destination inspiration

The first step to planning the perfect vacation is… knowing where you want to go!

After all, there are beautiful beaches all around the world, and you can only visit one at a time. So, it’s time to narrow that bucket list down and decide on your next destination.

If you don’t already have a place in mind, one of my favorite ways to get inspiration is to look through Pinterest, Instagram, or Google and jot down info on the pictures that jump out at me. From there, I can check which ones actually work with the season and length of my trip. Usually I end up with at least a few options to play with- and that’s when the fun begins!

For more tips and ideas for choosing your next destination, check out these posts:

• Quiz: Find the beach for your next family vacation
• Maui with Kids Vacation Guide: What to Do and Where to Stay in Maui 

planning & booking

Travel planning can be overwhelming, especially if you’re planning for a whole family! There are so many sites, services, and apps out there, it’s hard to even know where to start.

But it doesn’t have to be so difficult. Once you have a list of places you’d like to go, start researching flights, accommodations, things to do, and whether it’s somewhere you actually want to bring the little ones. Most of the time, one or two options will eliminate themselves. Too far, too expensive, or not enough family-oriented activities, for example.

That’ll leave you with a smaller, more manageable list. And if you still can’t decide, take a family vote!

Read these posts for some extra guidance:

• My Ultimate List of Travel Resources
• Money Saving Tips for Planning Your Next Vacation
• Learn How to Budget Your Trip: 5 Easy Steps for Creating a Travel Budget

budgets & saving

Ugh, budgets. I get it, they’re boring. But a little budgeting can go a long way towards paying for your next vacation.

Plus, it’s so easy to find little ways to save. And with a small amount of research, you can find some great deals that help your vacation fund go even further.

Check out these articles for some great ways to budget and save for your next trip:

• Create a Budget for Booking a Vacation
• 7 Easy Ways to Save For a Vacation 

packing

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Wait, am I the only one who loves packing?

Anyways, look over your itinerary and the activities you’ve planned. What type of clothes will you all need for each day? Then, take everything out so you can see it all in one place.

The key is to bring just the right amount of everyone’s stuff, so that everyone has what they need – but you can still fit it in your luggage. Even better if you’ll be able to do laundry at your destination.

Once you’re done, grab some packing cubes and start stuffing that suitcase!

Use my packing lists to make sure you have everything you need:

• Beach Vacation Packing List: What to Pack for Your Family Beach Vacation
• Your Beach Day Packing List: What to Bring to the Beach With Kids

getting there

There’s only one more hurdle between you and your beach vacation: the flight there.

Now, I can’t promise you it’s going to be fun. It probably won’t be. But you can greatly minimize the hassle with one important tip – and that’s preparation. Prep as much as you can, as early as you can. Tell the kids what’s happening a couple weeks in advance. Get your carry-on bags ready. Gather your documents.

You’ll get through this. And once you land, guess what? You’re now officially on vacation!

Make your trip as smooth as possible with the guides below:

• 17 Need to Know Tips for Flying With a Newborn Baby: What to Bring and How to Do it
• 21 Expert Tips For Flying with Kids in 2021

at the beach

Bringing your young kids to the beach can be a ton of fun… unless you come unprepared. Then it goes downhill fast.

Follow these tips for an enjoyable time at the beach :

• 15 Tips for How to Have a Fun Family Beach Day
• Your Beach Day Packing List: What to Bring to the Beach With Kids