It is never too early to start planning that family vacation. I began formulating our next vacation while we were on vacation.
I liked the fact that we left at night after dinner – saved time and was very efficient. It was cost effective spending the night in a transition hotel before we arrived at our ocean front hotel. Wow ! I should have put a little more time researching the “pit stop” hotel.
That will not happen again! Planning a family vacation is a process – here is a framework to help it work for you.
Where to go
There are some places that are easy picks. You know the popular vacation spots:
Washington DC;
Disney World;
Disneyland;
San Diego CA; and
Yosemite National Park
Just to name a few. To venture outside of these great family destinations, do some brain storming and by all means get the entire family involved. Do you want to take a beach vacation? How about a state or national park? What about building your vacation around a theme park or sporting event?
How to get there
I will drive up to four hundred miles a day, leaving at night works best for us. We have considered taking the train, it depends on the situation. Primarily we fly, the primary decision is which airports to fly out and in to and when (day and time of day).
Once you have a few places in mind, get familiar with the airports and their codes(3 letter airport codes). For example, there have been several times that it made more sense to fly into MIA and drive to EYW. What ? Flying into Miami International Airport (MIA) and then driving to Key West (EYW) was a better alternative (cost or schedule) than flying into Key West.
Know the codes.
Where to stay
Do you want to stay in a hotel or a vacation rental? If you choose to stay in a hotel, is it prime real estate or off the main path? Either can work if you plan accordingly. Staying in a vacation rental is a little different. Determine if you want a corporate rental or a vacation rental by owner. Again, either can work just wonderfully, conduct due diligence.
What to do
At the core of family vacations are fun things to do. Most of which should be free. Of course, some things are going to cost you. During the course of the vacation planning process, make a list of activities that you absolutely must do. Research those in advance. Have a backup plan of things to do in the event of inclement weather.
Tip #1: Local business chambers will often send out an information package, ask, you may receive.
Tip #2: The local newspaper can be an absolute gold mine, the online version can work just as well.
Putting time, effort and some resources into planning your family vacation will make for a better experience. Having a trip plan, daily itinerary and activity schedule is not going overboard – it is vacation planning.
Have fun!
Walter Greene is the editor of Family Vacation Destinations. For the a complete resource for family travel visit http://www.Family-Vacation-Destinations.com
