7 Things To Consider When Taking the Whole Family on Vacation

Creating Happy Memories: 7 Tips for a Stress-Free Family Vacation

The first thing to consider when taking the whole family on vacation is that the whole family really needs a vacation. It is not just for the adults with the children tagging along for lack of better options. You are not the only ones who are stressed beyond belief. Your children don’t even have the words to talk about their feelings. They need this trip as much as you do, and maybe more. You have to think about it in terms of everyone getting what they need out of the vacation. A family vacation could be anything from a cruise to spending a week in a cottage. Here are more things to keep in mind before you pack:

Family-Focused Travel Planning 7 Key Considerations for a Stress-Free Trip

1. Plan for Packages

Just because you are on vacation, it doesn’t mean that packages stop arriving. You don’t want them just left on the porch or returned to sender. This is where a parcel locker can really come in handy. Instead of being delivered to your home, have your packages fulfilled to a parcel locker for convenient pickup when you return. Get a parcel quote and don’t worry about whether or not you will receive that very important package. You will.

Family Friendly Cottages by the Beach in Norfolk

2. Consider a Cruise

There are few vacations you can take that have something for everyone regardless of age. Taking a Holland America Line Rotterdam cruise ensures that there will be something for everyone, no matter their age. When you go on a cruise, you will not have to worry about the basics like food and entertainment. There will be supervised children’s areas as well as adult-specific entertainment options. On a cruise, everyone gets exactly what they need.

3. Get a House-Sitter

Don’t just leave your house abandoned. If no one is around to look after it, bad things happen. Do a little research to find out how much you should pay for a good house-sitter. There are two ways to go: either get someone to live in your house while you are away, or get someone to come in and do some basic tasks once or twice a day while you are away. The important thing is to make it clear that the house is not abandoned. That makes it less attractive for thieves. 7 Things To Consider When Taking the Whole Family on Vacation

4. Bring the Family Pet

It is not impossible to find accommodations for the family pet while you are on vacation. It just takes a bit more research and will cost more money to do so. But it will still be less money than leaving your pet at a kennel. Besides, you don’t want your 4-legged friend to suffer unnecessary stress while the family is away. Taking your pet with you is absolutely worth the effort.

5. Leave the Fancy Camera

It is no longer necessary to have a DSLR with several lenses to get great vacation photos you can archive. Any flagship smartphone will do the job. A big camera makes you a big target for opportunists. It also means that the one responsible for the camera and lenses will never be in any of the pictures. You will not be losing anything by leaving home without it. 7 Things To Consider When Taking the Whole Family on Vacation

6. Don’t Forget the Skincare

Tourism picks up when the sun comes out. That is also a prime season for skin cancer. Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen. Also, be sure to get the right SPF for everyone in the family. When it comes to sunscreen, one size does not fit all. If you are going to be in a very hot climate, be sure to stop by the gift shop and get everyone one of those oversized hats with large brims. Those are not just fashion statements. Think of them as part of your protective gear.

7. Keep Restrooms in View

When traveling with multiple generations, you should always keep restrooms in view. Before you go anywhere, scout out the restroom situation. You don’t want to go to a beach that is 30 minutes away from a decent restroom. By the time your kids let you know they have to go, it is already an emergency. Know where the restrooms are at every location you visit. And try to stay within easy reach. Make it a part of the routine.

Your whole family needs a vacation as much as you do. Before you go, plan for packages, consider a cruise, get a house-sitter, bring the pet, leave the fancy camera, grab skincare solutions, and always know where the nearest restroom is.