There is no fighting jet lag. You and your family members will probably have to fly in different time zones, even different countries. You should spend the first day totally on resting, catching up, and enjoying each other’s company. Just take it easy and relax.
6. Don’t Overbook
If traveling with children already makes you slow down, adding grandparents or other relatives will make you slow down even more. Don’t pack too many activities and remember that this is not only about getting to know a new place but also about enjoying each other.
7. Find Something for Everyone
It is so hard to make everyone happy all the time. Make sure to plan a mix of kid and adult-friendly activities. Making everyone to have a say and feels heard is crucial. If there is no “leader”, nothing will get decided.
8. Allow for Flexibility
We all appreciate freedom. Therefore, if you want to take your kids to playground in the morning, don’t take it personally if your grandparents choose to do their own things. It is unreasonable to force everyone to do everything together all the time. Split up and do your own thing.
9. Set Expectations
Remember to share the details of the itinerary with all members and set general expectations before embarking on your family vacation. Whether you will spend all day together or only meet for meals? There is no right or wrong if everyone is on the same page and expectations are set.
10. Pack an Extra Dose of Empathy and Sense of Humor
It’s up to all members to put themselves in each others’ shoes, not to take any disagreement seriously, and realize there will be setbacks. And these potential disasters will make funny stories someday and become lasting memories.