Getting Started Planning a Family Vacation

So, you want to take an awesome vacation! Your family has lots of ideas, and you need a plan to bring it all together. Here is a roadmap to get you started:

1. Decide on a Destination. You might have somewhere in mind, but its time to get more specific. For example, lots of people say, "Let's go to Hawaii!". But that can mean one of many islands with completely different experiences. Talk about as a family what you would like to experience on the vacation. Let your imaginations run a little wild and brainstorm what fun would look like for your family. 
2. Agree on a Budget.  Money is always an emotional topic, so don't get discouraged if there are different points of view on what your family can afford. The important thing is have different options to discover. Maybe you stay in a more affordable hotel, and it allows you to stay two extra days. Or you cut the trip short, but do something expensive but AMAZING. The important thing to remember is that there are endless options of customizing any trip to fit your budget, so don't focus on what you can't afford and let that ruin your outlook.
3. Pick a Time of Year to Go. Season can make a huge different in price, weather, and overall experience. There are tons of weather sites and resources to help you decide when it the best time to visit. Keep in mind that off-season in vacationing also usually means less expensive and less crowded.
4. Research Your Destination. You Tube has a wealth of travel log videos that can be fun to watch with kids. Buy a travel book to thumb through and daydream with. Go on Google Maps and survey the lay of the land. Get excited. This is happening!
5. Make a Plan. Some people are so uncomfortable with this stage that they leave it all up to a travel agent. They are great resources if you are nervous about setting your own plan. But this is my favorite stage by far. This is where all your brainstorming, research and daydreams come together to meet reality. This is where you decide how much fun is just the right amount for your family to end each day with high fives, big smiles, and sleepy yawns. 
6. Reserve Early and Often. Besides the normal hotel, airline, and rental car reservations, there are lots of other things that can be reserved. National Park bus tours? Yes, and they book up early. Dining at the best local spots? Yes, and you will love not having to wait for a table after walking all over downtown. A good plan is one that allows flexibility, but puts you at the right place and the right time at a relaxing and enjoyable pace. 
7. Create a Fun Countdown. Kids love to anticipate vacations. Create a fun way to build up the excitement. It can even be a great motivator. We have our kids do chores to earn money to spend on vacation. We create a chart on the fridge with a climbing total of what they have earned. Delegate chores of vacation prep to the kids to get them even more invested in the trip.
8. Organize Gear and Make a Packing List. Some vacations can be spent in flip flops and a swimsuit. Others require a training schedule and gear to make sure you can finish that planned hike up the mountain. Make sure to figure out if anything needs to be ordered and allow for shipping time. Don't take things you don't need or wouldn't use on any other given day. Extra baggage can weigh you down. For real.
9. Set Reasonable Expectations. There is a tendency for people to get too set on creating the PERFECT vacation and seeing EVERYTHING that they have unreasonable expectations that lead to disappointments. But talking together through all the plans as a family helps to manage expectations and put everyone on the same page. This is a great time to listen and make sure everyone has a part of the vacation that they will love. 
10. Relax and Let it Happen. Let the plans unfurl into wonderful memories. Hold your children tight and enjoy the moments.