Family vacations aren’t always everything they are billed as. Instead of the picture-perfect scenes you see on TV and the internet, many families find friction and increased stress when they head to a vacation destination. You don’t have to suffer through another strained family trip. These tips will help you find harmony and keep the peace, no matter where you decide to go.
1. Avoid Minimalist Hotels
Budget hotels may sound good for your wallet, but they can lead to several problems when it comes to a family vacation. For starters, rooms at them tend to be small and cramped, which means that you and your family will be on top of each other whenever you head back to the room. There is also a lack of amenities and cooking facilities that will have you searching for alternatives, all of which add to the overall cost of a trip. Instead of dealing with that, look for more comfortable accommodations, such as condos or beach houses in North Carolina, that let everyone stretch out and have some privacy.
2. Create an Outline
Instead of a full-fledged itinerary, create a rough outline for your trip. Let everyone select at least one thing they want to do or place they want to see and add it to the list. Be sure to leave room for unplanned side trips and downtime, too. This will help if you decide to spend an entire day at one place or things don’t go quite according to plan.
3. Carry Snacks and Drinks
Carrying snacks doesn’t end when your kids leave toddlerhood behind. In fact, a backpack with grab-and-go food items, such as nuts, fruit and granola bars, and a few bottles of water can be a lifesaver if you are walking around an unfamiliar place with hungry teenagers in tow.
Planning ahead can make a family vacation much more enjoyable. Packing a few snack and following a rough outline make the time more pleasant and renting spacious accommodations helps everyone stay more comfortable.
