Planning an Extended Family Getaway

Holiday get-togethers with your whole family are great, but they only happen once or twice a year. Taking a vacation with your extended family is a great way to spend fun quality time with everyone for a week or two at a time. When planning this big trip don’t forget to consider some of these key things to make the planning and execution as smooth as possible.

1. Plan Ahead
   

   You already know from planning Christmas with your entire family how hard picking one day can be, so imagine the time it takes to work out an entire week. It is recommended to start monitoring flight prices three to four months before your departure date and expect to book one to two months in advance. So be sure to get your dates and destination set early!

2. Involve Everyone
   

   You'll want to be in agreeance with everyone on where and when you are going. If you have young kids you'll also want to make sure it is kid-friendly, but also still have things the adults and grandparents can enjoy too.

3. Be Aware of Everyone's Finances
   

   When planning a large group trip make sure to keep in mind every family's budget. Sometimes these trips are paid for as a gift from grandparents or another family member, but there are always unexpected expenses to consider as well. No one wants to go on a vacation where they can only do the minimum because of their budget, and watch other members of the party taking every excursion possible.

4. Communicate Packing
   

   Since everyone will be traveling to the same place, not everyone needs to bring their own hairdryer. Talk to your other family members to see who wants to bring what for everyone to share.

5. Look into Alternative Housing
   

   Hotels are great for small family trips, but when you are traveling with 10 plus people renting a house or condo may be the better option. Some great website to search for rentals include Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway.

6. Consider a Travel Agent
   

   Planning a large trip can be very stressful and hard to find all the best travel and lodging deals. Travel agents can take a lot of stress off of you, and they are educated and experienced on how to provide you with the best possible vacation for your family and your family's investment into it. If you decide that you would like to consider using a travel agent, Central Travel offers many amenities and experienced agents who can find the best vacation to suit your family's needs.
   
   

Take a look at these fun options to get an idea for your trip:

• Disney World: Take the whole family to the happiest place on Earth! There are activities for the young and young at heart.
• Myrtle Beach: There are kid’s activities, golfing, shopping, and more. Something for everyone!
• A Cruise: Many cruises have a kid’s zone so parents know their kids are having fun, and are safe, while they are enjoying time with other adults.
• Camping: A cheaper option to explore the outdoors and spend time enjoying the little things.
• Branson, MO: Amusement parks, shows, and so much more all while located in the beautiful Ozarks.

Planning an extended family getaway requires time, effort, and effective communication, but the reward is creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.