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Planning Together

Let’s face it, parents typically make all the vacation plans—where to go, where to stay, what to do and who to see. Why not change things up and get the kids involved in your planning? They’ll feel like their opinions matter and will likely appreciate the sites much more.

Where to Go

Offering up a vote on exactly where to go isn’t for everyone and you may decide that this is strictly a parental decision in your family. However, if you’re a little more flexible, pick a few places that are parent-approved and let your kids vote on where to go. Have them do a little Internet research or take them to the library to find books on the destination options. Arming them with more information gets them excited—not only for the actual vote, but also for the specific sites and attractions they want to see when you hit the ground. If you have a larger family and think the voting process might get tricky, consider taking a vote to narrow the vacation options down to two and then picking the winner out of a hat.

Research your Destination & Plan the Itinerary

Once you’ve decided on your destination, take that initial research you’ve compiled and augment it to include must-see attractions and restaurant ideas. Assist your kids with additional Internet research (travel blogs are a great resource) or revisit your public library. Depending on your destination, there could also be educational videos available. This is particularly helpful if you plan on visiting a city with rich history (Washington, D.C.), multiple tourist attractions (New York City), or a completely different culture (foreign travel). Remember, whether you are planning a laid-back beach vacation or a high-energy escape, your children can be involved in plenty of your travel decisions.

Plan an Educational Vacation

Need some inspiration to help you get started? Consider making your next vacation an educational experience by visiting destinations that have a rich history, are inspiring or have ample learning opportunities. We’ve compiled some great options ranging from Cape Canaveral to St. Louis. Click here to read our full post.