Summer is just around the corner and if you have kids, that often means a fun-filled family vacation.
As you plan your summer, keep in mind the following tips.
Simple and short
When planning a vacation, do not limit yourself to thinking it must be elaborate and expensive. Summer getaways do not need to last two weeks or involve a visit to an expensive theme park. Keeping them simple often results in much less stress. I recommend planning a vacation for five to seven days.
Trips of that length allow you to take advantage of a range of discounts. For example, hotels often offer deals such as the fourth night free. If you are going to a city that holds conventions and attracts business travelers, weekend nights are often less expensive than weekdays. Hotels are becoming more willing to negotiate, and rental car companies are also eager to discount their rates.
If the vacation is short (and rather inexpensive), it may be possible to plan one trip for May and another for August. Or, plan some four-day-long weekends to nearby cities or sights. Driving vacations can offer a nice alternative to flying to a destination.
Involve the family
As you plan, get everyone’s input. Let the kids get involved in planning activities. The anticipation of a vacation adds to our happiness, so planning ahead is important.
If you decide on a car trip, plan ahead for activities during the drive. Audiobooks can entertain the family during a long drive. Let the kids create a CD or playlist of their favorite tunes. You may want to bring some games, and don’t forget classic travel games like car bingo.