A family trip is guaranteed to create long-lasting memories, but there is more to consider for a multi-generational trip than just going on vacation with the kids. Escaping your daily routine, visiting captivating places, and experiencing new adventures together can be a life-changing experience, but a family trip won’t be a success on its own; it requires thorough planning and careful preparation. Before you start planning, gather as much information as possible about your chosen destination, such as:
accommodation and transportation options
activities and programs
services, prices, and discounts
1. Plan and do it together - starting the planning weeks before your departure is essential. Involve your kids as much as possible in the process, in some of the details of the preparations, including choosing your destination, your accommodation, and the activities. This way, your family trip becomes a shared adventure from the beginning, and everyone knows what to look forward to and expect.
2. Choose a destination that offers various cultural, sporting, and entertainment activities for each family member. Include activities in your itinerary that you can enjoy together. Each age group may have a different understanding of what an ideal vacation is, so try to find common ground and don’t be offended if your teenage kids prefer going to the beach instead of a city tour.
While parents may prefer pampering massages and relaxing baths, kids will most likely love to play in the water and visit the zoo or the local amusement parks. So, for a family trip destination, it’s worth choosing a place where all age groups can find the most exciting activities and enjoyable ways to spend their time. Luckily, there are dozens of fun activities in and around Cardiff-by- the-Sea that will make each member of your family excited. Here are some great examples:
Go to Cardiff State Beach for a day filled with watersports and beach activities.
Spend a day at the Pipes, a beginner-friendly surf spot that is perfect not only for surfing but also for snorkeling, swimming.
Discover San Elijo Lagoon Natural Reserve, San Diego’s most extensive wetlands.
Explore the tide pools at Cardiff State Beach or at Swami’s Beach.
Visit the San Diego Zoo and Legoland.
3. Set up a budget and try to stick to it. Putting together a travel budget can be daunting and requires thorough preparation. If you want a predictable budget, it may be better to go all-inclusive. This way, you can pay the total amount in advance without worrying about unexpected expenses. You can also browse the local websites to estimate beforehand the cost of transportation, vacation rental prices, and attraction entrance fees and plan accordingly. Asking for child discounts saves you a lot of money. You’ll be surprised when you realize how many places offer discounts for children.
4. Pre-book. You might be used to packing your bags, showing up at a destination, and picking a place to stay. Well, that doesn’t work for family trips. Especially after a long travel day, you’ll want to go straight to accommodation, drop off bags, and give the kids a chance to rest, not to mention that anything you book ahead of time is one less thing you have to worry about during your trip.
5. Pack less. Taking half the household with you is entirely unnecessary, as it’s the micro-environment that really counts for the kids. So be prepared to meet their needs while traveling -and that’s why you’ll need to pack their favorite toys, games, and coloring books - but don’t pack dozens of toys; choose 2-3 favorites and be confident that the new experiences will keep your kids entertained. Bring plenty of snacks and water for the trip, and once you’ve packed everything, remember to pack your sense of humor - we’re sure you’ll need it.
6. An essential tip for traveling with your family: don’t start with long journeys to the other side of the world. Take your family for shorter trips to see how it goes and to gain experience for longer ones. Car travel, especially with kids, can be cost-effective and easier to move around. Of course, you can also rent a car once you’ve arrived at your destination by plane. If it’s a more extended trip, consider traveling at night. The main advantages of night travel are avoiding the heat and the massive traffic jams on the popular routes.
7. Schedule some downtime - you’ll get tired if your trip is filled with too many activities. Scheduling downtime helps keep your family recharged and get ready for new adventures. Rest doesn’t necessarily have to be a nap back at your accommodation. Your family’s downtime can be:
a few minutes of lying in the grass at a park
a stroll along the beach
a slow-paced visit to the local botanical garden
With four miles of garden trails, the San Diego Botanic Garden, located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, is the perfect place to go if you want to recharge your batteries. Another unique local attraction for relaxing moments is the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, founded by the famous yogi Paramahansa Yogananda.
8. Divide up family tasks, especially if you rent a house for your family trip before you leave, deciding who will shop, cook, wash, set the table, or pack a picnic lunch. When it comes to vacations in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, rental houses are still the top choice for families. Browse the net and look for houses that provide all the amenities you need, including a fully equipped kitchen, multiple bedrooms, a spacious living room, and, why not, a large deck with stunning views. One of the perks of renting a house is that you’ll have a kitchen where you can make your coffee and have breakfast at your own pace. A vacation rental is more comfortable for a larger family, and of course, you’ll have the entire space to yourselves!
9. Have realistic expectations about your children’s behavior during the trip, and don’t drag them to activities that don’t interest them. It’s also important not to get into arguments with your partner about controlling your kids; the parent who usually lays down the rules is the one who should carry on being in charge during your family trip.
10. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, don’t forget Murphy’s Law about family trips: “If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong,” but whatever you’ll have to face during your vacation, if you maintain your enthusiasm, a little challenge won’t bring you down. It’s not the challenges that you’ll remember afterward, but the special moments spent together with your loved ones.
