While you don’t have to travel to a specific destination to escape the everyday, choosing the right destination for your family can have a major impact on your journey and your overall travel experience. That said, here are three things to consider before deciding where to go on your next family vacation:
#1 – Know Your Why
Just because everyone else you seem to know is heading to a certain locale and telling you that you should go too is not a good enough reason to choose a travel destination. Travel requires an investment of both time and money. And to make the most of that investment you need to start with your “why.” Why travel?
Are you looking for adventure, relaxation, time to connect with one another? A bit of each? Be sure to take into consideration the wants and needs of your entire family when identifying your desires and interests. And keep them in mind as you move forward in deciding upon a travel destination.
#2 – Consider The Age & Stage of Your Family
During a family vacation to the Outer Banks when our children were still very young we embarked upon an excursion to the Hatteras Lighthouse located about two hours south of where we were staying. After a lengthy drive down the remote stretch of road connecting the barrier islands and numerous attempts at keeping our little ones engaged in the adventure by sharing our excitement over the pending climb to the top of the lighthouse, we finally arrived at our destination only to discover our youngest didn’t quite meet the height limit required to make the trek to the top. Much damage control ensued.
When considering a family travel destination, it’s important to find out whether or not the locale’s activities and attractions not only align with the wants and needs of your family, but are appropriate for the age and stage of your family members as well.
#3 – Determine Your Budget
While it’s true that many travel destinations offer options to meet all budgets, the options available within your particular price range might not be right for your family. Setting a budget before deciding upon a destination is important as it can help you better determine whether or not a particular location will be able to provide your family with the kind of travel experience you want and expect based on the price you are willing and able to pay.