How to Make the Most of Your Family Vacation

Shannon Monroe
May 19
4 min read

A vintage travel poster-style illustration depicts a cheerful family beginning a vacation. The scene includes a smiling mother and daughter walking with suitcases, followed by a young boy and a waving father. Behind them, a teal station wagon holds a grandfather and grandmother waving goodbye. Snow-capped mountains and pine trees line the background under a bright blue sky. The word "VACATIONLAND" appears in bold retro lettering at the top.

Family vacations are some of the most treasured moments we create with those we love. They offer a chance to step away from the busy routines of daily life and truly connect, explore, and make lasting memories together. But let's be honest — traveling with kids (and sometimes grandparents!) can come with its own unique set of challenges.

As travel professionals, we believe that the best vacations for family don’t just happen by chance. They happen with the right mindset, smart preparation, and a little bit of insider know-how. Whether you're heading to a beach, a big city, a theme park, or into the mountains,these tips will help you make the most of every minute together.

1. Start with Thoughtful Planning

One of the most important steps to having a smooth and enjoyable family vacation is thoughtfulplanning. This doesn’t mean scheduling every minute of every day — it means laying afoundation that allows for both structure and spontaneity.

A few essentials to plan ahead:

- Choose destinations that offer activities for every age group.

- Be realistic about travel time and how much your family can handle each day.

- Build downtime into your itinerary to avoid burnout.

Working with experienced travel professionals can take a lot of the stress out of planning. Weknow which resorts, hotels, and destinations are best equipped to cater to families — and howto customize your trip so it’s truly a fit for your unique crew.

2. Involve Everyone in the Process

When children (and even teens) feel involved in planning the vacation, they are more likely to be excited, engaged, and cooperative. Ask each family member for one thing they'd love to do on the trip and make sure to include it in your plans.

Even small decisions like choosing between two activities or picking a restaurant can make kids feel empowered and valued — turning the trip into a true family adventure.

3. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

One of the easiest ways to stress yourself out before a trip is by overpacking. Try to keep it simple:

- Stick to versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched.

- Bring essential comfort items for younger kids — a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or bedtime storybook.

- Pack a small "entertainment bag" for each child with books, games, and snacks.

Remember, you can usually buy anything you truly need at your destination. Traveling lighter makes moving around easier — and frees up your mind to focus on the experience.

4. Embrace Flexibility

Even the most well-planned family vacations will hit a few bumps along the way. Flights get delayed, kids have meltdowns, and sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate. The key is flexibility.

Instead of focusing on what went wrong, look for opportunities to pivot. A rainy day can turn into a museum adventure or a cozy movie afternoon. A closed attraction might lead you to discover a hidden gem nearby.

Families that go with the flow tend to have the best memories — because they aren’t just traveling, they’re experiencing.

5. Focus on Experiences, Not Just Sights

It's easy to fall into the trap of trying to "see it all" when you travel. But the truth is, kids will rarely remember how many landmarks they visited. They’ll remember how they felt.

- Prioritize experiences that allow interaction, creativity, and play.

- Slow down and savor simple moments, like eating ice cream in a town square or skipping stones by a lake.

- Be fully present — put down the phone and step into the moment whenever possible. Vacations for family are about the laughter, the shared adventures, and the new experiences, not just checking off a list of places.

6. Capture Memories — But Don’t Overdo It

Of course, you’ll want to take pictures and videos to remember your trip, but resist the urge to document every moment.

Set aside specific times for photos and then put the camera away. You'll be amazed at how much richer the experience feels when you're not seeing it all through a screen.

Encourage kids to create their own memory books or travel journals. It’s a great way to preserve their unique perspective on the trip.

7. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care

It’s tempting to pack your vacation days full of activities, but families (especially those with younger children) do much better with a healthy balance of action and relaxation.

- Plan quieter mornings or restful afternoons as needed.

- Stick to normal sleep and meal routines as much as possible, especially for younger kids.

- Parents: Don't forget about yourself! A little solo spa time, a quiet coffee break, or a stroll alone

can recharge you for the adventures ahead. Rested, happy travelers are far more likely to enjoy each other's company — and that’s the true

heart of a great family vacation.

Why Travel Professionals Make a Difference

Planning a family vacation involves a lot of moving parts, and every family is different. That's where experienced travel professionals come in. We take the time to understand your family's needs and create a trip that brings your vacation dreams to life — without the stress.

By handling logistics, suggesting family-friendly accommodations and activities, and providing expert advice, we ensure your family can focus on what matters most: making memories together.

Ready to Start Planning Your Best Family Vacation Yet?

I would love to help you plan a trip that’s relaxing, exciting, and unforgettable for every member

of your family.

👉 Request your custom quote here:

https://app.tern.travel/public/forms/t6qErauV3LStmdVLOQy1mg/responses/new and let's start creating the perfect adventure!