It’s ‘Blended Family’ week here on BlackandMarriedwithKids.com and with that in mind we have a few tips that will make each and every blended family vacation a happy one packed with memories. Here are our tips to help you plan for a blended family vacation.
Family meeting time…. Before booking any ‘blended family’ (especially if your kids are pre-teens/teens) vacation, have a family meeting to discuss the vacation. Moms and Dads considering what you and your kids enjoy and do some research. Visit a travel agency and grab a few brochures to help narrow the choices beforehand and then let the family as a group decide where you’re going on vacation.
If this is your first trip together as a blended family bring the kids into the conversation and let them feel like they have a voice. Don’t forget that your travel traditions may be new to some in your family so you’ll definitely want to keep them in mind.
Stay on Budget…Always remember to set a budget for the cost of the actual vacation and a separate ‘spending money’ budget. You only live once so your vacation should be fabulous and fun but you also have to ‘live’ after the vacation.
Communication is important in any marriage but in a blended family it is especially vital. Talk with your spouse about how they normally vacation, how much do they normally spend, and find a common ground before the actual trip.
Consider a Cruise…Cruises have been a popular family vacation option for a very long time. What I like most about cruises is that they are inclusive and shipboard activities are also included in the price. Generally there’s something on the cruise (activity wise) that will appeal to every member of the family. If not, you also have the option to explore the fabulous ports of call and enjoy activities like zip lining, cultural tours and more.
Consider All-Inclusive Resorts…Similar to cruises, all-inclusive resorts in addition to including meals and select beverages also include fabulous activities. Guests can enjoy anything from snorkeling, jet skiing, swimming and access to resort exclusives like private waterparks. If your all-inclusive resort is centrally located on a great island/city that opens the door to even more activities that the family can enjoy.
Plan each day’s activities…”If you fail to plan, plan to fail!” This old adage also applies to vacations (LOL). Let each member of the family pick one day’s activities. This will ensure that everyone gets to do something they like and share it with the family. Be sure to enjoy the resort/destination/cruise by planning one day to do absolutely nothing!
Remember family vacations are a way to get away from daily grind of work and school, but they are also a way to create fun, everlasting memories that every member of the family will cherish.
With your blended family, creating these new memories are very important and a vacation can be a way to get everyone involved in the process.
BMWK family, what vacation tips do you have for blended families? Did a vacation help to bring your blended family together?