Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is the last family vacation time of the summer for us. I try to plan a long weekend that we can all enjoy.

Below are a few family vacation planning tips:


1) Get an idea of the tempo of the trip. Does everyone want to kick back? See more sites? Discover everything at Disney? Does there need to be time for shopping? Adventure? Museums?

2) Establish the "where" you want to go. What destination can everyone agree on. Dates too.

3) Establish the date early on so you can take advantage of deals and promotions.

4) How will you get there? Share a ride, bus train or plane? I find more of the fun is hidden in the journey.

5) Look for packages, look for deals. Do some research on the internet.

6) Begin with a draft itinerary with your initial thoughts. Everyone has an easier time editing what they like and dislike, rather than starting from scratch and coming up with the ideas. Have everyone write two things they defiantly want to do on this vacation.

7) Keep a budget so you can keep track of expenses freeing you to say "Yes" knowing something is within your budget, or no if it tips you over the edge. Make sure to include in your budget transportation, accommodation, dining and entertainment expenses. My daughter checks for coupons and another daughter keeps track of all our paperwork. Works for me!

8) Spread out the responsibilities, one person make the initial plan, another send out email updates, another make a list of what not to forget to bring. It always a good idea to get everyone involved and excited about the planning. Richard sends a countdown email when he plans a trip. We all look forward to the daily "only __ days left" and includes one small fact and a photo is included. Sure gets me looking forward to the destination.

9) You might want to consider purchasing travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip, especially when traveling with young children.