Some vacation planning tips from 17 years of travelling with my kids.
Family vacations and road trips don’t just magically happen. They are
successful because someone (ME!) had a plan to make our family vacation
enjoyable, engaging and as stress-free as possible for everyone in the family.
I approach planning a family vacation like I would any other major event. There
is a schedule: 6 months before, 1 month before, 2 weeks before, 1 week
before, 1 day before, and the last minute and final touches.
I have driven to Florida at least 6 times, Myrtle Beach twice, PEI once, as well as camping (Killbear 8 hr drive), and Boston twice. I have flown to Florida with my kids with, and without my husband, and to Italy. I have travelled with my kids since they they were very young, and I have learned a thing or two along the way. I would like to share some of those things with you.
I have divided this into 2 parts: The first covering the planning schedule at 6 months and 1 month prior to the vacation, and the second post covering the last minute schedule of 2 weeks, 1 week and the day before the vacation. I sincerely hope that some of my ideas and tips are helpful for planning your family's vacation.
Six Months Before:
The 5 - W’s and the H
(Where, When, Who, Why, What and How)
- Where are we going: Where is our trip destination? Will there be multiple stops along the way, or only a single destination?
- When are we going: When is the date and duration of the trip? How might the time of year, or days you travel on impact the trip, (e.g. expense, lineups, traffic)?
- Who is going: Are all family members going (including pets)? What arrangements need to be made for pets? Are extending family joining you, or meeting you there?
- Why are you going here: What are the expectations of all the
family members going? Is an all-inclusive? Are there specific reasons for picking
this trip (bucket list, cheap accommodation, etc)? By clarifying some of
these questions it will be much easier to decide on a vacation and to manage
expectations.
- What are we going to do there: What is there to do? What
equipment is needed? Can it be rented? Each type of vacation will have
different answers. For instance camping will be different than a Disney
vacation.
- How are we getting there:
Mode of transportation, route, etc? All of these need to be considered and
compared. If you are flying will you need to rent a car? If you are
driving, route and accommodation along the route are considerations.
- How are we paying for this trip: What is the budget for the
trip, and how are we saving and paying for it? What are some of the ways
to save and cut costs for this trip? Are there discounts or loyalty points
that can be used? How far in advance do we need to order/book in order to
use these points or discounts? This should include looking into travel insurance cost and coverage.
- ARE YOUR PASSPORTS UP TO DATE! The US requires that you have at
least 6 months remaining before expiry date on your passport. This means if your passport expires
in January 2014 you can travel using it until July2013.
- IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING WITH MINORS WITHOUT THE MINOR'S OTHER PARENT? You require Authorization to Travel from the other parent to cross International Borders. They ask for it, especially when flying. Be sure you have it!
Check out these links to helpful sites to find out exactly what you need to travel into the US and abroad.
One month before
the trip: Devil is in the Details:
Someone
(ME!) has to make arrangements for:
- Someone to collect the mail, flyers, and package deliveries
while you are away.
- Snow
removal or lawn cutting while you are away.
- Someone to check the
house for you while you are away. Check your house insurance provider requirements for this, and how long the house can be unoccupied without
impacting your coverage.
- Check to make sure there are
no prescription renewals due while you're away. You may need to get
your doctor to authorize an early renewal. Be sure to leave prescriptions in the original prescription bottle.
- Inform teachers if you are
taking the kid(s) out of school now, and request any work due prior to
trip, or work they are required to during the trip. Often teachers will ask for a trip journal, so make a folder for ticket stubs, park maps, programs, etc.
- Now is the time to get your
International Driver’s Licence if you plan to, or require it. (these can be obtained through CAA)
Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about family travel.
