After a busy year of school runs, working 9 to 5, and hectic mealtimes at home, you are probably
desperate to get away and enjoy a vacation this summer. Family vacations are not only a great
opportunity for you and your family to relax and unwind but they are often the setting of many
family memories that last a lifetime. It is important that you consider and plan your family vacation so that your trip runs as smoothly as possible while you are away. If you are struggling and don’t know where to start, then here are 6 things that you should consider when planning your family vacation this summer.
Accommodation
While many people assume that going on holiday means they will be staying in a hotel, this doesn’t necessarily have to be true. Picking the right accommodation for you and your family largely depends on the age of your children and what will suit your needs. You may want to consider reserving your own villa if you have small children so that you can maintain their usual routine while on vacation, while also having the space you need for you all to enjoy your time away. Nothing will ruin your vacation quite like being crammed into a tiny hotel room. A self-catering villa or apartment may be a better option for you if you need kitchen and bathroom facilities to take care of your kids.
Location, Location, Location
Location is everything, so it is important that you do your research while planning your trip to find out which location suits you. Don’t assume that you must go abroad to have a good vacation, as there may be popular tourist destinations right on your doorstep. No matter how far away you plan to go for your trip away, it is important that the area is family friendly so that there are plenty of activities and things for the whole family to enjoy.
Set a Budget…. And Stick to it!
It can be easy to get carried away when planning your family vacation, and you can find yourself
spending money you don’t have. Therefore, before you start planning your trip, it is important that you set a budget of how much money you can afford to spend on this vacation and make sure that you stick to it. Spending out of your means isn’t worth the worry and stress that it will bring when trying to pay back the money that you owe.
Consider Car Rental
When traveling as a family, it is sometimes beneficial to have the freedom to explore different areas and activities in your location. A great way to do this is to consider renting a car for your trip if you haven’t already traveled there in your own vehicle. This makes traveling as a family a whole lot easier and, depending on how many there are of you, it may end up being cheaper than taking local transport. Even if you have your own car, you may still want to consider renting one, as traveling as a family means that you need more space and a bigger trunk to fit all your luggage in.
Home Security Measures
When planning your family vacation this summer, it is crucial that you make plans for your home
while you are away and don’t just focus on your destination. Home security is essential, especially
with how common home burglaries have become in recent years. Therefore, before you head off on your trip, you should get into contact with home security companies who can advise you on the best security systems for your needs. It is also important that you don’t advertise your vacation on social media until after you arrive home, as you will be showing potential burglars that your house is empty and therefore vulnerable.
Consider Flight Times
If you plan on travelling abroad for your summer vacation this year, it is important that you consider your flight times carefully. If your children are small, a nighttime flight may not be the best start to your relaxing holiday. Instead, try to book a flight around your child’s nap time, as this may mean that they sleep for the duration of the flight, helping to maintain their usual routine.
By taking these things into consideration, you can plan the perfect vacation that is unique to your
family’s needs, allowing you to make your time away a lot more relaxing for both you and your
children.
This post was written by Bill Clark. Bill is a freelance journalist who specialises in writing about culture and the arts, however will write about anything that piques his interest including business, travel and lifestyle. He can be reached on Twitter @BilboClark01.