Summer is here but there’s still time to plan and take a vacation. Although family vacations can be a little frustrating at times, they’re the source of many comical and pleasant memories. Whether you plan to go to the beach, the mountains, or even the big city, you can take a memorable family vacation that’s low-stress and fun for everyone.

Keep these tips in mind to reduce stress on your next family vacation:

1. Plan ahead. Planning is a very important part of any vacation. Take into account the individual needs of your kids and arm yourself with whatever is necessary to take care of them while on vacation.

• For example, if your four-year-old takes naps, bring along the stuffed animal they sleep with at home as their “comfort” item. For your teen, ensure they have their favorite hand-held electronic device to pass the travel time.

2. Set up a flexible schedule for each vacation day. When you have a day-to-day plan,...

A multi-family vacation is a great opportunity to save money and have more fun. These are some ideas for planning your time away and putting together an adventure that your family and friends of all ages will love.

A multi-family vacation could be constructed of extended families, like a family reunion in the destination of choice.  It could also be sets of friends and their children, where everyone decides to go on vacation together to make sure that everyone has fun, kids and grownups alike.

Planning Your Trip

1. Test your compatibility. Living together for a week is very different from an occasional lunch date. First, take a day trip or go on a weekend outing together. Make sure all the kids get along, especially if they are going to be sharing quarters.

2. Form a planning committee. Pick one or two well-organized people to be the trip leaders. They can assign duties to the rest of the group. If you live close by, meet in person, or meet on zoom if you...

How would you like to make your next vacation one that your whole family will remember for a lifetime? With a few simple strategies, you can create a vacation that gives all of you more recreation and less stress. All it takes is some advance planning and a few simple ideas.

Theme Parks

Is there a theme park a short drive away? If so, your whole family can find something they enjoy in one place without spending a great deal of money. Many theme parks provide attractions for smaller children as well as exciting rides for the thrill-seekers in your family.

If you plan ahead, you can make decisions that boost the entertainment value. For example, find out when the park is less crowded and go during those times. Often, theme parks offer lower rates during off-peak times or on weekdays. Rides will have shorter lines, and you can pack more fun into your day.

I have taken my five children to Walt Disney World and Universal in Orlando for years, always planning...