The Perfect Family Vacation

Planning a holiday for the entire clan is usually cause for heartburn. Aarti Cooper tells you how to keep everyone happy (and yourself sane).

- Aarti Cooper

From hectic work schedules to kids’ extracurricular activities, there are always plenty of excuses for not taking a family vacation. And those who do often find the planning stressful. But a family vacation also gives you memories to last a lifetime. It allows you to relax together, away from the pressures of home. It lets you bond with people you do love, but probably don’t see often, and discover common interests. You just need to plan it right. Here’s how.

1 WHO’S GOING?

Is it just you and the kids, parents and grandparents or an extended family holiday? Keeping in mind the ages of all involved is vital. For example, you may want to avoid cold places with the elderly or road trips across small towns if you’re in a large group. Kenyan safaris, Florida (Disney World, the beaches and Everglades), Thailand and Malaysia are destinations that have something for everyone. 

TOP TIP: TouristEye (iOS, Android) helps you build a wishlist of destinations based on your group. You can share the list with your family and plan the holiday together.

2 WHEN TO GO

When choosing a place, consider the weather and the flight duration. Istanbul, for instance, is a short flight from major Indian cities and in May, when schools are out, has pleasant temperatures, between 13 and 20°C. Plus, it’s a popular starting point for a number of Mediterranean cruises. Cunard (www.cunard.co.uk) offers a seven-day cruise around Istanbul and the Greek Isles.

TOP TIP: Check www.accu weather.com for extended forecasts or download Dark Sky (iOS, Android) for minute-by-minute weather updates.

3 BUDGET