- What are the ages of the children? If the children are preschoolers consider whether the destinations are child-friendly.
To take small children on driving trips requiring long days of travel with few stops would not be a good vacation plan for the enjoyment of either parents or children.
Would young children have to be constantly monitored for safety reasons such as an ocean-side vacation where large waves are a daily threat? A visit to a lake may be a better destination.
If children are older, vacations that are more eventful would probably appeal to them more than ones where they would have few things to do.
Disneyland is always a good choice for children both young and old.
On our trip to Disneyland last year, even the two babies were able to go on many of the rides and the older children had a wonderful time.
- What are the interests of the family? Do swimming and water sports interest the majority of the members of the family? Some other ideas might be camping, fishing, kayaking, exploring, museums, or going to amusement parks.
If children are not interested in what is planned, they won't be happy; and unhappy children do not make good travel companions.
- How relaxing do you wish your vacation to be? If you want to do nothing except relax or have more time for exploring, the all inclusive resorts are definitely a good option for many families.
Other ideas may be to rent a condo or house and cook your own meals to avoid having to get everyone dressed to go to a restaurant, especially if it is almost guaranteed there will be long wait times.
- How big is the budget for your planned trip? This will be an important consideration when determining your destination.
It is better to go on a smaller trip that is affordable than on a big one where all events can't be enjoyed because of financial limitations.
- How much time do you have available? If time is a factor, it may be better not to have to rush through the things you'd like to see so a shorter vacation may be more advisable.
If parents become short-tempered, children almost always will be too.
- Do the children have any special requirements? If children are very young, cribs and strollers may be necessary.
Some families may wish to have a family meeting and have their older children involved in the decision-making process.
Last year three family groups of my large family went on a joint vacation.
The adults made the decision to go to Palm Springs, Disneyland and then Grand Canyon and Virginia City.
The children knew the plans except for the Disneyland portion of the trip.
It worked out perfectly because they had all fallen asleep on the way there and didn't wake up until we were at the hotel across from Disneyland.
I think they were more excited than if they had known that that was our destination from the beginning.
This year the same three family groups are planning another joint trip.
With five children of varying ages, two under two years, we are considering our vacation destination carefully.
Will there be something to interest all of them as well as the adults? Will there be any safety issues or concerns? Since last year's trip was very busy and event filled, we've decided that our decision will be based on having a more relaxed trip this year.
It is important that as many people as possible are happy with the vacation plan.
In general, if a trip is carefully planned with the whole family in mind and all other things are considered thoughtfully, it will be a happy and fun-filled holiday.
To take small children on driving trips requiring long days of travel with few stops would not be a good vacation plan for the enjoyment of either parents or children.
Would young children have to be constantly monitored for safety reasons such as an ocean-side vacation where large waves are a daily threat? A visit to a lake may be a better destination.
If children are older, vacations that are more eventful would probably appeal to them more than ones where they would have few things to do.
Disneyland is always a good choice for children both young and old.
On our trip to Disneyland last year, even the two babies were able to go on many of the rides and the older children had a wonderful time.
- What are the interests of the family? Do swimming and water sports interest the majority of the members of the family? Some other ideas might be camping, fishing, kayaking, exploring, museums, or going to amusement parks.
If children are not interested in what is planned, they won't be happy; and unhappy children do not make good travel companions.
- How relaxing do you wish your vacation to be? If you want to do nothing except relax or have more time for exploring, the all inclusive resorts are definitely a good option for many families.
Other ideas may be to rent a condo or house and cook your own meals to avoid having to get everyone dressed to go to a restaurant, especially if it is almost guaranteed there will be long wait times.
- How big is the budget for your planned trip? This will be an important consideration when determining your destination.
It is better to go on a smaller trip that is affordable than on a big one where all events can't be enjoyed because of financial limitations.
- How much time do you have available? If time is a factor, it may be better not to have to rush through the things you'd like to see so a shorter vacation may be more advisable.
If parents become short-tempered, children almost always will be too.
- Do the children have any special requirements? If children are very young, cribs and strollers may be necessary.
Some families may wish to have a family meeting and have their older children involved in the decision-making process.
Last year three family groups of my large family went on a joint vacation.
The adults made the decision to go to Palm Springs, Disneyland and then Grand Canyon and Virginia City.
The children knew the plans except for the Disneyland portion of the trip.
It worked out perfectly because they had all fallen asleep on the way there and didn't wake up until we were at the hotel across from Disneyland.
I think they were more excited than if they had known that that was our destination from the beginning.
This year the same three family groups are planning another joint trip.
With five children of varying ages, two under two years, we are considering our vacation destination carefully.
Will there be something to interest all of them as well as the adults? Will there be any safety issues or concerns? Since last year's trip was very busy and event filled, we've decided that our decision will be based on having a more relaxed trip this year.
It is important that as many people as possible are happy with the vacation plan.
In general, if a trip is carefully planned with the whole family in mind and all other things are considered thoughtfully, it will be a happy and fun-filled holiday.
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