If you’re used to traveling with just your immediate family, venturing out with a bigger group can be daunting. There’s a lot to consider, from figuring out logistics to managing different personalities. However, with a little planning, you can ensure everyone has a great time. Here are our top tips for traveling with extended family.
Set Ground Rules
Before you even start planning your trip, setting some ground rules with your extended family is important. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and avoid any conflict down the road. Talk about who will be responsible for what and how decisions will be made.
It’s also important to discuss expectations for behavior. For example, will there be a curfew? What is the policy on alcohol? By setting these rules early on, you can avoid any arguments or hurt feelings later on. You may even want to write it, so everyone has a reference point to refer back to.
Make a Plan
No matter how big or small your group is, making a plan ahead of time is crucial. This means booking flights and hotels well in advance to get the best rates. If you’re renting a house or villa, make sure to do so early as well. You’ll also want to map out some activities and attractions everyone can enjoy.
The more you can plan ahead; the less stressful the trip will be. Plus, it’ll give everyone something to look forward to and get excited about. So, start planning as soon as you can and involve everyone in the process.
Don’t forget to Budget
When you’re traveling with a group, it’s important to budget carefully. This means considering the cost of flights and accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs. It’s a good idea to set a per-person spending limit, so everyone knows what they have to work with. Here are some other helpful tips for budgeting for your trip:
- have each person contribute an equal amount of money to a shared kitty for incidentals
- look for free or discounted activities, like museum days
- take advantage of group discounts whenever possible
Get Matching T-Shirts
This may seem like a silly tip, but trust us, it’s worth it. There’s nothing like matching t-shirts to make you feel like a cohesive group. It’ll also make it easier to spot each other in crowded places. Plus, it’s a great way to show your family pride and bond with your extended family.
You can even make your customized shirts at home; just make sure to design them well in advance of your trip. Get heat transfer vinyl in bulk to save money and have everyone iron them on their own shirts. This way, you can all wear whatever clothes you’re comfortable in and still look like a group.
Do Be Flexible
Even if you have the best-laid plans, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong when you’re traveling with a large group. Rather than becoming frustrated, try to relax and go with the flow. When dealing with several individuals, things rarely go as planned; therefore, it’s critical to be adaptable.
Remember, the goal is to have fun and create positive memories — not to stick rigorously to an unrealistic schedule. So, if something goes wrong, don’t sweat it. Just go with the flow and enjoy your time with your extended family. You will probably look back on these hiccups fondly someday.
Bring Along Activities
When you’re traveling with kids, it’s always a good idea to bring along some activities. This will help keep them occupied on long car rides or flights and prevent them from getting bored. Coloring books, puzzles, and handheld electronic games are all great options. Just make sure to pack enough for everyone.
You should also bring along some activities for the adults. This could be a book, knitting project, or Sudoku puzzle. You’ll be glad you have something to keep you occupied on those long car rides. If you’re traveling with teenagers, they may not want to participate in group activities. In this case, it’s a good idea to bring along headphones, so they can listen to music or watch movies without disturbing anyone else.
Traveling with extended family can be challenging, but it can also be a lot of fun. By following these simple tips, you can ensure everyone has a great time on your next trip. From setting ground rules to being flexible, a bit of planning goes a long way when you’re traveling with extended family. So, get started planning your next trip today. And don’t forget to pack those matching t-shirts!