Family vacations Planning the Perfect Family Trip

A democratic decision

Every family is different. Traveling with one child is a very different proposition from traveling with a "pack" of five. Teenagers are also unlikely to enjoy the same things as their younger siblings. The best way to meet this challenge is to broaden the possibilities and rethink the strategy. Ideally, start talking about the trip well before departure, get everyone excited about the destination, listen to what they have to say, consider their responses, and ask younger children what they would like to do. Honesty matters throughout the process.

Teenagers appreciate being involved in planning, and giving them a say helps them feel personally invested in the trip. They're more likely to make a genuine effort to enjoy the experience and will have a clearer idea of what to expect. It's a far better approach than "dragging" an apathetic 15-year-old around destinations and activities chosen entirely by their parents.

With younger children, turning the process into a game gives them a chance to express what they want. While planning, you could even hold an impromptu vote and have the kids shout out a silly word to show how excited they are.

As in any democracy, though, there need to be a few ground rules. Think of it as a small family "constitution" that everyone understands before leaving. Will anyone be allowed to sleep all day? How much independence will the kids have? What can they pack? How many meals will be at upscale restaurants, and how many at fast-food spots? Questions like these are best settled together in advance. It's also worth reminding children and adults alike that since everyone has had a say in the decisions, everyone needs to respect the boundaries you've agreed on.

Some families travel with other parents whose children are around the same age. It gives kids a little breathing room and the fun of sharing the trip with friends. These friendships are worth encouraging, since they often turn out to be lasting ones.

Another consideration when choosing a destination is whether it offers activities that will appeal to younger travelers, such as nature parks or water parks.

Eating out is usually a good idea: nothing to clean up afterward, and it always feels like an occasion. Dinner on a terrace works especially well, since younger children are often happier outdoors than sitting inside.

What can everyone do together?

When everyone feels relaxed but still engaged, conversation flows more easily, and the family connection deepens. A walk or a swim together becomes a bridge rather than a distraction. 

Some destinations make staying active especially easy. In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, adults and children alike can enjoy jungle zip lines, buggy excursions, snorkeling trips, or surfing lessons. Iberostar Waves Punta Cana, a favorite among families with young children, sits right on the beach, making an impromptu afternoon swim almost irresistible. Nearby, Iberostar Waves Dominicana has everything younger guests need, plus an extra dose of entertainment and evening activities for families after a livelier stay. With a kids' club, pools of every size, and the beach just steps away, it's no surprise more families choose Punta Cana each year to switch off without giving anything up.

In Tenerife, in Spain's Canary Islands, nature is part of the attraction, with dormant volcanoes and six different ecosystems spread across the island, many of which can be explored on foot. Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa strikes an appealing balance between relaxation and family fun, with everything you might want from a beachfront hotel. Iberostar Waves Las Dalias offers activities for all ages, turning afternoons after a day in the sun into another chance to have fun. 

Educational activities can be entertaining too. Archaeology and natural history museums are good examples, provided they're interactive spaces where children can play, touch, and participate. The trick is choosing a museum suited to your kids' ages and interests. Understandably, younger children might run out of patience after three hours of Manet's Impressionist paintings, while hands-on exhibits can spark curiosity and perhaps even a future passion. The Miami Children's Museum is one example, letting kids explore marine biology, environmental responsibility, civic life, and animal care all in one place.

Safety first

When traveling somewhere new, the whole family should have a clear plan in case anyone gets lost. Depending on their age, a cell phone may be essential, so check the number and make sure it will work at your destination. Before leaving home, make sure everyone knows what to do if someone takes a wrong turn or becomes separated in a crowded market. Once you arrive, choose an easy-to-find meeting point in every place you visit.

Other sensible precautions require very little advance research. Find out where the nearest clinics, medical facilities, and emergency services are at your destination. It's also useful to know the local emergency number, where to buy medication, and what is available without a prescription. Traveling with any necessary prescriptions and insect repellent is also advisable.

Plan for the unexpected

Having the practical details of the trip organized in advance, including how to get from the airport to the hotel and back again, can keep stress from taking over. Check public transportation options beforehand, including schedules, fares, the most affordable choices, and any family discounts. Make sure the route goes where you need it to and find out how many stops there are. It's also worth checking whether the hotel offers a pickup service that could make the journey much easier.

Since most families understandably prefer to sit together on the plane, it's worth taking a little extra time to reserve the seats you want during online check-in. This avoids unnecessary hassle at boarding and means you won't have to rely on the cabin crew or a kind fellow passenger to rearrange seats.

It's also useful to know each airline's onboard policies and conditions, particularly when traveling with a stroller, bassinet, or extra clothing. At the airport, remember that children may need help managing passports and boarding passes and, depending on their age, parents may prefer to keep hold of them. Teenagers and more independent children can carry their documents in a clear pouch worn around the neck that can pass through airport security.

That same attention to detail should extend to children's footwear. Uncomfortable shoes, or shoes that aren't suitable for a particular activity, can ruin an excursion and, more importantly, leave little feet sore. This isn't the place to compromise for the sake of a bargain. Quality and comfort should come first. Children may not thank you enthusiastically for it, but good footwear can prevent plenty of problems later.