{"id":533,"date":"2018-07-24T19:04:01","date_gmt":"2018-07-24T19:04:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=533"},"modified":"2021-07-30T07:25:46","modified_gmt":"2021-07-30T07:25:46","slug":"ultimate-family-vacation-planner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/ultimate-family-vacation-planner\/","title":{"rendered":"Family Vacation Planner (+Free Printable Template)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though I was a seasoned traveler before having children, planning family travel is a whole different game.  I had to learn to become an expert family vacation planner for a large family.  That’s why we created this ultimate family vacation planner with a free printable planning template – to help you plan the perfect family vacation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just the logistics of moving a large family from one destination to the next is complicated – add flights and car rental and accommodation or RV road trip, campgrounds.  Yikes! I needed an itinerary that I could print and fill in the blanks every time – and so do you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the process can be smooth and you can have fantastic family vacations with this ultimate family vacation planner template<\/a>! This article is meant to be used with the free printable template. Each step can be recorded on the template once you download it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, I have added a Google Doc planning template<\/a> for cooperatively planning your vacation or sharing your itinerary with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gone were the days of pick a location, buy a ticket, reserve a hotel and throw some stuff in a backpack.   Family travel requires more planning, taking others into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seriously when I was in college, my Dad worked for the airlines and I didn\u2019t even buy a ticket.  My brother and I just showed up and the airport, list ourselves on the standby list, and off we went.  Sometimes calling home from a totally different location than we were supposed to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like when we got bumped off a flight to Tokyo and opted for Manila Philippines instead.  Yeah, probably not going to do that with my baby and toddler in tow.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Keep a Family Vacation Bucket List<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the lead family vacation planner, you should always be looking to the future.  Creating a family travel bucket list will help keep the whole family inspired and looking forward to traveling together.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know – looking forward to fun times together as well as remember the good times is actually good for your health?  We wrote about why family vacations are important and the science to prove it. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The actual planning process can be very stressful though. So keeping a list of destinations everyone dreams of will give you the motivation to power through and even enjoy the vacation planning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look on Pinterest, YouTube, google search, and magazines for inspiration.  We keep Pinterest boards <\/a>for vacation destination ideas in addition to tips and tricks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or pull out the globe for a fun lesson in geography.  Keep your ideas organized in a folder, on the computer, in a notebook or on an Ap.  Just don\u2019t bury it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to go? Don’t forget to download our free printable<\/a> to keep your ideas organized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Travel Companions – Decide Who is Traveling <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you are ready to start planning the next vacation.  The first thing to decide is who will be going on this family vacation together.  Will it be just an immediate family?  We travel with extended family so much that sometimes Charles and I just have to close the doors on certain trips and just bend together as a family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Immediate family only<\/li>
  • Should you i<\/g>nvite extended family<\/li>
  • Will friends be joining the fun?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If you do decide to invite extended family or friends go ahead and ask them along.  You can do this now and include them in the destination and travel dates decision.  Or wait until you have dates and a destination to invite them to come along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Either way, you will want to have an idea of the headcount before moving forward with plans.  <\/p>\n\n\n