You’ve been working hard all year and now you’re ready to let go and get in vacation mode. However, the larger the vacation, the more planning needed to ensure there are no unexpected glitches along the way. The last thing you want is to allow your vacation planning to be more difficult than work. Here are six steps to help organize a large trip with little stress.Take a look at this article to learn four Things to Keep in Mind when You think long term to Plan a Family Trip.
4 Things to Keep in Mind when You Plan a Family Trip
Base Decisions
First, you’ll want choose the dates that you will go. This can have an impact on locations as well as accommodations available to you. Once you set the date in stone, everything else is ready to be worked out. You may consider an all-inclusive resort, or a large beach or mountain rental. If planning to visit family, you will need to confirm that their house is, indeed, an option.
Organizing
The Internet has changed the face of travel when it comes to organizing a large trip with multiple people. Create a group calendar online so everyone can place information about their flights or itinerary in it. You can also have documents accessible to everyone that contains contact info for all involved, allergy information, addresses, and any other necessary material. If different family members are to be responsible for different items, this would be the place to list those out and clarify. That being said, be sure not to micromanage the calendar or lists to the point that you squeeze the fun out of the experience for the rest of the group.
Activities
Take time to create potential activities that will be done on the trip and can be planned beforehand. If your goal is to spend quality family time together, then you may want to focus on meals as well as excursions that the entire group can take part in. For any activities that need tickets, call ahead and make a group reservation prior to arrival. With large group you may face difficulties if you try to secure a large number of spots too close to the date.
Money
Avoid having any one person front a substantial amount of money for the others. Make sure all finances are taken care of prior to travel dates to keep hard feelings at bay. If there are shared costs on the trip such as for groceries or transportation, try to guesstimate expected costs beforehand. Be sure everyone knows what will be expected monetarily of them before the vacation arrives. If any expenses are incurred during the trip, let everyone know to keep hold of receipts so finances can be settled before the trip ends.
Give yourself adequate time to organize and plan to create a family trip that all will enjoy. With well-thought out preparation beforehand, you can truly give yourself a well-deserved break.
