Planning a vacation with a large family can feel like trying to organize a three-ring circus. I’ve been there. You’ve got different ages, interests, and energy levels, all wrapped up in one big bundle of love (and chaos). But trust me, with a little planning and a lot of patience, you can create a vacation that everyone will enjoy and remember for years to come.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s chat about how to plan a vacation with a large family that’s both fun and (relatively) stress-free.
The Art of Choosing the Perfect Destination
First things first: where should you go? This is probably the hardest decision you’ll make, but it’s also the most important. The destination sets the tone for the entire trip.
When I was planning our last family vacation, I knew that finding a spot that had something for everyone would be key. My eldest is a teenager who wants to be glued to her phone (preferably with Wi-Fi), while my youngest is still at the stage where running around and yelling at the top of his lungs is the height of fun. And then there’s my partner, who just wants to relax with a good book.
So, how do you pick a place that will keep everyone happy? Here’s what worked for us:
1. Consider Everyone’s Interests
Make a list of what everyone enjoys. This might sound a bit formal, but it’s actually really helpful. I sat down with each of my kids and my partner, and we talked about what we wanted out of our vacation. Some of the answers surprised me! My middle child, who’s usually glued to video games, wanted to try horseback riding. Who knew?
By the end of our conversation, we had a good mix of activities: beach time, a little adventure, and plenty of downtime. We settled on a destination that offered a bit of everything—Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s got sandy beaches, amusement parks, and even some historical sites that I could sneak into our itinerary (I’m a bit of a history buff).
2. Budget Wisely
Budgeting is always a concern, especially with a large family. What I found helpful was to set a realistic budget early on and stick to it. To do this, I broke down our expenses into categories: travel, accommodation, food, activities, and miscellaneous.
I’ve found that the biggest money-saver for us was opting for a vacation rental instead of a hotel. With a rental, we had more space (no one wants to feel crammed on vacation), and we could cook some of our meals, which saved a ton of money. Plus, we all enjoyed shopping at local markets for fresh ingredients.
According to a report by the Family Travel Association, staying in a vacation rental can save families an average of 50% compared to booking multiple hotel rooms. That’s a win in my book.
3. Think About the Logistics
Logistics can make or break a trip. When you’re traveling with a large group, getting everyone from Point A to Point B can be a challenge. For us, the best decision we made was to drive instead of fly.
Not only did driving give us more flexibility with our schedule, but it also meant we could bring all the gear we needed—boogie boards, beach umbrellas, and even bikes. Plus, we didn’t have to worry about anyone’s ears popping (looking at you, youngest child) or losing luggage.
If driving isn’t an option, consider flights that cater to families. Many airlines offer early boarding for families with young kids, which gives you a little extra time to get everyone settled.
4. Accommodation: Find the Right Fit
As I mentioned earlier, we went with a vacation rental. But whether you’re staying in a rental, hotel, or even a resort, make sure it has enough space for everyone to spread out. No one wants to be on top of each other the entire time.
When booking, look for places that offer amenities your family will actually use. We found a rental with a kitchen, a pool, and easy beach access. The kitchen was a lifesaver for quick breakfasts and late-night snacks, and the pool kept the kids entertained when we needed a break from the beach.
If you’re staying in a hotel, connecting rooms can be a good option for larger families. Many hotels will offer discounted rates for booking multiple rooms. And don’t forget to check for family-friendly amenities like cribs, rollaway beds, or even babysitting services if you need a night off.
Packing Like a Pro (Or At Least Trying To)
Packing for a large family can be overwhelming. I used to dread this part of the trip. But after a few (okay, a lot of) trial and error, I’ve got it down to a system that works for us.
1. Make a Packing List
I start planning our packing about a week before we leave. I know that sounds early, but trust me, it saves a lot of last-minute stress. I break the list down by person and category: clothes, toiletries, entertainment, and “extras” like sunscreen or bug spray.
One thing I’ve learned the hard way is to pack light. I used to bring way too much, thinking I needed to be prepared for every possible scenario. Now, I stick to the essentials and remind myself that we can always buy anything we forget.
Fun fact: According to research by Statista, the average American family takes 4.4 vacation trips per year, and packing light consistently tops the list of tips from experienced travelers.
2. Involve the Kids
I used to pack for everyone, but as my kids have gotten older, I’ve started involving them in the process. This not only teaches them responsibility but also ensures they actually have what they want to wear. Nothing ruins a day faster than a teenager who hates all their outfits.
I give each child a packing list and a suitcase. We then go through everything together the day before we leave to make sure nothing’s missing. This way, if someone forgets something, it’s on them!
3. Pack Snacks and Entertainment
This is a big one, especially for the car ride. I pack a cooler with snacks and drinks, and each child gets their own bag of entertainment. For my youngest, it’s toys and books. For my older kids, it’s more about their electronics and headphones.
Pro tip: Don’t forget the charger cables and portable chargers. I learned this the hard way when all the tablets died halfway through a 10-hour drive. Now, I keep a stash of chargers in the car, just in case.
4. Prepare for the Weather
Check the weather forecast a few days before you leave, and pack accordingly. We once went to Florida expecting sunny skies, only to be greeted with a week of rain. Luckily, I’d packed ponchos and some indoor games, so we were able to make the best of it.
It’s also a good idea to pack a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. You never know when someone will get a scrape or a headache.
Managing Expectations and Staying Flexible
Let’s be real: no vacation goes exactly as planned. There will be hiccups, meltdowns, and maybe even a little drama. The key is to manage your expectations and stay flexible.
1. Go With the Flow
I used to plan our vacations down to the minute, but I quickly learned that this just isn’t realistic with a large family. Now, I plan one or two main activities per day and leave the rest up to how we’re feeling.
For example, one day in Myrtle Beach, we planned to spend the whole day at the beach. But after a few hours, the kids were tired, and we were all getting sunburned. Instead of pushing through, we packed up and spent the afternoon relaxing at our rental. This unplanned downtime was a lifesaver and made the rest of the trip more enjoyable.
According to a survey by the Family Travel Association, 43% of families say they value flexibility in their travel plans, and I couldn’t agree more.
2. Embrace the Chaos
With a large family, things are going to get chaotic. Someone will spill their drink, another will lose their shoe, and someone will inevitably have a meltdown. But that’s all part of the adventure, right?
I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and laugh it off when things don’t go as planned. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely more fun. Plus, these moments often make the best memories. Like the time we were caught in a sudden downpour at an amusement park and ended up dancing in the rain. It wasn’t what we had planned, but it’s one of my favorite memories from that trip.
3. Take Time for Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in making sure everyone else is having a good time, but don’t forget about yourself. I always try to carve out a little “me time” each day, even if it’s just a quiet cup of coffee in the morning before everyone else wakes up.
If you’re traveling with a partner or another adult, take turns watching the kids so you can each get a break. On our last trip, my partner and I took turns going for early morning walks on the beach. It was a great way to recharge and enjoy some peaceful moments.
Making Memories That Last
At the end of the day, the most important part of any vacation is the memories you make together. Here are a few ways I like to ensure our family trips are memorable:
1. Capture the Moments
I’m not talking about spending the whole trip behind a camera or phone. But I do make an effort to capture some of the special moments, whether it’s with photos, videos, or just jotting down a quick note in my phone.
One of my favorite things to do after a trip is to create a photo book. It’s a fun way to relive the memories, and the kids love flipping through them too. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the vacation spirit alive once you’re back to reality.
2. Create Traditions
Traditions give our trips a sense of continuity and something to look forward to. For example, we always try to find a local ice cream shop wherever we go. It’s become a fun tradition that everyone looks forward to, and it’s a great way to end a day of exploring.
Another tradition we’ve started is letting each child choose one activity or attraction they want to visit. This way, everyone feels like they have a say in the trip, and it ensures we’re doing something everyone enjoys.
3. Stay Present
It’s easy to get caught up in planning, logistics, and trying to make everything perfect. But I’ve learned that the best moments happen when you’re just present and enjoying the moment. Whether it’s building sandcastles with my youngest, chatting with my teenager about her latest favorite book, or sharing a quiet moment with my partner as we watch the sunset, these are the moments that make the trip truly special.
According to a study by the University of California, Irvine, staying present and mindful during vacation can lead to greater happiness and more meaningful experiences. So, put down the phone, soak in the moment, and enjoy the time with your family.
Wrapping It Up: Why It’s All Worth It
Planning a vacation with a large family isn’t always easy. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of patience. But when you see the smiles on your kids’ faces, hear the laughter, and create memories that will last a lifetime, it’s all worth it.
So, whether you’re headed to a beach, a mountain cabin, or just a nearby city, remember to plan a little, go with the flow, and most importantly, enjoy the journey together. After all, these are the moments that make up the story of our lives.
And when you get back home, take a deep breath, relax, and start dreaming about your next adventure. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s always more fun to be had—and more memories to be made—on the next family vacation.
Thanks for reading, and happy travels!