Traveling together as a family is one of the most incredible experiences that you can have. However, planning a trip that blends both relaxation and adventure can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Finding a balance between the two is of the utmost importance, as too much relaxation can be boring for some members of your group, while too much adventure could lead to burnout.
So, how do you find that perfect mix of both relaxation and adventure while traveling together as a family? Here are 5 practical tips to help you plan a getaway that everyone will love.
1. Choose a Destination With a Variety of Activities
When deciding where you want to go on your family vacation, you should consider searching for places that offer a wide variety of activities. There are plenty of destinations that have both relaxing and adventurous excursions, so be sure to do your research for a place that fits your family’s needs. For example, staying close to a beach means that you can lay out by the water or try your hand at surfing. Another option that’s great for families is to stay at a resort with a waterpark. Your kids will enjoy running around and going down the thrilling slides while you sit back and relax with a cold drink in hand. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Some of the top destinations for families looking for a nice balance of relaxation and adventure include:
- Orlando, Florida
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Toronto, Canada
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Athens, Greece
- Maui, Hawaii
- Lake Tahoe, California
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Naples, Italy
2. Create a Flexible Itinerary
When planning a trip for your family, one of your first thoughts may be to create an itinerary. Doing so allows you to get an idea of what’s to come, however, you’ll want to avoid planning too many things. Instead, leave some time open so that you can be flexible with what you’re doing. This way, you can see how you and your group are feeling in the moment and go from there. There’s a chance you could all be a little tired and want to relax at the hotel, or maybe you are well rested and ready to take on some adventure. Leaving time to decide what you want to do in the moment leaves room for endless possibilities.
3. Select Accommodations That Fit Your Family’s Needs
There are many different options when it comes to accommodations nowadays, which is why you should sit down and consider which is right for your family. Really take some time to think about your wants and needs, and even make a pros and cons list of each option so that you know exactly what you’ll be getting yourself into. Some of the accommodation options you can choose from include:
- Hotels: Hotels are great as they typically offer activities that the whole family will enjoy, however, there is usually less space in your room.
- Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals give you a lot of room for games and activities, but you will have to cook your own meals and clean up after yourselves.
- All-Inclusive Resorts: All-inclusive resorts have plenty of tasty food options as well as a wide variety of activities, but can be more costly.
- RVs: If you’re up for some adventure, rent an RV. The best part about an RV is that it can get you to your destination and act as your accommodations.
4. Split Up If Needed
Sometimes part of your family may feel like sitting back at the hotel and relaxing, while others want to go out and try an adventurous activity. It’s totally okay to split up and try different activities if needed, as this allows everyone to do something they enjoy. Then, once you are done, you can go back to the hotel, freshen up, and decide if you want to partake in an activity as a group, get a bite to eat, or simply relax and enjoy some quality time together. The best part of vacations is that there’s a wide variety of things to do and see, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
5. Go With the Flow
Lastly, do your best to go with the flow. Family vacations are such a magical experience, and something that everyone will remember forever. Though it’s essential to plan for both relaxation and adventure, making memories is even more important. Sit back and take in everything that’s going on around you, and instead of filling up your entire itinerary, be flexible and see where the wind takes you. Afterall, some of the best moments on vacation come when you least expect them.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure can be challenging at times, but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to plan a trip that everyone in your group enjoys. No matter if you’re traveling with young kids or grandparents, we know that if you follow these tips, you’re going to plan the perfect vacation for you and your family.
Another thing that you’ll need to do before going on your international family vacation is to make sure that everyone in your family has a valid passport. If you or someone in your group needs to get a new passport or passport renewal, Swift can help! Get the application process started on our website. Then, once your passports are ready, we’ll send them directly to you. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there!
