When it comes to planning a family getaway, sometimes it’s best to ditch those cram-packed itineraries in favor of a more relaxed and loose schedule that caters to everyone in the home.
Choosing spacious accommodation like villas or lodges with kitchens and balancing high-energy mornings with downtime all make for a family getaway that leaves you feeling reset and rejuvenated, rather than exhausted and needing another vacation to get over the current one you’re on.
With that in mind, here’s how to plan for a vacation so that it’s actually relaxing.
Planning for relaxation
When planning for relaxation, there are a number of efforts that can be made to improve it for you and your family.
Firstly, opt for flexibility over anything else. Rather than setting a strict schedule, aim for a rhythm that allows for spontaneity, like one activity per day, preferably in the morning, when kids often have more energy.
Think about choosing your accommodation wisely. Selecting accommodations that feel like home, whether that’s a villa or lodge, often helps provide those separate bedrooms and private spaces for children to play, while the parents relax.
Make use of childcare support. Don’t hesitate to use the kids’ clubs or any professional childcare that may be available, as this can provide parents with some much-needed and well-deserved downtime.
It’s also worthwhile considering what all-inclusive resorts are available, to help remove the stress of things like cooking and meal planning while you’re away. It’s good to book ahead for everything, too. Securing flights to major activity tickets early on to avoid any last-minute stress and financial panic.
Reducing travel and on-site stress
It’s important to try to reduce any travel and on-site stress when it comes to going away. To help keep stress levels to a minimum, use these tips to ensure a relaxing family getaway.
Pack intuitively
It’s helpful to create a capsule closet to avoid overpacking. Let older children help with their own packing for less stress and to improve their independence.
Simplify transport
It’s good to choose destinations with shorter transfer times from the airport and to minimize travel fatigue, too.
Involve everyone in the planning
It’s good to have a family meeting to discuss activities and ensure everyone is feeling included, as well as reducing complaints.
Plan for downtime
Build in downtime both before and after, as well as during, so that you avoid any burnout during the trip. It’s good to recognize that doing nothing is sometimes a great plan.
Don’t forget the snacks
Another important part of planning is to always carry snacks for kids and adults. That way, you avoid having any meltdown, both adult and child in that regard.
Embrace slow travel
Everything will often take longer with childre so be sure to factor in the extra time to your schedule to avoid that feeling of being rushed.
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Relax your own rules
Finally, just remember to relax. Remember that this is your holiday too and that it’s important not to manage everything yourself. Be sure to lean on your partner for support
Planning a family getaway that feels relaxing is one that will be highly rewarding, especially when you truly find the time to chill during the vacation.
Last Updated on March 27, 2026
