If you’re new to the travel lifestyle, there are some tips and tricks that you may not know. Take it from an expert travel mom and follow these 6 tips to plan a top-notch family vacation this summer.
Consider your vacation wants and
needs
When
planning your first trip, it’s important to plan something that fits your
unique situation and desires. Think about your interests and the interests of
your family. What kind of vacation is best for you? Some important things to
think about are:
● Kid-friendliness - If you’re traveling with a
toddler or other little ones, it’s important to consider locations that are
age-appropriate and kid-friendly. Look for places where your kids can have fun
and explore without you having to entertain them the entire time.
● Activities - What are you interested in, and what is available? Think
about what you and your family most enjoy doing, and let this narrow down your
list of destinations. If you love relaxing in the sun, consider planning a
beach vacation. Alternatively, if your family likes the great outdoors, think
about visiting a National
Park.
● Budget - If you aren’t thoughtful, the cost of travel can add up fast. That doesn’t mean that you can’t
have a great time, though! Whether you’re on a hostel or a resort budget,
planning within your means will allow you to fully enjoy your time away from
home.
Whenever possible, plan early
- If you’re new to travel planning, you might not know that prices get exponentially more expensive as you get closer to your travel date. This is especially true around major travel dates, like the holidays, when prices are already higher than average. In order to avoid unnecessary costs (and the accompanying headache), try to book flights and hotels well in advance.
If you do book last minute, find
a good deal
Don’t
care much where you travel to? If you’re just looking to get away and decide to
plan a trip at the last minute, we recommend scanning the internet and letting
great deals be your guide. If tickets to Maine are dirt cheap, head there. If flights to Dallas are on sale, jet off to the
Lone Star State! There are so many amazing cities in the US that you’re sure to
have a great time regardless of where you end up.
Make a packing checklist
Packing
for a big trip can be stressful for those who don’t have much experience. For
those moms who get a little overwhelmed, we recommend using a packing app.
These apps take the guesswork out of packing by keeping all of your information organized in a helpful checklist.
Bonus: Many of the apps show the weather in your destination city, so you’ll know exactly what to bring.
Leave some flexibility in your
itinerary
For
those new to planning a vacation, it can be tempting to pack your trip with
entertainment from end to end. However, trying to do too much in a short period
of time can leave you and your family feeling cranky and disappointed. Instead
of overdoing it, try to find a balance between exciting activities and time for relaxation, which will leave you
feeling fulfilled and recharged when you get back home.
Travel comfy
Whether
you are flying or driving, do yourself a favor and wear your comfiest clothes on travel days. This is
especially important for long trips where you’ll be sitting in one spot for a
long time. Wear something that is breathable and has layers that you can take
off and put back on easily as temperature changes. While vacations are a blast,
flying and driving can be miserable, so help you and your family stay as
comfortable and happy as possible.
