Planning a family vacation can seem like a chaotic mess initially. Fortunately, if you break the planning process down into steps, it becomes much more manageable. One of your first steps should be to figure out which type of family vacation you’d like to enjoy. Once a decision has been made, you can begin making the proper preparations.

Road Trip Vacation:

For the family who would prefer to remain mobile during their vacation, there’s always the option of a family road trip vacation. A road trip vacation will require you and your family to spend the bulk of your time in a vehicle. This type of vacation will allow you to see a lot of sights and is full of potential. Due to the constant mobility of this type of vacation, you will need to plan ahead with regards to sleeping arrangements. The entire family won’t be able to sleep comfortably in the car together. Be sure to bring enough money to rent a hotel room for overnight lodging. Also, bring plenty of entertainment items to keep everyone distracted and happy during the long car rides. It will also be a good idea to purchase a cheap car insurance policy in case you experience an accident while out on the open road. Making sure you are current on your auto insurance is extremely important before going on your road trip. A map or a GPS, a road emergency kit, electronic charging cables, and snacks will also be essential items to pack.

 Backpacking Vacation:

 Backpacking is less of a vacation destination and is more of a vacation adventure. This is the perfect vacation adventure for families who love exploring natural surroundings. As you make plans for a backpacking vacation, be sure to pack the correct essentials for the trip. Do research on the area through which your family will be backpacking so that you can bring weather-specific essentials such as sunscreen, rain gear, cold weather gear, bug spray, etc. The whole idea behind backpacking is fitting everything you need into your backpack, so be sure to purchase durable backpacks with straps and pockets for organizational and storage purposes.

Camping Vacation:

This type of vacation can be enjoyed in tents, in a camper, in an RV, or in a shelter that’s stocked full with food and modern conveniences. When you and your family plan a camping vacation, you should bring a multitude of essentials like sleeping bags, tents, cooking items, a first aid kit, a compass or GPS, lanterns, a lighter, and nonperishable food. If you plan on vacationing in a camper or an RV, you will need to ensure that the inside of these shelters is clean and fully stocked with everyday essentials. Don’t forget to pack extra cans of gasoline or propane to power your camper or RV.

Exotic Destination Vacation:

A popular type of family vacation for many is to hop on a plane and fly to an exotic destination. Some families prefer to visit a warm, tropical paradise where the sun sets late and the beaches are open all night long. Other families would prefer to visit historic countries in Europe or stunningly modern cities in Asia. Or perhaps a stay at a luxury Extended Stay hotel to fully experience all that New York City has to offer. If your family wants to have a fulfilling tropical or urban vacation adventure, hopping on a plane and flying to a new country is a fun and educational way to satisfy everyone’s wanderlust. Don’t forget to gather the necessary travel paperwork like passports, plane tickets, flight and gate information, hotel information, and printed directions to all the places you want to visit.

A family vacation can be really memorable.  It is up to you as to whether those memories are fantastic or if you just want to forget them.