Research shows that spending money on experiences often brings more lasting joy than buying more “stuff.” Now imagine the joy and connection that comes from planning a big family vacation—one that creates memories for generations to come. I believe Clark Griswold knew the value of such trips, but he clearly had trouble pulling it off. While getting everyone aligned may feel challenging, it’s also what makes the journey worthwhile. Let’s go over some key steps to ensure your family adventure is one for the books.
Open the Dialogue Early
Nobody enjoys being dragged along on someone else’s vacation. The key to a successful family trip is making sure everyone feels included from the start. Whether some family members are retired with flexible schedules or others are balancing school, work, and activities, it’s important to consider everyone’s situation.
Start by agreeing who is the ‘champion’ of the planning overall. Someone must be responsible for organizing the communicating the plans. Then start gathering input from everyone—use a group video chat, shared document, or a family meeting to talk through options. This gives everyone a chance to voice what works for them and helps you find common ground. Collaboration early on can make all the difference in pulling off a trip everyone enjoys. Obviously this will look different if you are traveling with younger kids, but you know that they have opinions too!
Balance Togetherness and Individual Time
When planning a vacation for a large group, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between shared experiences and personal space. Not everyone will want to do the same activities, and that’s okay. Whether it’s golfers heading out for a round while others enjoy a spa day or different groups exploring different sights, the key is flexibility.
Plan a few moments for everyone to be together—like beach time or family dinners—but also allow space for each person to pursue what excites them. This balance will help everyone enjoy the trip in their own way without feeling overwhelmed or restricted.
Be Clear About the Budget
Few things create tension faster than money talk, especially in a family setting. If each family is paying their way, aim to pick a destination that fits most people’s budgets. If one person is paying for it all (ie, mom and dad), be totally clear about that from the beginning. This ensures everyone can enjoy the trip without feeling financially strained. Or worse, living in the uncertainty of ‘who is paying for what’?
If you are generously covering the cost, having a clear budget in place is even more important. Setting limits upfront helps ensure you don’t overstretch yourself financially, allowing you to fully enjoy this special experience with your loved ones.
Thinking ahead about your travel budget and ensuring that this family vacation fits within your broader financial goals will allow you to focus on making memories instead of managing costs. This is what it is all about!
