Traveling with extended family gives you a chance to create memories and bond over your shared experiences. But taking a trip with relatives is a bigger commitment than a holiday meal or backyard BBQ, when you can go home anytime you want. To make sure everyone involved has the best vacation possible, experts share their top tips for keeping the peace with happier travel.
- Plan the trip as a group - Start with choosing the dates of the trip as a group, which takes a lot of work as finding a time that works for kids in school, working parents and retirees can be tough. Spreading the planning duties among the group also helps to ensure one person doesn’t get the blame if something goes wrong.
- Address money matters ahead of time - Some people may want to spend more on a nice hotel, while others prefer saving on accommodations and splurging on dining out or activities. Talking about it and creating a budget while you’re planning can help manage expectations and keep everyone on the same page.
- Keep an open mind - Everyone won’t be interested in the same activities, so it’s okay to let those who want to see and do as much as possible go for it, while others prefer relaxing by the pool for the day. Making a list of everyone’s must-see or do activities can help make sure no one misses out on the fun they want to have.
- Be considerate about money issues while on the trip - Talking about money can be awkward, but you don’t want to “guilt” anyone into feeling like they have to spend more than planned. There’s nothing wrong with saying something like, “We prefer to do something a little more budget-friendly today, so we’re going to the beach and you’re welcome to join us.”
- Spend time away from the group - Splitting up into smaller groups can allow people to see and do the specific things that are most important to them. Of course, you don’t want to seem like you’re ditching your family the whole time, so talk about it before you go and support others who want to do their own thing, too.
Source: Fox News
Scott's Thoughts:
- There’s nothing better than a family vacation if you have kids, since you have all those built-in babysitter aunts, cousins and grandparents around!
- Just remember that every moment doesn't have to be perfect to have the perfect vacation.
- Plan some time as a couple or individuals on the trip so you don't get on each other's nerves.