1. Have a Family Meeting
Schedule a family meeting where you can all sit down and talk about what it is you want to do. Brainstorm places and events and make sure everyone has a say. Talk about food, hotels, swimming pools, amusement parks and shopping options. Let children pick one thing they really want to do. Make sure plans are age appropriate or you have alternatives for younger and older members of the family. Let your children know about the vacation budget so they're not planning to go to France if you're thinking of traveling no further than 200 miles.
2. Explore Options Close to Home
If cost is a huge factor and you don't know how you're going to afford a cheap hotel room, try looking at fun things you can do around your town so you can still take a family vacation. Take that week off work and plan historical, shopping and plain old fun outings. Go mini golfing, bowling or to your local zoo. Take your vacation fund and spend it on meals at family friendly places you've always wanted to try. If you want to spend one night away from home, pick a spot 50 miles away with something interesting you and your family can explore for 2 days.
3. Consider Camping
Camping is a great family vacation. It's relatively cheap (if you already have the equipment or can borrow a friend's) and it's a great way to spend time together as a family. Your children can get a taste of the outdoors with hiking and swimming. You can even try fishing if you and your children are into it. If money's not a big deal, rent a camper.
4. Plan for Contingencies
If you're driving with children in the car, always assume it'll take you longer to get to your destination. Be flexible when it comes to hotel reservations; maybe you need to find a hotel where you are, rather than driving to the one you reserved. Pack food, clothes and extra supplies, just in case your children need them. Make sure children have something to do in airplanes, cars and hotel rooms. If you're flying, plan something extra to do with your kids if there are issues with your flight. If traveling overseas, make sure one person is in charge of passports and money and you know how to get help if you need it.
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