Holidays are one of the most enjoyable times of the year. But, they can also be one of the most stressful due to all the necessary hectic planning.
Traveling (especially with a family) is often one of the most involved and time-consuming aspects of holiday planning. But, it doesn’t have to be.
While it may seem daunting to manage everything that goes on during the holiday season, it doesn’t have to be.
By taking the time to develop a plan for you and your family, you can minimize the number of obstacles you face.
Not sure where to begin? Read on to discover 10 ways to make planning large family holidays much easier.
Book Your Flights in Advance
One of the most stressful parts of travelling for the holidays (especially with your family) is finding out that there are no more tickets to your destination.
Not only can this result in major inconvenience from rescheduling, you could also end up losing money from having to buy a more expensive ticket.
To avoid unwanted stress and conflict while scheduling your trip, book your flights in advance. This will allow you to focus on other aspects of your holiday planning.
The first week of October is often the ideal time to book flights for the winter holidays.
Check The Currency
Dealing with large family holidays is difficult enough.
Imagine being with your spouse and children in another country only to find that currency exchange comes at a steep price.
If you’re looking to save time and money on your vacation, exchange your currency before you leave on your trip.
Not only will you have money readily available, you’ll also be able to save on fees that banks often charge for the conversion process.
Alternatively, you can use a credit card to pay for goods and services while travelling abroad.
Just make sure to let your card provider know in advance so that they don’t assume it’s been stolen and freeze your account.
Pack Days Before You Leave
It’s not uncommon for people to miss their flight because they didn’t leave for the airport in time.
Large family holidays often involve a lot of packing, and it’s never a good idea to wait until the last minute.
Just to be safe, you shouldn’t even wait until the day before. You should be fully packed days before you depart.
This is especially vital if you’re taking your younger children along with you for your holiday trip.
Anticipate Security Checkpoints
It’s commonly understood that it’s a good idea to get to the airport with a couple of hours to spare.
However, many people forget that the security checkpoints during holidays can be total nightmares to deal with.
If you happen to have children with you, this ordeal can be even more mentally taxing.
Get to the airport hours in advance in case the security checkpoints are particularly congested.
Bring Snacks
This isn’t just advice for those with children. Adults can benefit from having snacks on hand, too.
Traveling can be so hectic that we often don’t have time to eat. Even worse, buying food on the go is often very expensive.
Large family holidays are already stressful. Having your own snacks at your disposal will help you stay full and focused.
They’ll also satisfy your kids’ cravings, too.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
Holidays are about enjoyment and spending time with those you care about. However, they can sometimes become complicated by issues encountered while travelling.
To save time and money, it’s important not to journey during peak travel times. These typically include the day of the holiday and the day before.
Poor planning will only result in an unpleasant travel experience. It will also cause you to be frustrated and spend more money than you have to.
Entertain The Kids
If you’re a parent, you know how hard it is to keep your children entertained during large family holidays. For them, travelling is extremely tedious and may cause them to act out.
Entertainment can come from any source as long as it keeps them occupied. Books, games, and electronics are all good options to keep your kids busy while travelling.
If you hold their attention long enough, they may even find themselves wanting a nap, giving you a moment to relax.
Always Keep a Headcount
In larger families, it can be difficult to keep track of where everyone is at any given time.
But, you should remain vigilant throughout your entire trip to ensure that nobody gets lost.
In crowded places like airports, a lost child situation can quickly turn into a catastrophe. But, it’s all avoidable if you always keep your children close and accounted for.
Have a Backup Plan
Unplanned events are a part of life. Perhaps your car broke down, you got rear-ended, or you missed your flight for whatever reason.
If you have a backup plan, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from your original itinerary to one that will get you where you need to go.
Having another course of action can also help you save money if your original plan ends up costing more than expected.
This can apply to any travel situation, whether you are flying, driving, or even going out of the country.
Sometimes, the location may even change. Family holiday homes are a great place to get everyone together for the holiday season.
Relax
Large family holidays can take a lot out of you. But, they’re always worth it in the end.
If you need to, take a moment to breathe while on your travels. It will leave you mentally refreshed and better able to enjoy the time you spend with your family.
Large Family Holidays Are Unforgettable
Getting everyone together for the holidays can sometimes be difficult, but it makes for an unforgettable experience.
Plus, larger families often have a harder time organizing, so take advantage of it when you can.
There’s something deeply satisfying about looking back through collections of pictures from the holidays and remembering the time you spent with your family.
For more information on travelling with family for the holidays, check out our blog.