These days, it’s not uncommon for vacations to include the whole family. Not just the nuclear family, but the extended one, as well. Adult siblings, grandparents, cousins of all ages gather together to enjoy each other’s company while having fun in the sun in a new faraway location. Sounds like a blast, right? It can be. However, bringing relatives of all different ages together can definitely have its challenges. With proper planning, communication and flexibility, you can reduce the chances of driving each other crazy and focus more on the fun stuff.
Spread Out
One of the biggest mistakes you can probably make when planning your group vacation is to book a row of hotel rooms. While it may seem like the most inexpensive option, it may not be. In addition, the layout can pose a great deal of problems and discomfort among your family. Think of the difficulties in communication that may exist when trying to gather everyone together to plan your daily agenda. Also, if the weather should turn rainy or you decide to spend some downtime inside, you’d likely find yourself dealing with some pretty restless kids claiming that they’re bored and looking for something to do. You can avoid such issues by booking a rental house or a large vacation villa available through companies like Blue Green Resorts, a big family can enjoy spacious luxury accommodations with tons of amenities and all the comforts of home. That way you can all just meet up in the living room to discuss plans, and the kids can watch movies together in the den on a lazy day. Plus, you can save money by choosing to stay in and cook sometimes.
Designate Roles
Planning a vacation with a group can be a lot of work, and frequently, one or two people end up putting forth most of the effort. Get everyone involved and have a planning meeting. Decide how you will get to your vacation destination. If you’re driving, be sure to have more than one vehicle and designate drivers. This allows some flexibility for enjoying separate activities while on your trip. If you plan to cook meals, decide who will do the grocery shopping and work together to plan a sample menu. Some flexibility is fine, but it’s good to have a general idea of what you’ll be making and who will do the preparation. It’s also wise to talk about finances to avoid any hassles or frustration that could put a damper on your vacation.
Be Flexible
Because family members of all ages will likely have differing interests, it’s a good idea to talk to everyone ahead of time about the need for flexibility and a desire to try new things. If everyone goes in with an open mind, you may be surprised at what kinds of new things each member may learn about themselves and each other. Being willing to join in on everyone else’s idea of fun can really increase family bonding and lead to treasured memories.
These tips should help you feel better about planning your extended family vacation. Planning, flexibility and a positive outlook are all you need.
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Do you have any additional tips for surviving a vacation with the extended family?
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