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Vacations are stress-relief tools in their own right, but only if you’re diligent about planning them beforehand. This goes double for family adventures, where you’ve got a lot to think about with your little ones in tow.
To that end, here are a few checklists you can use to form the foundations of your own multigenerational trip, with steps to take and pitfalls to circumnavigate.
Budgeting for the Trip
Planning a family vacation can be a financial burden, with average costs for a 4 person trip topping $3,600 last year. Here’s how you can enjoy your trip without overspending:
Set a Realistic Budget
- Determine total funds available for travel, accommodations, food, and activities.
- Allocate specific amounts to each category; leave room for unexpected expenses.
Book in Advance
- Reserve flights and hotels early to secure lower prices.
- Look out for deals or discount codes from trusted travel sites like Expedia or Kayak.
Plan Meals Ahead
- Opt for accommodations with kitchenettes, and prepare some meals yourself.
- Research affordable local eateries before traveling.
Utilize Free Activities
- Find free attractions such as parks, museums on free admission days, or beach outings.
- Take advantage of any family discounts or vouchers to make paid-for attractions less pricey.
Leverage Technology
- Use budgeting apps like TravelSpend to track expenses on-the-go.
- Check your daily expenditure each evening to ensure you’re sticking to your budget.
Setting clear financial boundaries, reserving essentials ahead of time, and exploring cost-free options, means you’ll make more room in your well-organized budget for those spontaneous splurges that make vacations memorable.
Pre-Travel Car Maintenance
A smooth road trip starts with a well-maintained vehicle, and given that analysis from Agero indicates there are 61 million vehicle breakdowns a year, this is clearly something plenty of people fall short of. Don’t overlook these essential pre-travel checks to avoid roadside hassle:
Check Fluid Levels
- Ensure oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluids are topped up.
- Change the oil if it’s nearing the recommended mileage interval.
Inspect Tires
- Check tire pressure, and inflate according to your car’s manual specifications.
- Look for signs of wear or damage, and consider rotating tires for even wear.
Test Battery Health
- Inspect battery terminals for corrosion.
- Test voltage using a multimeter or have it checked at an auto shop.
Examine Brakes and Lights
- Listen for any unusual noises when braking, and have pads replaced if necessary.
- Verify all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) are functioning correctly.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Include:
- Jumper cables
- A spare tire with jack
- First aid supplies (more on this later)
- Basic tools like screwdrivers and wrenches
It’s also important to pick a vehicle that’s been looked after by previous owners. This is easier if you buy from a trusted local dealer, rather than risking private sales. So for example once you’ve found respected used car dealerships in Colorado Springs, they’ll not only give you access to excellent, road trip-ready automobiles, but also give you peace of mind about maintenance and servicing ahead of any vacation.
Packing Smart
One report from the UK found that packing is one of the most stressful stages of any journey, with 25% of people missing out on important items, and 21% struggling to fit in everything they need in the space available. Here’s how to pack smart for your family vacation and avoid these snafus:
Prioritize Essentials
- Create a checklist of must-haves like passports, tickets, and medications.
- Pack travel-size toiletries to save space.
Organize Clothing
- Roll clothes instead of folding as this minimizes wrinkles and maximizes suitcase space.
- Use packing cubes or compression bags to keep outfits organized by day or person.
Include Entertainment Options
- Bring lightweight books
- Download movies or games on tablets
- Pack small toys for kids’ in-transit amusement
Prepare Snacks and Drinks
- Pack healthy snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits to cut pit stop costs
- Invest in refillable water bottles rather than buying sodas at every gas station
First Aid Kit & Hygiene Products
To deal with minor injuries, remember to pack:
- Band-aids
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hand sanitizer
These seem like minor things to do as you pack, and that’s the entire point. You only need to make small adjustments to your habits to radically improve the packing experience, and thus shrink the stress of any family getaway.
The Bottom Line
The last thing you should do when getting ready for a trip with the whole clan in tow is get kids involved in the planning process to a degree that makes sense for their age. This will not only give them more responsibility and a stake in the preparations, but will also help to squash any of the travel-related stress and anxiety they may be feeling as the big day approaches. In turn, you’ll have more fun together if every member is happy from the word go.