Summer is the perfect time for families to reconnect, explore new places, and create unforgettable memories. After months o
f hectic schedules, school activities, and work commitments, a family trip can offer a much-needed break and an opportunity to strengthen bonds while exploring new destinations. Here’s how to plan a family summer trip that everyone will enjoy!
Choosing the Right Destination
When planning a family trip, the first step is deciding on the destination. It should be somewhere that offers a variety of activities to cater to different ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventure-filled hiking trip, or a cultural city escape, it’s important to choose a location that has something for everyone.
Consider the ages of everyone in your family. If your children are of mixed ages like mine it is important that there is something that everyone will enjoy.
For example, a family-friendly resort could be perfect if you’re seeking relaxation and amusement parks. Alternatively, your family may be looking for something more outdoorsy like hiking and canoeing. The key is to find a place that offers both fun for the kids and relaxation for the adults.
Incorporating Family Interests
A great family trip isn’t just about one thing—it’s about making sure everyone’s interests are represented. Have a family meeting before booking your trip to discuss what each person wants to do. Does your teenager want to try surfing? Does your younger child want to spend hours on a water slide? Maybe you want to spend some quiet time by the lake or visit historical landmarks.
Once everyone has shared their thoughts, you can design a trip that balances different activities. For instance, in one day, you could spend the morning exploring the local zoo or museum, then head to the beach for some downtime, followed by a fun family dinner at a local restaurant.
Planning for Comfort and Convenience
Long road trips or flights can be tricky with little ones, so ensure comfort and convenience are a priority. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and entertainment like books, games, or tablets with pre-downloaded movies. For families traveling with infants or toddlers, don’t forget the necessary supplies like diapers, strollers, and baby carriers.
If you’re staying at a hotel, check if there are any family-friendly services, like kid’s clubs, pools, or organized activities for children. Make sure to pack everything your family will need such as puddle jumpers, goggles, diving toys and towels.
Making Travel Fun
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Keep things lighthearted by planning some fun surprises along the way. Organize a road trip scavenger hunt where your children can tick off items like “a red barn,” “a mountain,” or “a funny sign.” Our family LOVES making customized music playlists for every long car ride we take.
For plane travel, give your kids a small “travel bag” filled with little surprises: travel-friendly snacks, small toys, or activity books. This can make the journey more exciting and help pass the time more easily. The key to success is to make travel part of the trip rather than traveling to get to the trip.
Documenting the Trip
One of the best parts of a family vacation is the memories you create. Be sure to capture the moments! Have a family photo session at iconic spots, document fun activities like bike rides or hikes, and don’t forget those candid moments that showcase the joy of your time together.
Encourage everyone to take photos or even keep a travel journal. If you have a teen they are going to love to be encouraged to use their phone to take pictures. After our family trips we love making a photo book. The kids spend so much time going through these books long after the trip.
Relaxing and Recharging
While it’s important to plan activities, don’t forget that vacations are also about relaxation. Whether it’s lounging on the beach, taking a nap 
in a hammock, or having a leisurely breakfast together in the hotel room, ensure that your trip includes moments of rest. These moments of downtime help to recharge everyone’s batteries and provide the balance needed for a perfect family getaway.
Final Thoughts
A summer family trip offers the chance to make lasting memories, foster family unity, and experience new adventures together. By selecting the right destination, planning for everyone’s interests, and making time to relax and recharge, you can ensure that your trip is filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful moments.
As the summer sun sets, you’ll not only return home with souvenirs but with memories that will last a lifetime—making your family bond stronger than ever before.
For more family vacation ideas be sure to check our more of our blog posts at Blog – Together We Can Travel.
