Happy kids enjoying road trip in the open-top 4x4, cheerful boys and girls having fun in the car riding along mountains, happy active summer holidays
Planning a large family trip can be a bit overwhelming, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Making a list of the goals of the trip and using this as your guiding framework will help you to navigate the vacation planning. Here are five tips to help you to plan the best family vacation yet.
Start Early
When it comes to planning a big family vacation, it pays to start your research and implementation early. While an impromptu weekend away may be a fun idea for a couple, a family vacation requires far more planning.
When juggling the schedules of multiple people, it is imperative that you choose a date and stick to it. Starting the planning process early will also help you to secure the best rates in airfare and lodging.
That said, it is going to be important that you remain flexible in your planning because of the threat of the coronavirus and the various travel restrictions that it may bring.
Choose the Right Destination
One of the trickiest parts of planning a successful family vacation is choosing the right destination that will meet the needs of everyone in your travel party. This can be particularly challenging when planning a trip that will allow for suitable social distancing.
Many large families find that renting a cabin in the mountains or a condo on the beach is a great way to connect with others while still allowing everyone to have plenty of room to spread out. Be sure to choose a destination that offers activities for a wide variety of ages and preferences. It is also important to research the weather in different destinations before making your final choice.
Consult a Professional
If the task of planning a big trip for the whole family seems too much for you at this time, you may want to consider consulting a professional for help. You can elevate a general travel agent experience to something even more personalized by hiring a personal travel concierge.
Many travelers ask, “how can I find someone to plan my trip?” Fortunately, it is easy to find a niche travel planner who will take your travel preferences and habits into consideration and then help you to devise the perfect vacation for your family.
Not only will you save valuable time, but these professional trip planners also know all the tricks to help you to save money on your epic adventure.
Make a Loose Itinerary
Planning an itinerary with a big group is often an exercise in futility. Before you start this process, be sure to give everyone a chance to provide input. Once you have this input, you can begin devising a rough itinerary.
When traveling with a large group, it is important to establish the expectations ahead of time. For example, perhaps everyone has flexibility during the day to do their own activities as long as they meet up at night for a big family dinner.
It is also a good idea to alternate busy days with relaxing days. While you want to allow for some spontaneity in the trip, you will find that everyone has a better time if they have a rough idea of the itinerary.
Keep Abreast of Current COVID-19 Restrictions
It is no secret that the current health pandemic is upending even the best-laid vacation plans. While you cannot completely guarantee the success of your trip in light of the pandemic, staying informed of the current restrictions and travel advisories will give you the information that you need to navigate this challenging time.
For example, choosing a destination that has not been as affected by the virus will set you up for a more seamless travel experience. If you are traveling from a COVID-19 hot spot, you may be subject to local quarantine mandates at your final destination.
Keeping abreast of this extremely fluid situation will make you an informed and prepared traveler.
Do not let the stress of COVID-19 prevent your family from making lasting memories together. With the right planning and precautions, you can still enjoy an unforgettable family trip that everyone will appreciate. Now more than ever, it is important to connect and relax with loved ones.
