Planning a family vacation can be equal parts heartwarming and hair-pulling, but this guide will help you keep your cool (and your smile) from takeoff to touchdown.
The idea of a family vacation always sounds dreamy — love, laughter, maybe matching outfits. However, in reality? It’s nonstop chatter, constant fighting over food, and at least one person who insists on waking up at 6 a.m. “to make the most of the day,” — that’s usually my mum. Whether you’re travelling with your kids, parents, siblings, in-laws, or all of the above, family vacations can be a special kind of chaos.
The good news? With a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you can still enjoy the ride (and maybe even come back feeling rested). I gave you tips on how to navigate a girls’ trip, now let’s talk about navigating a family vacation.
Pick the destination — and your expectations — with care
Not every trip needs to be an epic adventure. Sometimes, a cosy apartment, a beach house with Wi-Fi, or rooms at a resort is all it takes. However, here’s the key: don’t just plan for what sounds amazing on paper, think about what actually works for the group.
Your dream wine-tasting weekend might not be ideal if children are tagging along. Expensive restaurants are far from ideal if your dad believes every meal should cost less than 10% of the minimum wage. And above all? Keep your expectations flexible. Some things may go off-script on your family vacation, but that’s just part of the story.
Pack smart, especially if you’re the “organiser”
Let’s be honest, every family has that one person who keeps it all together. If that’s you, your suitcase probably holds more than clothes. You’ve got snacks, chargers, backup socks, and possibly a first-aid kit in your purse.
To make things easier:
Plan outfits by the day (and check the weather twice).
Pack a “survival pouch” with all the essentials: drugs, painkillers, gum, lip balm, extra phone cord and a power bank. Bring something just for you, whether that’s a book, noise-cancelling earbuds, or favourite snacks you don’t have to share.
Pro tip: Packing cubes are your best friend, especially if you’re sharing space with your sister who brought five pairs of shoes “just in case.”
Don’t over-schedule (unless you’re trying to spark a mutiny)
We get it — you want to see everything, do everything, and make the most of every second. However, if your itinerary feels like a military operation, someone’s going to lose it by day two.
Schedule in some breathing room. Let people sleep in. Make time for doing absolutely nothing. The best memories often come from unplanned moments like laughing over a weird local street food or when someone gets dragged into a cultural dance performance.
Bonus: Leaving space in the schedule helps avoid that one relative who always wants to “change the plan.”
Read also: We’ve got the secret to making your next girls’ trip effortless and unforgettable
Accept that not everyone travels the same way
Your mum might want to wake up early and see every landmark, while your brother might want to sleep till noon and live on instant noodles. Someone’s always cold. Someone else packed zero toiletries. Deep breath.
Instead of trying to keep everyone on the same page 24/7, think in smaller moments. Do a few things as a group, then let people split off. You’re not failing if you need a break from the group; it’s called self-care.
Let go of the perfect photo (and the perfect moment)
You might imagine a sweet family pic with everyone smiling in front of a mountain or monument. What you’ll probably get is someone blinking, someone fighting to be front and centre, and someone yelling, “That’s not my best side!”
Take the photo anyway. However, don’t let it ruin the moment. The best memories don’t need to be captured to be real.
Carve out time for yourself, even just a little
You love your family. However, spending 24/7 with anyone is a lot. So find your quiet moments. Maybe it’s your morning tea — coffee sucks — on the balcony, a walk around the hotel grounds, or sneaking in a podcast while everyone else naps. Give yourself that space. You’re allowed to take a breather even on a “together” trip.
Laugh through the weird stuff
Something will go wrong. Flights get delayed. The Airbnb looks nothing like the photos. Your brother will say something awkward at dinner. It’s all part of the ride.
When it happens, choose to laugh. One day, these are the stories you’ll be retelling over wine or group texts while laughing until you cry.
Coming home might feel like the best part, and that’s okay
You’ll come back with a full camera roll, a suitcase full of laundry, and a few stories you’ll never forget. Maybe it wasn’t always smooth, but that’s what makes it real.
In the end, surviving a family vacation is less about having a flawless trip and more about making space for connection, chaos, and a little joy in between.
A few final sanity-saving tips:
Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you need.
Don’t feel guilty for needing space.
Remember, being the “cool, calm, collected one” is nice but not required.
Family isn’t perfect, and neither is travel. However, it’s yours, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
