Plan Ahead For Memorable Family Vacations

by Jan Kennemer 01/08/2018

Although family vacations frequently require a lot of planning, budgeting, and highway navigating, the benefits usually outweigh the challenges.

Granted, some road trips may bear a striking resemblance to the Griswold family's misadventures in the 1983 movie National Lampoon's Vacation, but, in real life, the majority of vacations do not devolve into a comedy of errors! A lot has changed in the past few decades, too. Thanks to GPS technology, cell phones, the Internet, and online reviews of tourist destinations, travelers are much less likely to get lost, stuck on the side of the road, or discover at the last minute that they've reserved a room at the Bates Motel.

Vacations mean different things to different people. While some families are content pitching a tent at a public campsite for a few days, other people opt for a week in the Bahamas or a lavish winter vacation at a ski resort in Colorado. The good news is that vacationing can be as economical (or luxurious) as you want it to be, and there are plenty of ways to reduce expenses and save money. One example would be to take advantage of off-season rates. Another would be to share the cost of a vacation house rental with friends or extended family.

Regardless of the duration or nature of your vacation, a change of routine and a new environment can be great for every member of the family. Here are a few of the benefits and advantages:

  • A fun vacation not only creates fond memories and opportunities for family bonding, but it also gives you and your kids something special to look forward to and talk about for years.
  • Whether you're a business owner, a working professional, or a student, it's relaxing and restorative to get away from the pressures and responsibilities of daily life. Everyone needs to "recharge their battery" now and then to avoid feeling burned out and overwhelmed.
  • Freedom and flexibility: Vacations are an opportunity to be as active or lazy as you want. In the winter, you can either go downhill skiing or just relax in the ski lodge with a good book, a crackling fire, and a hot drink. If your vacation is in the summer, you can work on your tan or your golf swing -- you decide! The ability to relax, kick back, and have a change of scenery provides people with a welcome relief from their usual busy schedules.
If the idea of a full-fledged vacation seems too time consuming or expensive, there's always the option of going away for a long weekend or planning a few mini-vacations at different times of the year. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that reservations should be made as much in advance as possible -- especially if you're planning to book your accommodations at a popular resort or during peak times of the season.



About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.