Planning a family trip can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.  Take into account the following: 

• Know your limitations –even the most athletic of individuals have some type of learning curve when learning to ski or snowboard.  Make sure your body can handle it.
• Know your budget – there is nothing worse than taking a trip you cannot afford.  You have memorable experiences with an inexpensive price tag you just have to do some legwork.
• Check Around – not every place is created equal. There are drawbacks and advantages to every vacation destination, hotel and activity center.  Do your homework it will make the experience that much better.

How Far?

If time is limited, then look for something close to you.  Especially if you are new to the activity such as skiing or snowboarding, then sometimes learning in a more compact and less densely populated resort may be the way to go.  Make sure to pick a location that you can easily reach in a reasonable amount of time.  Too much driving can take the fun out of a trip, especially when family members are confined in a car for too long.

 *If you are new to skiing or snowboarding, you may be a little stiff and sore, so driving long distances can be a test of endurance after all of the fun frolicking in the snow.

Research

Try to get to know the area you are going to visit.  Visit sites that have reviews of the area, but be sure to remember that not everyone experiences things in the same manner what may work for them may not work for your family, and understanding that might help you make a clearer decision. 

Logistics

Details matter.  Knowing your family and what works for them will help ensure that you get the right accommodations, choose the right activity, and enjoy your time.  For example, if you choose a remote location with little variety in what foods are available, make sure you choose lodging that enables you to cook some of your meals for variety.  Ask yourself: 

• Do they have activities for all family members to enjoy?
• Is there enough to do to last the duration of the trip?
• Are things convenient, such as grocers, restaurants, convenience stores, etc.?
• Are you allotting enough time for travel?
• Create your itinerary. Do you know what you want to do when you get there?

Lodging

One of the biggest decisions when planning a family get away, is finding the right place to stay when you get there.  However, it can be difficult to know where to stay when you have never visited the area before.  Going to the online hotel and travel sites can be overwhelming and confusing because some peoples’ reviews are fed by their emotions at the time.  Sometimes the best recommendations are through family and friends who have visited the area.  Make sure:

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  • You can see a lot of pictures of the accommodations
  • You know ahead of time if there additional resort fees
  • Find packages – it may save you time and money
  • See what is included in your stay

Consistency in hotel chains is a positive, but it can also be a negative.  If accommodations meet your needs at one of the chains hotels, then you will have a good chance that a stay in a similar hotel in the same chain will likely result in a similar experience.

Overall Experience

The one thing that can ruin a family vacation is expectation, when you place too high an expectation or you play out in your mind what should happen it could ruin your time together.  Don’t expect anything, but enjoy the moments you have together because those times are fleeting.