, but relax at the same time. Too much frenetic museum hopping will wear everyone to a frazzle.

8.    Once you have established your activity plan, try to remain flexible. If it rains on the day you were going to go to the beach, have a plan B. If something is not as much fun as you thought it would be, be prepared to do something else.

9.    Let everyone have some downtime and some space. Togetherness is good, but everyone needs a little time to themselves, even on vacation.

10.    Consider camping. A camping vacation provides plenty of family together time, and it is a very economical way to spend your family trip.  

by Michael Norris