5 Easy Ways to Simplify Family Vacation Planning

It’s time for a family vacation! But before the fun, there’s the planning. Of course, planning can be fun too if you take it step-by-step.

And you don’t have to go it alone. A travel advisor can help you book, score the best deals and answer all your questions along the way.

To ensure you don’t spin your wheels, here are our best tips simplify your family vacation planning.

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1. Figure Out the When and Where

It’s a big, wide world out there, and there’s only 52 weeks in a year. Working around school and work schedules, lessons, practices and special events helps to narrow down your options, but remember, dates impact pricing.

The amount of time you can spend on vacation can also help to inform how far you’re willing to travel. For example, a family in New York is less likely to spend a narrow four-night window on a six-hour flight to Los Cabos with a two-hour transfer to their resort in Tulum. On the other hand, if they have seven nights at their disposal, Hawaii can (and ought to be!) in the cards.

2. Find Family-Friendly Resort Brands

Once you have a destination and time frame in mind, you’ll want to thinking about hotel brands. Do your research. You don’t want to fall in love with a property only to find out it’s adults-only. Some resort chains are more family-friendly than others with amenities tailored toward specific age groups. If you have teens and tweens, you’ll probably want to look for age-restricted lounges and plenty of activities. If your kids are younger, you may want included daycare options and amenities like stepstools, mini robes, children’s menus and a splash pool.

3. Check for Special Promotions

Having a set list of hotel brands you’re interested in can help you refine your search for deals. Family-friendly resorts often launch promotions where children up to a certain age can stay – and sometimes even eat and play – for free, except for possibly taxes and fees. Some resorts may also have limited-time offers for adjoining or connecting rooms or sales on family suites. Look for these deals to get the most space for your rate!

4. Define Your Budget and Prioritize Vacation Value

Determine a budget range that works for your family’s wants and needs. A range will account for any fluctuations that you can expect to encounter for factors such as airfare, destination and time of year.

It’s also important to remember the value of your family vacation is determined by the memories you make, not the price you pay. Think about the items you want to save on, as well as where you’re willing to splurge. Small enhancements like room upgrades and dining experiences can make a trip.

5. Work With a Travel Advisor

We saved the best for last. By enlisting the help of a professional licensed travel advisor, you can keep the travel-planning legwork to a minimum. They’ll do all the research for you, plus fill in any gaps for questions you might not even think to ask. A travel advisor will:

• Recommend the best time to travel to certain destinations.
• Let you know about upcoming promotions, instant credits, airfare patterns, hotel policies and added values.
• Book affordable and reputable airport transfers, so you don’t have to worry about finding a taxi to your hotel.
• Choose from pre-vetted companies to make sure your tours and excursions are safe in every way.
• Keep you up-to-date on the latest health protocols, guidelines and policies.

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with a AAA travel advisor and starting planning your family vacation today.