If you want to make this summer break more enjoyable, a family summer vacation is one great way to do that. If you want to plan the perfect summer vacation for you and your family in 2024, this post will help you achieve that.
A summer vacation is a great way to escape the unpleasant experiences of the hot summer, and many families plan for a summer vacation every year. Nearly 82% of all American adults planned for a summer vacation this 2024, almost similar to the proportion for the previous year (approx. 84%), and accounting for more than 212 million Americans.[1]Summer Travel Survey 2024 – The Vacationer
With a few months left for the summer break, you still have enough time to plan for your perfect summer vacation and make it happen this year. Whether you are on a budget, or you are lost as to how to start making plans, or whether you lack summer vacation ideas, this post will show you all you need to plan the perfect summer vacation for you and your family.
Choosing the Location
The choice of where to spend summer vacation with your family is a very important one that will impact all other decisions regarding your vacation. You want to choose a vacation location where everyone in your family is sure to have a great time, while also considering your budget.
If you want to have your family vacation within your home country/state, you want to consider where your kids and spouse would want for a vacation this year. If your kids love playing at the beach when the weather is hot, you might want to consider somewhere close to a beach for your family’s summer vacation.
According to a 2024 survey, a majority (62 percent) will travel only domestically this summer. Seventeen percent said they would travel internationally and domestically, while 6 percent would travel only internationally.[2]Ibid. Choosing your location should depend on your budget for the vacation, your family/spouse preferences, and how long you intend to stay.
Deciding on How You Want to Travel
Your choice of location will also affect how you plan to travel for your summer vacation with your family. For example, if you are planning to travel internationally, flying just makes more sense. However, you should also factor this out in your budget.
Many families opt to take road trips because it can be more affordable to drive with your entire family than booking flights for everyone, and that is also perfectly fine. However, if your kids are still quite young, it is easy to book free flights for them while you pay for yourself and your spouse.
If your vacation destination is a near one, a road trip with your family can be very fun too. You can plan ways to make the entire trip enjoyable before you get to your desired destination.
Choosing Your Main Activities
Choosing your activities for a family vacation is another important aspect you need to plan for if you want to have a memorable family summer vacation with your family. Think ahead on the kind of activities you and your family members would want during your vacation or talk to them about the kind of activities they would most enjoy.
Some fun activities for a family summer vacation include swimming, fishing, mountain biking, beach play, and beach partying. After you have decided which activities you want your family to enjoy during your vacation, it is time to pack your travel bags, and don’t forget to include swimsuits and sunscreen, especially if visiting a beach is on your summer vacation to-do list.
Other Important Things to Plan For
When planning for your family’s summer vacation, it is best to plan for uncertainties that may be encountered along the way.
From extra toys for your kids during a long flight or road trip, to medications for common travel-related conditions, plus travel health insurance, ensuring that other important things are not left out in the planning can guarantee a very successful and memorable family vacation.
As a parent, you might know other specific needs your child(ren) may have. Remember to include those extras to ensure that everyone stays safe, happy, and satisfied with the summer vacation while preventing challenges that may ruin the entire experience or affect your financial well-being in the end.
Sticking to The Plan
Once you have made your vacation plans, it is a good thing to stick to the plan. Some couples run into problems when they try to do too much. For example, taking a scenic route to your final destination, or deciding to make numerous ‘iconic stops’ along the way might make the journey tiring for you and your partner, as well as your kids.
It is important to write down your must-dos and the maybes. While it is okay to include a few additions to your plan, you should look into the logistics and think ahead about how it may impact you and the entire experience before going on with any of them.
10 Family Summer Vacation Location Ideas
Whether you want your family’s summer vacation to be domestic or international, here are some family summer vacation ideas you can consider.
- Yellow Stone National Park, US
- Washington DC, US
- Outer Banks, US
- Anaheim-Disneyland, US
- Bahamas, US
- San Diego, US
- London, UK
- Vancouver, Canada
- Dubai, UAE
- Cape Cod, US
Any location you choose for your family’s summer vacation is okay. The goal is for you and your family to take a break from the routine and enjoy the holidays as much as possible.
Final words
In planning for a summer vacation for your family, important things to consider are your choice of location, how you want to travel, and the activities you like to do on your vacation as a family. Also plan to include other fun items and outfits and extra things like medications, first aid kits, and obtaining travel insurance.
Travel prepared, especially with your kids, is always best. But most importantly, you want to prioritize the excitement and satisfaction of yourself and every member of your family.
References
| ↑1 | Summer Travel Survey 2024 – The Vacationer |
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| ↑2 | Ibid. |
