![\"Family](\"\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/files\/2011\/5\/ph08.jpg\" "\\"Family")
<\/div>\nSo what makes a trip successful or not successful?\u00a0 Preparation. We all know the difference a little preparation can make in life and of course, the same applies to family travel. When trips don\u2019t go well, I look back and say, \u201cWhat was I thinking?!\u201d<\/p>\n
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Almost always, the issue with travel snafus is that I didn\u2019t prepare enough and think through the logistics. When planning for a family vacation, you have to lay a solid foundation first, then follow-up with all the juicy details.<\/p>\n
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Choose Wisely:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Take a pulse and see what your family is wanting and needing. Do you need to explore and get out of your comfort zone?\u00a0 Does everyone need a rest, to restore and rejuvenate?\u00a0 What are appropriate activities for kids your ages?\u00a0 Are there safety concerns and scheduling concerns?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lastly, how far can you be from good medical care? As your kids get older, that might not be as important, but you certainly don\u2019t want you new baby needing care only to discover the island you are lounging at in the Caribbean doesn\u2019t have a hospital.\u00a0 For more on planning, read my feature article about choosing your next family vacation on Divine Caroline.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Buy In:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Check in with your travelers and get their input up front.\u00a0 I can\u2019t say this enough!\u00a0 Doing this avoids most complaints while traveling.\u00a0 Find out what each person is looking for and what he or she doesn\u2019t want.\u00a0 It\u2019s amazing how insightful kids can be when you ask them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Trust me, with four kids, I know how hard it is to weigh each person\u2019s needs, but it\u2019s well worth it in the end.\u00a0 Obviously, some opinions get more weight than others.\u00a0 If my husband is exhausted heavy days of touring with our kids is simply not an option.\u00a0 Multi-general trips add an additional level of complexity as you need to coordinate with extended family too (see my multi-generational vacation tips<\/a> for more insight).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get Creative:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Transforming a family trip from ordinary to extraordinary<\/a> is all about the little touches you add to an itinerary to tailor the experience for your family. Here\u2019s where the fun begins.\u00a0 You have picked your place, and now you get to customize your experience.\u00a0 I try to book one fabulous event or experience on each trip.\u00a0 Often, it\u2019s a private guide for the day to show us something we might not be able to access on our own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Also, we love interactive experiences.\u00a0 With kids, it\u2019s more impactful and educational if they get to participate and be hands-on, like the Gladiator school in Rome<\/a> or Medieval Games in Athenry, Ireland.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nothing enhances excitement and piques interest like reading books about a destination.\u00a0 We love historical fiction, a little history combined with a juicy storyline, what can be better.\u00a0 For the kids, there is a whole range of books available.\u00a0 This provides them with some context when they arrive.\u00a0 It also helps you understand what really interests them.\u00a0 Ciao Bambino has a suggested kids travel reading list<\/a> for many major cities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n