Family trips are an important part of your life's journey! Many chersihable memories are made in these trips. But planning a trip isn't that easy! Specially amidst a busy office schedule. I have listed some pointers which will help you plan your trip with your loved ones with ease and will make sure you don't miss out on any action! From finding the perfect 24 hr check-in hotel to booking your logistics and packing your bag, I have solution for all!
Which place to go?
The first question which comes to mind when planning a trip is which place to go?And the best way to decide it is by having a family meeting! if you are planning to go with your wife, kids or parents, the best option is to ask them where they want to go? Not the exact location, but the type of place. The beach, the mountain side, the jungles, the waterfall, a small hike, by a riverside etc. Try to pick a point with common interest so that everyone is equally enthusiastic on the trip.
How much to spend?
Deciding on the budget is the most crucial part of planning a trip. How much you are willing to spend will let you help decide your itinerary for the rest of the trip. Financial Experts suggests that you should spend 5-10% of your yearly earnings on family vacations. So if your family income is around 6 lakhs per annum, you should spend somewhere around Rs 30000-60000. There are ways you can use to cut the spending on your trip and utilize the most out of it. Booking rooms by the hour, arranging for logistics in advanced, doing your research will help you atleast 20-30% of your budget.
How to decide upon the itinerary?
Decide upon the length of the trip, go to tourism websites of the place and take a look at how they have planned the itinerary of the tour. You will get an idea of which places you should visit and what mode of transportation you should use. The best way to prepare an itinerary is to keep it simple and loose. Family trips are meant for relaxation and family time, over scheduling the trips, or leaving no loose ends to enjoy makes the trip stressful and hectic. Keep free evenings or afternoons where you could have fun with your family or go on unplanned excursions around your destination. Always try to make your schedule as flexible as possible, such as use hotels on hourly basis so that you can easily check in or out any time you want without paying extra, drive to your destination, having your own car can be a blessing during such family trips, an undiscovered lake ,a small ravine, all can be a part of your driving experience and these small things adds up to the enjoyment of the trip.
How to make the necessary bookings?
The places you are supposed to visit might require pre-approved permission from the govt. or may be the safari rides at the jungle has to be booked in advance, it is very important to research about the place and make sure you won't be loosing in on any attraction just because you haven't made a prior appointment. If you are visiting a place during its peak season book rooms by the hour in advance so that you don't have to pay for the surge charges, also make sure you book tickets of flights or trains if you are planning to travel in the same. Make a note of all the necessary documents you would need in the trip.
What to pack for your trip?
Packing is another important part of the trip , specially if you have got kids. When packing you need to keep a few things in mind! Firstly, pack according to the weather of the place you are visiting. Secondly, calculate the number of clothes you might need according to the number of days in your itinerary. Thirdly, if you have got kids pack some of their favorite toys and games which can keep them busy during the travelling in a car or train or aeroplane. Always keep a first aid kit and general medicines handy. Do pack some dry food for munching while travelling and some chocolates for your kids. Take a look at the weather forecast of the place you are travelling to, carry umbrella or raincoats if you need to. Always carry extra pairs of shoes or slippers, and especially for children and ladies. And do carry sanitizers and masks.
How to be safe while travelling with your family?
Safety is a major concern for everyone! It is the most essential requirement of a trip. Choose the destination so that every member of your family can enjoy and be safe. Travelling to a 14000 ft mountain with 2 kids below 5 years is not safe at all, rather look for places which have climatic conditions close to your home town, so that its easy for the young and old members of your squad to adjust. Avoid travelling without prior booking. Always book rooms by the hour in advance so that you are free from the last minute hassle of finding 24 hr check-in hotel . Also book logistics such as cars and local sight seeing tours from reputed dealers.
Travelling tips:
- Make a Check-list so that you do not miss out on anything important.
- Keep your schedule or itinerary loose and flexible so that you can allow changes in it. You might want to stay at a place for an extra day or add a particular place to your itinerary. Always keep a provision for the same.
- Spend some time with your partner. Couple friendly hotels have provision for baby sitting, use that to enjoy some lone time with your partner.
- Book rooms by the hour and save upto 30% of your travelling budget. Why pay for the whole day if you need a room just to sleep at night?
- Drive to your destination. Going on a long drive with your family is a pretty fun, don't miss on that!