Over half of Americans have not taken a vacation in over a year. If you’re one of them and you’re planning a family vacation, you may feel a little bit rusty.
Vacations are a great place for families to form lasting memories and bond in new, fun environments. However, there are a lot of hiccups that can spoil what should be a fantastic trip.
What are some common family vacation mistakes to avoid?
Read on to learn six mistakes people make when planning family vacations so that you can avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Destination
If you don’t do enough research before choosing family vacation destinations, you may find that it’s not suitable for your family. For example, that city you’ve heard amazing things about might offer great nightlife, but not a lot of family-friendly activities. Make sure that you’re headed to a place with plenty to do for the whole family.
If you’re planning a vacation within the U.S, New Haven is a great family-friendly destination. It’s very walkable, and there are a lot of places for kids to enjoy, including the CT Children’s Museum, Escape New Haven, and It Adventure Ropes Course. Food won’t be a problem as well, especially since New Haven is known as the birthplace of American pizza! Many of the best restaurants in New Haven serve excellent pizza, although you can also find other cuisines like Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, and more.
2. Packing For the Wrong Weather
No matter the time of year, you should always track the weather at your destination. The day before you travel, give the weather another look and make sure you’re bringing the right clothing. Nothing sours the mood more than only having access to clothing that isn’t weather-appropriate.
3. Booking Too Few Rooms
It may not always be in your budget, but we do recommend booking a separate room for the kids whenever possible. After all, this is your vacation, too. Booking a separate room for you and your partner ensures that you have some downtime together without having to entertain your children.
4. Overcrowding the Itinerary
When you’re traveling, you want to see the sights and take in the atmosphere. However, you should also remember that traveling is tiring and you and your kids will want some downtime. Make sure that you don’t plan so many activities for your vacation that it’s draining, rather than relaxing.
5. Not Reading the Fine Print
If you’re part of a vacation club, make sure you stay up to date with the rules and regulations before you travel. For example, you’ll want to know that the DVC point minimum has changed before you book your Disney getaway. The fine print can affect everything from where you can stay to how much your vacation will cost–don’t let the rules come as a surprise.
6. Misusing Your Budget
Most of us need to travel with a family vacation budget in mind, even a loose one. Make sure that you’re using your budget in a way that suits your family best. For example, if dining out isn’t as big of a priority as going to fun attractions, consider low-cost food options so that you can focus on what matters most to your family.
Don’t Spoil the Fun With These Family Vacation Mistakes
If it’s been a year or more since you’ve planned a family vacation, you’re not alone. Avoid these common family vacation mistakes to make sure that your vacation goes off without a hitch!
Vacations are part of a well-balanced lifestyle. We’re here to make sure you’re loving life at home and on the go. Take a look at our lifestyle content for more helpful tips, guides, and news.
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