A family vacation is ideal for bonding, sharing new experiences, and making beautiful memories. In today’s busy world, however, taking a trip with your loved ones is impossible other than a couple of times annually. This creates a greater need for vacations to be well planned so one can fully enjoy them and spend quality time with their families.
If you’re thinking of embarking on a family getaway soon, here is a list of essential tips to keep in mind to make your trip unforgettable.
Choose your destination wisely.
Perhaps the most difficult part of taking a family vacation is deciding the destination. Unlike solo traveling, going on a trip with loved ones means you must select a location everyone is satisfied with, and your opinion is not the only one that matters. Fortunately for US residents, the list of ideal locations within the country is endless, and a state like Tennessee might meet the requirements of each member without going overboard on your budget. The question of where to travel doesn’t only depend on location. There are other aspects to remember, such as which season you are traveling in. Which route should you take? Will you fly in or make a road trip? Are reservations available? And do your travel dates align with your location? If you’re planning an island vacation, do your research and consider factors such as peak tourist seasons and weather conditions. So whenever you plan your next family getaway, keep all these questions in mind to help you choose your destination wisely.
Decide where to stay.
Every location has accommodations suited to the location itself, which tourists prefer to get an authentic experience. For those visiting the Volunteer State, home to the Great Smokys, you can find luxurious Tennessee cabin rentals close to the mountains with a great view and countless amenities. To choose the best-fitting cabin for you and your family, keep the following tips in mind:
- Family Size: It is important to know how many people must be accommodated to choose the right capacity of rooms. If you have a small family, go for a one or two-bedroom cabin. If you have a big family or will have extended family or friends joining you, go for a larger cabin or lodge which holds enough space for everyone.
- Location: Choose a cabin closer to your tourist destinations to shorten travel time between your accommodation and spots to visit.
- Budget: Many accommodation services also offer vouchers, offers, and discounts to attract customers. Furthermore, when choosing a cabin or lodge, ensure you’re getting the most value for money, i.e., facilities and amenities being provided match the price being paid for them.
- Facilities: Each family has needs and requirements for a comfortable stay. Some might need indoor pools and barbecue grills, while others may want to bring their pet friends along. So, when choosing your accommodation, always ensure that it offers you the facilities and amenities that meet your and your family’s needs and wants.
Travel safely and be well equipped
Now that your destination and accommodation have been selected, you must prepare for a travel day. Whether traveling by air or driving to your spot, there are a few things to remember. Firstly, pack smartly. Carry enough to last the entire trip but do not overstuff your luggage till it can’t fit in your car trunk or you have to pay extra at check-in. Always keep documentation, a first aid kit, snacks, and extra cash for emergencies.
Having each other’s company is the best entertainment, but if your family trip is bound to be long with many stops and layovers, it is essential to have entertainment. It can be in the form of a travel playlist with catchy tunes, card games, downloaded movies or television shows, or books you have been meaning to catch up on. When it comes to safety, communication is key. To maintain communication between all family members, purchase a local sim for everyone.
Unfortunately, tourists can often end up standing out among crowds of locals and hence be a target of muggings. To avoid losing valuable items, leave them at your accommodation or don’t travel with them, and always carry cards instead of large amounts of cash.
Plan out activities
Upon reaching your destination, you can easily get overwhelmed and confused about where to begin exploring if you don’t have an itinerary. The recipe for creating a well-balanced and all-inclusive itinerary is first to find out what tourist spots, attractions, and activities your destination is famous for. For instance, the most famous tourist spot in Tennessee is The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in the United States, covering an area of 520,000 acres.
Outside of the park, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two widely popular towns holding attractions such as The Titanic Museum, Dollywood Theme Park, Space Needle Observation Tower, and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Aside from these specific attractions, there are many seasonal activities Tennessee has to offer.
Once you have a basic idea of the activities and attractions available for your recreation, you and your family can decide which ones seem the most appealing. After deciding, divide these selected excursions evenly among your travel days and create an itinerary with ample space for fun, rest, and relaxation. That is how you can ensure you make the most of your family vacation.
Try out local food.
Any trip is incomplete without indulging in local cuisines. An area’s most popular and adored foods always have a rich history behind them and their popularity. So whenever you make your first or next family trip, trying out local snacks and cuisines is a must. It is not just about trying these foods out but also asking locals about the stories behind them, which shall make mealtime a source of bonding over culture and history.
Furthermore, common foods are always available, but special local dishes are often area specific, meaning you cannot get the same flavor anywhere else. For Tennessee visitors, leaving without indulging in a warm and soulful southern meal is an injustice to your trip.
All in all, local food and produce must be tried by tourists visiting any new or old destination to feel one with the destination.
Conclusion
With the hustle and bustle of today’s world, the love between families can get lost. In this regard, a family vacation is needed to reconnect and create beautiful, long-lasting memories to cherish forever. With the right planning and research and the abovementioned tips, your next family getaway might be the best one.
