Planning for a Family Vacation

Answer 1

Every summer, millions of American families pack up their automobile and head out for a week of great family fun. In order to get the most out of your vacation it is important to do some careful planning before you leave your house.

If you are going to be traveling any long distance, you should have your car checked out by a mechanic to make sure it is in good working condition. This is particularly true of an older vehicle, but also is a good idea for any car you will be relying on to transport you safely to and from your destination. Check the tire pressure and all the fluid levels. Make sure there are no major problems like bad brakes or an engine that tends to over heat. Once your automobile gets a clean bill of health, you are ready to hit the road.

Depending on how long a vacation you are planning will dictate how you pack. Pack only what you know you will need and not what you might need. If you are going away for one week, you do not need 15 shirts and 10 pairs of pants. You may also not need to pack so many clothes if you will have access to a laundry facility.

You should also write out an itinerary planning each day of your vacation. You do not have to go in to great detail about which restaurant you are going to eat dinner at or what time you will go swimming, but, you should have a basic schedule of your plans. You should make reservations along your route if you will need to stay over night before getting to your destination. Check several online travel sites for the best rates on rooms.

If you are driving 500 or 1,000 to get to your destination, you can break up the trip by planning a stop or two along the route to see some local attractions or just have lunch in a small town. Sometimes, the best part of a road trip is meeting local people and seeing how they live.

It is helpful to have two drivers on long trips so one person can rest for a while the other person takes over the driving duties. If you are insistent on making "good time" you should pack some Sandwiches and snacks so you only have to stop for bathroom breaks and gasoline.

Finally, when traveling with young kids, make sure you bring things to keep them amused. They can take their Video Games, music and maybe even bring a book to read. You can always fall back on some of the traditional car games like counting all the white cars you see, looking for out-of-state license plates or spotting items that begin with each letter of the alphabet.

Family vacations can be very memorable events if they are planned out properly. The more you prepare, the less chance you will be disappointed with your trip. Allow everyone to participate in the planning so you all can agree on a place that will suit all individuals. Most of all smile and remember that you are on vacation.