Summer is a popular time for family gatherings and reunions. Why not turn your annual gathering into a vacation your entire extended family can enjoy! Worried about how it will all come together? I’ve got you covered. Check out these tips to keep your vacation monster-free.
Miz Info & O’vr Welm
These two like to create a ruckus with incorrect information or information overload. But we’re not going to let them.
1.) Select the right destinations.
When combining across multiple generations, there are bound to be different interests and abilities. We’ll consider all of those to ensure each person’s needs are being met.
2.) Coordinate schedules.
Look at school and work schedules. When are breaks? What about sports/arts schedules?
3.) Plan early.
This allows for best availability, options, and pricing.
Ang Ziety
Whether it's your fear about bringing everyone together or you're trying to manage the experience of everyone else, these tips will help calm your immediate and extended families' concerns.
4.) Include everyone in the planning.
Find out what everyone is interested in doing, preferred methods of travel, if they’re morning/evening people, etc. This will help us plan an itinerary to meet everyone’s interests and needs.
5.) Set expectations around plans.
You likely won’t spend every waking minute together while on vacation, but you also may have idea of times you do want to spend together. Have conversations around that so everyone is on the same page. Who should be at what? What is the day’s start time? Will meals be together, separate, a combination? Which pieces are “nonnegotiable” for all?
6.) Have open communications regarding budget.
Who is responsible for what parts of the vacation. Is one person covering the accommodations and everyone is in charge of their own transportation and food? How are joint meals covered?
For Moe and Joym Ugger
These two travel monsters are unassuming enough, but letting them into your vacation is a bad idea. They bring whining, upset, and all the drama!
7.) Set realistic expectations.
Have conversations around time and abilities. You simply will not be able to do everything every day for the entire trip. It’s just not possible.
8.) Consider each family member.
Remember to include the preferences and wishes of each member of your travel party. When each person is included there’s tolerance for doing activities outside of their interests.
9.) Plan breaks!
Maybe it’s a day apart, a separate meal each day, spending an afternoon with everyone doing their own thing. Taking breaks from all the activities and each other will keep the magic alive through your vacation.
Tyme Zuk
Have you ever asked someone for information and then found out it’s either old and outdated or it’s not relevant to your specific needs? Sadly, it happens all the time. But not with me!
10.) Use current info.
One of my tools for keeping Tyme Zuk out of your vacation is to use current and relevant information. This means not just having accurate details for your destination, but also tailoring it to what is important to you.
11.) Meet deadlines.
We’ll work with timelines to make sure you have what you need at the right time in your travel planning. And, reminders leading up to important deadlines so you don’t miss any of the ways to add magic to your vacation.
Planning a vacation for a large family doesn’t have to be stressful. Get a jump on summer by starting the process now! As the Travel Monster Charmer, I’ve got you and your extended family covered. Get started by telling me your vacation wishes.
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