Family vacations are the needed tonic to break up the daily grind. No more work meetings, school bells, or getting the garbage to the curb on time. Just you, your loved ones, and some peace and tranquility in idyllic climes.
If only it were that simple.
Far too many family vacations end up grating nerves and inducing stress, ultimately leading to the exhaustion you thought you were escaping. To avoid this unsavory scenario, keep reading as we offer some pro tips on how to plan a glamorous family vacation without sacrificing comfort!
Choose the Correct Destination
Choosing the right destination is the first step in ensuring a luxury family vacation.
Seems obvious, right?
It is rather difficult to pull off. The bad part is you won’t know until you’re about 48 hours into the vacation and the epiphany hits you: “This isn’t all it was cracked up to be.”
On one hand, you have the known family tourist traps. Ahem, Disney. You will spend a bunch of money for the chance to stand in line all day and spend more money. And that about sums up your vacation.
On the other hand, you have the “destinations” that claim to be hidden gems because they were the birthplace of a state senator 100 years ago. There are only so many times you can take a picture with your family in front of the same monument and count the antelope on the horizon.
The key is finding a destination that checks all of the following boxes:
- Warm weather
- Scenic beauty for outdoor adventures
- Entertaining and educational attractions
- High-end dining
- Diverse accommodation options
For all of these reasons, visiting Scottsdale is high on the to-do list of most families seeking a luxury getaway. With its many high-end attractions and kid-friendly offerings set against a pristine desert backdrop, it is the ultimate destination for stylish, yet refreshing, family vacations.
Find the Right Cost/Convenience Balance with Travel
There is something to be said for economy when traveling. Especially with a family. Airline tickets and baggage fees can quickly get out of control when a multiplier is factored in. This makes it tempting to look into red-eyes and other flight bargains.
Ask yourself: Is sleep deprivation worth it? Will we be able to enjoy everything on our itinerary if all we want to do is take a nap? Can you really put a price tag on feeling your best?
To avoid the cost and stress of airline travel, a family road trip may sound attractive. This is especially true if you have a lot of luggage, such as bikes and other types of outdoor gear.
While road trips can be a wonderful means of family bonding, it is also entirely possible to wear each other out by the time you reach your destination. There may also be the urge to “power through” to your destination, knocking out 12-hour stretches on the road while eating out of the cooler.
Do yourselves a favor and pace the trip for optimal enjoyment. Stop and see something every few hours. Eat at least one good meal a day at an exciting pit stop. Remember that a couple hundred bucks for a hotel room to break the trip up could be the best money you ever spend.
Book a Luxury Vacation Rental
Once you reach your destination, your choice of accommodation will make or break the experience.
It is imperative to find a property that is at once “new and exciting” while also eliciting feelings of “home away from home.”
For this reason, many families are opting for the privacy of luxury vacation rentals over a traditional hotel stay.
The best luxury estates will offer a multitude of features, such as:
- Spacious dimensions, giving each family member their own slice of privacy
- Resort-style amenities, from swimming pools to outdoor dining, home gyms to private theaters
- Plush bedding and designer-inspired furnishings
- Luxury concierge partners for unmatched convenience
Staying at a luxury vacation rental also evokes a sense of exclusivity, providing your family with access to unique views and stunning neighborhoods not available at standard retail lodgings.
Don’t Overstuff the Itinerary
Part of the glamor of a luxury family getaway is indulging in the high-end activities not available in your daily life.
Gourmet restaurant experiences. Family spa days. Immersive cultural excursions.
With that said, trying to fit everything into a single vacation will quickly lead to burnout. It is impossible to truly enjoy something if you’re constantly looking at your watch and wondering if there will be time to make it to your next reservation.
Therefore, plan each day around one “big” activity. Maybe it’s a guided hike through a scenic trail. Or a performance at a local theater.
Leave the rest of the time to be flexible and kind of go with the flow, taking advantage of the unexpected adventures that arise. There’s nothing wrong with staying on-site and enjoying your rental’s amenities as a family, either. Those moments together may end up being more lasting than any “wow” factor seen while out and about.
Get Started on Your Luxury Family Vacation Today
The escape of a family getaway can quickly turn into an exhausting endeavor without the proper planning. From choosing a premier destination to allowing for some itinerary flexibility, consider any of the tips listed above to ensure optimal comfort on your next family vacation. For more of the latest trends in family and lifestyle, explore the content at Women Daily Magazine for ideas and inspiratioon!