We know first hand that vacationing with kids isn’t like being on a vacation with the wife or your friends, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun! Sure there is a ton more planning that goes into being on vacation with the family, but thats half the fun…right? Seeing as we are family vacation experts we decided to put together our Top 10 Tips to Have a Successful Family Vacation. These are some things that we think can help to make your time away roll a little smoother…

Wake. Dad. Drink. Repeat. - Top 10 Tips to Have a Successful Family Vacation

1.Pack the car like the car packing Dad ninja you are -

Look you “know” deep down in that dad bod of yours that no one can pack a car better than you, except maybe your dad, because you come from a long line of great car packers. Sound familiar? Well here is where things have changed, we now have to compete with iPads that need charging, any number of DVD players in the car, car seats that face backwards, snacks for the masses, bathrooms for the masses and the list goes on and on! So packing the car like a tetris wizard doesn’t only count in the trunk. You’ve got to think through any potential stops, spills, boredom induced rage, electronic charging, hangry kid screaming sessions and traffic jam possible…. pack accordingly - best of luck buddy.

2. Make wheels up time an intelligent time -

Lets make sure you are leaving with your family (don’t forget your f’n family) & the Dad ninja packed car at a smart time. This can make the difference of a few hours saved on the road and countless hours of mental sanity. Here are a few pointers:

Think about your kids nap times, leave right in time for them to zonk out. That will hopefully score you a couple of hours of smooth sailing (driving…if you’re sailing, we can’t help you). Second, don’t leave at rush hour!!!! Don’t get off work at 4pm, with a pre-packed car, just to get on the road at 5pm. Not smart… do & be better. Third, get the crew tired! Have an impromptu family cross fit session, run laps in driveway, have a burpee contest. Burn those calories outside the car.

Most importantly, the drive is part of your vacation as well. Remember that & enjoy it!

3. Make strategic stops! -

We all know stopping the car is unavoidable, the question is how many stops will there be? The only variable that is constant & unpredictable is the kiddos needing a potty break. So, when this happens - get gas, everyone go to the bathroom, everyone get food, everyone do twenty jumping jacks . Not some of the time, everytime!

In addition, if the trip is a long one (over four hours) consider a super long lunch break (picnic at a park) to make everyone happy. Also consider breaking it up into 2 days, overnight hotel with a pool, camping, airbnb, whatever your cup o’ tea may be.

4. Vacation with friends or other family -

This helps on a handful of fronts. Giving parents some adult vacation socializing (not water cooler work talk) and the kids more piers to run out their energy and have fun with. If you can’t get friends of family to join you find ways for your kids to have some interactions with other kids during your time away...it is so important!

5. Spread out! -

Figure out what your needs are and spend a little extra to rent a house, hotel suite, double room, etc to make sure everyone has their space. It helps with naps, food prep, personal sanity, and more importantly being able to have proper adult time once the kids are asleep.

6. Location is key -

Find a place to stay that is close to all the action and amenities that are important to you. It sucks when you forgot TP and it is 45 minutes away it also sucks when your crew wants to hit up the water park that is 2 hours away - whah whah…

Pool
Beach
Water park
Ice cream shop
Grocery
The more options the better!

7. “Vacation” doesn’t mean kids will sleep in -

If you thought this would be true, you’re a rookie. If you go through time zones…. anticipate your kids sleeping habits to not give a damn. Some advice, make a plan with your partner for trading off mornings of sleeping in or working out to help you reset.

8. GET YOUR MIND RIGHT! -

Remember you are on vacation with your kids! Set realistic expectations for what you are going to be able to do… you won’t be walking around the beach house naked, you won’t be blaring music at 11pm, you won’t be going to a sports bar to watch the game. Be grateful for the time you have and make sure your family knows how much fun you are having being with them (this has to be sincere or you have GET YOUR MIND RIGHT). Family vacations are designed to be an adventure, experience & family recharge. Make certain you are a positive influence!!

Alright hopping off the soap box.

9. Build a “recovery day” -

There is a lot to catch up to be done back at the house. You have groceries to get, laundry to clean, yard work to catch up on. Everyone needs to get back into their routine with a recovery day, extra day, zero day, whatever you want to call it is extremely beneficial.