Planning a Family Trip…Together
When we were newlyweds, my husband and I took several trips each year to visit family. As much as a I came to enjoy these times, being with the inlaws for “vacation” took its toll. I realized soon that what I really craved was time away with just my husband, or as children came, just my husband and kids. Taking a family trip should be a good experience for everyone involved, and it can be if you take the time to plan a family trip together.
Have a group discussion as you plan the annual (or seasonal) family trip. Ask each family member to come with a list of likes and dislikes to contribute to the planning session. For example, Mom might have “ocean or lake” on her likes list and “camping” on her dislikes list, among other things. This could be countered by her son’s list naming “tent camping” under likes and “hotels” under dislikes. Compromise and work together. Would a cabin on a lake be an effective solution to Mom and son’s diverging ideas? Could son bring a tent to set up by the cabin? What other options would find mutual support? While some compromises are important, it is important that each family member like something – hopefully, several things – about the planned family trip.
Make the budget known. If the sky’s the limit, it’s ok for everyone to dream big. But if there is a defined family budget, it’s important to let the family know what is realistic and this may even encourage them to think of money-saving ideas.
Think of back-up plans. If your family plans a trip to a water park, find out what else is available in the area in case bad weather necessitates a last-minute change of plans. Bring along games and other activities to have fun when plans change.
Most of all, think of family trip planning as a time to grow as a family and learn more about each other. When you leave for vacation, everyone should be smiling.
Have a fond (or not-so-fond ) memory of a family trip? Share your thoughts below!
Submitted by: Maria
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Glad you were able to use the post! I’ll be writing about budget family trips on my blog in the near future …