Family Vacation Travel Agent. Whether you like surprise adventures or plan your trips down to the minute, some level of preparation is needed before going on a family vacation. Me and The Mouse Travel helps families plan out vacations all over the United States. Contact one of our family vacation travel agents now to get started.
How To Choose Your Family Vacation Destination
There's a lot to consider when you're planning your next family vacation. A vacation means taking time off of work, looking for deals and booking in advance, travel logistics, house- and pet-sitting, and unexpected factors you won't know about until the vacation begins. Luckily, our experienced family travel agents at Me and The Mouse are here to help you structure your trip and experience the adventure of a lifetime.
A few things to consider when you're planning a family vacation:
- Interests and Ages: Younger children may enjoy theme parks and beach resorts, while teenagers and adults might prefer adventure activities or cultural experiences. It's important to consider all ages before booking a trip.
- Budget: Do you have a budget or kept savings specifically for a trip? You might want to look for all-inclusive resorts or vacation packages that can save money. The further in advance you start planning, the better.
- Travel Distance: Decide whether you want a local getaway or an international adventure. Shorter trips are less stressful for families with small children (and usually more affordable).
It's advisable to plan out a balanced mix of activities. Everyone's tastes are different, of course. For example, you might want to see every monument in Washington D.C. or ride every rollcoaster in Ohio. Most families can find a balance where there are fun (or relaxing) activities. A resort, a beach, a cruise, or just camping can be enjoyable in different ways.
Another tip is flexibility. Over-scheduling your vacation usually leads to stress, you could get worn out halfway through, and doesn't leave room for spontaneous adventure and curiosities. The point of a vacation isn't (necessarily) to stare at a watch and make sure you show up on time.
Researching your destination in advance can save you a lot of on-the-spot panic and allow for a more enjoyable trip. Know if you should make reservations to a restaurant in advance (sometimes weeks depending where you are), when the best time of year to travel to different parts of the country, and have an idea of what the weather will be like. Even light research can make the difference. Our agents can recommend restaurants, the best times to visit parks, attractions you may want to check out or avoid, and make your trip all that more magical.
Packing for a Family Vacation
Some families overpack and some are completely disorganized, late to the airport, and forget essentials. No one is perfect, but there are strategies for packing just the right amount to make sure you can spend more time enjoying your family vacation and less time digging through luggage for a pair of headphones. See our Disney-specific packing tips.
Below are a few family vacation packing tips no matter where you go:
- Know the Baggage Policy: Airports have restrictions on liquids and each airline has a different baggage policy. Are you going to rely on checking bags? What should be in your carry-on? Backpacks are extremely useful in most circumstances.
- Versatile Outfits: Plan your clothing around versatility. It could rain one day and be hot and humid the next. Having the option to layer clothes that can be paired with different occasions is key.
- Shoes: Depending on your destination, it's practical to have at least one extra pair of shoes. While they take up space, excessive walking and weather can turn a great day miserable.
- Personal Items: Make copies of important documents (driver's license, passport, credit cards, tickets, etc.) and stow them in a safe place either on yourself or in your hotel room. Having a backup can save a lot of trouble.
- Personal Supplies: Any prescription medications, pills, lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, phone chargers (portable chargers are great), and other items all together is a useful trick for everyone, especially if you're traveling with family.
Packing for a family vacation shouldn't be stressful. It's important to have your day-to-day items, light entertainment, snacks, and a mix of clothing. The biggest mistake is over-packing. Take care to review everything you have packed up and make hard choices about what can be left behind. Contact our travel pros today for more tips and additional information.
Family Destination Experts
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Let's Plan Your Next Family Vacation
Experience a family vacation at one of the several Disney Destinations like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Pandora -- The World of Avatar, or enjoy a voyage on a Disney Cruise Line. Or check out Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, and visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Volcano Bay. Call 1-855-764-2539 or contact our family vacation travel agents near you for more information.