edk35
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2004
- Messages
- 11,398
T thought this was really good and can be used for WDW too.
Vacations are supposed to be about relaxing and getting away from it all. So why stress out when planning your next family vacation? With some organized upfront planning, a few smart tips and a great attitude, you can make this years trip something the whole family will enjoy.
Make a Plan (But Dont Stick to It)
Whether youre going to the beach, a city or a national park, its important to plan vacation activities ahead of time. By pinpointing sights youd like to see and activities youd like to enjoy, you can add some structure to your days and give everyone something to look forward to.
But be careful not to over-plan. A good idea is to draft a list of things youd like to do on vacation - and then cut that list in half! In addition, be open to spontaneous detours along the way. If your beach plans are washed out, watch a movie instead, or if the weather is simply too gorgeous to be wasted inside a museum, check out a local arts and crafts fair.
Pack Smartand Light
Know the weather patterns of your destination before you go, but be realistic about what you need to bring. If two pairs of shoes are enough, dont bring four. If youll be spending most of your time at the beach, bring casual clothes.
If youre flying, put necessities in your carry-on bag in case you get separated from your luggage. That means medications, first-aid supplies, your itinerary, important phone numbers and even a change of clothes should be with you on the plane.
Involve Your Kids
Get your kids involved in planning your trip. Show them guidebooks, map out the route youll take, and learn about the locale. Your kids will have a greater interest in the destination, and theyll take pride in helping plan the itinerary.
Its also important to let your children pack their own luggageand, if possible, be able to transport it themselves. Smaller, wheeled luggage is perfect, and kids will love having their own bags. For road trips and rainy days, make sure they bring travel games, CDs and books. Better yet, buy them travel journals so they can write down (or draw) what they saw and did each day.
Pack Snacks and Plan Breaks
Whether flying, driving or cruising, traveling means time spent in close quarters with few breaks on the way to your destination and back. Remember to bring snacks and drinks that your kids enjoy. Familiar foods make children feel more at ease when going to a new place, and satisfied stomachs will help keep tantrums at bay.
Pack non-perishable snacks in resealable plastic bags and make sure you have any necessary supplies (spoons, napkins, moist towelettes, bowls, etc.) to make eating and cleanup easy. If youre traveling by car, bring a Frisbee® or soccer ball and stop at a park to picnic along the way.
Fun for Everyone
A great vacation can mean something different for everyone. So, even if you like shopping, your spouse is a museum buff and your kids prefer amusement parks, its possible to let everyone do at least one thing they enjoy.
Remember the purpose of a family vacation: spending time together. You cant control the weather and you cant avoid the occasional mishap, but by planning ahead, having a positive attitude, and embracing unexpected surprises, you can make your family vacation one that everyone will remember. Fondly.
Vacations are supposed to be about relaxing and getting away from it all. So why stress out when planning your next family vacation? With some organized upfront planning, a few smart tips and a great attitude, you can make this years trip something the whole family will enjoy.
Make a Plan (But Dont Stick to It)
Whether youre going to the beach, a city or a national park, its important to plan vacation activities ahead of time. By pinpointing sights youd like to see and activities youd like to enjoy, you can add some structure to your days and give everyone something to look forward to.
But be careful not to over-plan. A good idea is to draft a list of things youd like to do on vacation - and then cut that list in half! In addition, be open to spontaneous detours along the way. If your beach plans are washed out, watch a movie instead, or if the weather is simply too gorgeous to be wasted inside a museum, check out a local arts and crafts fair.
Pack Smartand Light
Know the weather patterns of your destination before you go, but be realistic about what you need to bring. If two pairs of shoes are enough, dont bring four. If youll be spending most of your time at the beach, bring casual clothes.
If youre flying, put necessities in your carry-on bag in case you get separated from your luggage. That means medications, first-aid supplies, your itinerary, important phone numbers and even a change of clothes should be with you on the plane.
Involve Your Kids
Get your kids involved in planning your trip. Show them guidebooks, map out the route youll take, and learn about the locale. Your kids will have a greater interest in the destination, and theyll take pride in helping plan the itinerary.
Its also important to let your children pack their own luggageand, if possible, be able to transport it themselves. Smaller, wheeled luggage is perfect, and kids will love having their own bags. For road trips and rainy days, make sure they bring travel games, CDs and books. Better yet, buy them travel journals so they can write down (or draw) what they saw and did each day.
Pack Snacks and Plan Breaks
Whether flying, driving or cruising, traveling means time spent in close quarters with few breaks on the way to your destination and back. Remember to bring snacks and drinks that your kids enjoy. Familiar foods make children feel more at ease when going to a new place, and satisfied stomachs will help keep tantrums at bay.
Pack non-perishable snacks in resealable plastic bags and make sure you have any necessary supplies (spoons, napkins, moist towelettes, bowls, etc.) to make eating and cleanup easy. If youre traveling by car, bring a Frisbee® or soccer ball and stop at a park to picnic along the way.
Fun for Everyone
A great vacation can mean something different for everyone. So, even if you like shopping, your spouse is a museum buff and your kids prefer amusement parks, its possible to let everyone do at least one thing they enjoy.
Remember the purpose of a family vacation: spending time together. You cant control the weather and you cant avoid the occasional mishap, but by planning ahead, having a positive attitude, and embracing unexpected surprises, you can make your family vacation one that everyone will remember. Fondly.
