Create an itinerary
A big part of planning a successful family vacation is considering everyone’s needs, and finding activities that can be fulfilling and fun for each person is as important as finding the right destination. Depending on how long your vacation is and how many people are in your group, there may be some compromise on what you see and do each day, but creating an itinerary can help ensure that everyone gets to do things that are important to them.
If you’re traveling with young children, finding things to do that will appeal to them will keep them engaged and greatly reduce the risk of any meltdowns. With an itinerary planned, it’ll be easier to let your kids in on what you’ll be doing each day, as well as block off time for rest and meals. Not every activity has to be kid-friendly, but an itinerary can also help you plan for days when an adult can stay with the children. If you're staying at a resort or taking a cruise, check to see if there are babysitting or childcare services available, like kid's clubs, which will also allow free time for parents and grandparents.
While being prepared is great, remember to also stay flexible because not everything will go exactly according to plan. If your schedule is interrupted by bad weather or something unexpected, find a workable alternative and stay open to a new activity or experience.