Traveling with children presents a unique challenge for every parent. To prepare an impeccable family vacation for your family, you need to plan it months before you pack your bags.
Here are the six key things you should do when preparing for a family adventure trip.
- Budget for your Trip
Whether you are planning a short trip or a 15-day vacation, planning your budget and monitoring your expenses is essential. That way, you will spend money more rationally and make sure you do not overspend while having fun.
First, determine how much you want to spend on your trip. There is no exact formula to apply. Your budget depends on your family size, income, and personal preferences. For starters, enter the cost of every vacation item, such as hotel, flight, or ride expenses. That is how you can calculate the actual cost of your vacation vs. the trip budget you have planned to allocate.
- Book Early
When you have kids, impromptu backpacking journeys are not an option anymore. Planning your every step early is essential.
For example, summer school breaks always happen in peak travel time. All families having school-aged children are looking for airfare, accommodations, and activities at the same time. Therefore, to organize a perfect family adventure vacation, you need to get started at least six months in advance. Only that way can you secure seats near each other on the plane and book rooms in your favorite hotel.
- Check for the Events Happening during your Visit
Have you ever visited a tourist attraction and then learned there was a popular event happening while you were there? Always research the place you are visiting and inquire yourself about the hottest events.
Start by visiting the destination’s official website. Check the calendar to learn what events are taking place there during your visit.
You should also perform a bit of social media research. For example, you can follow hashtags on Instagram or official event pages on Facebook to stay informed about the hottest events.
- Remember that You Cannot Plan Everything
As parents, we fight to stay in control of everything during family trips. We want to provide our kids with spotless adventures they will remember for the rest of their lives. However, when vacationing with kids, things seldom go as planned. From hay fever and stomach flu to lost baggage, many things can spoil your vacation.
To save your sanity, prepare for the unexpected and embrace it. Observe such chaotic situations as something that is out of your control.
- Prepare Yourself for the Unexpected
Sure, do your research on time so you can prepare yourself for the worst.
For example, if you are taking a road trip, consider installing an ignition interlock device to ensure you are safe to drive. Trying out local, high-quality wines is exciting as long as it does not compromise your family’s safety. To prevent your car from breaking down, perform a thorough vehicle checkup before the trip. Finally, if the location you are visiting has a high crime rate, book a secure parking lot in advance.
Here is what else you should do to prepare for unexpected situations during your trip:
- Keep a paper copy of your emergency contacts.
- Make a photocopy of your most essential documents.
- Carry a paper map with you. In areas without adequate signal, your GPS will not help you.
- If you are traveling by plane, remember that luggage often gets lost. So, pack essentials, such as chargers, toothbrushes, medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
- Set uncrackable passwords on all electronic devices in case they get lost or stolen.
- Purchase Travel Insurance
Another way to prepare for the unexpected is to invest in reliable travel insurance. That is particularly important in the era of Coronavirus. Sometimes, an illness or an unexpected family emergency prevents us from taking the trip. Without a proper travel insurance plan, you would lose the money you had already spent on the trip.
Depending on the plan you choose, you can be covered for:
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Emergency medical transportation
- Emergency medical and dental services
- Luggage delays
- Collision loss damages
- Travel accidents
- Travel delays
In Conclusion
Traveling with a family does come with multiple challenges, but it does not have to be a nightmare. To get the most out of your family adventure vacation, you should plan everything.
