Vacationing with the family provides you all with the chance to grow closer and to learn more about one another while having an entertaining time. However, you still have to plan to ensure that you avoid as many bumps in the proverbial road as you journey. Actually getting to and from the travel spot are major parts of the trip, and if you have a bad ride there, the experience may taint at least the earlier parts of the vacation.
Plan Your Departure Time
When you're taking a plane, train, bus or boat to your intended destination, you have no choice but to arrive on time. Still though, plenty of families find themselves flying through airport terminals or racing to catch a train with a great amount of stress on their shoulders. Even if you prefer to sleep in, wake up early to ensure that you do not have to rush. If you are driving, plan a time that you want to leave and stick to it. In fact, if you know that you tend to run late, plan to leave 30 minutes earlier than you really need to. That way, in the event that you are a bit late, you aren't really. If you happen to leave at the earlier time, then you have an earlier start to the trip.
Choose Safety
Opting for the bus or train with the extremely low prices might sound like a great deal for your budget, but you should investigate the reasons why the costs are lower. For example, the vehicle may depart from a dangerous station in the middle of the night. Also, you may feel tempted to take your old car with you if you're driving to the destination, but you should consider if doing so is truly the safest option. Instead, you may want to make a visit one of many car dealerships in St. George, or in other areas. If that idea is out of your budget, consider making a trip to a rental shop to rent a safer and newer vehicle.
Entertain the Kids
You certainly don't want the kids to feel cranky as soon as you arrive at the vacation spot, especially if you have plans shortly after arrival. When your kids are young enough to nap, you may want to encourage them to do so during the travel. In fact, some parents plan the travel times around their kids naps so that they know their little ones are well rested to begin the vacation. If your children do not feel nauseated from reading in the car, you may want to bring books along for older ones. Television shows or movies can work in cars that have a screen, but you also may want to play some good old fashioned games that you did as a child.
Eat and Rest
When you first begin the drive, you may want to go through the entire ride without any stops. However, think about how exhausted you will feel upon arrival in the destination if you do not eat or stop at all during the trip. When you are figuring out the time you should leave in order to arrive at the destination, take into account a certain number of breaks, depending upon how long the trip is in total. You do not need to stop for a lengthy amount of time, but a short break is a good way for everyone to prepare for the rest of the journey.
Whether you are taking a personal vehicle or embarking upon a long ride on a plane, you have to get to your trip before you can enjoy it. Planning for the journey is, therefore, necessary.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter @RachelleWilber