Make Memories, not Drama, While Traveling with Other Families
We have many wonderful memories from traveling with other families. It is so rewarding to see all the kids hanging out and exploring new places together. It is also fun to have adult time once the kids are in bed or settled in watching a movie.
Be honest about your budget and expectations from the start. Ski-in ski-out? Beachfront or a short walk away? In town or off the beaten path? Location can make a big difference in the price and type of lodging.
Two great co-traveling destinations
1| The Beach
Explore a beach area such as Destin, Florida or the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Dig your toes in the sand as adults gather together watching the sunset and the kids build sandcastles and play Spikeball on the beach.
2 | A Ski Resort
Venture out to a large ski resort like Vail, Colorado or Park City, Utah where you can hit the slopes jointly or apart. Go at your own pace during the day and still play games together in the evening.
Tips for sharing lodging with other families
Of course, each family can get their own lodging — however, sharing accommodations can add to the fun as long as you plan ahead on a couple of key items. Bonus, it is also often less expensive!
Discuss how to split up costs early in the planning
Discuss how to divide costs before booking your lodging. Are the families different sizes? So do you split costs by family or by room? If one family is arriving later do you divide the pricing differently or not?
Plan out the bedrooms ahead of time
Who sleeps where? Plan out bedrooms ahead of time. Boys, girls, babies, etc. Do not make the mistake of first-come-first-served or there could be some sore feelings.
You are on vacation together, now what?
Spend time together, and apart
Do not try to do everything together. And, discuss this ahead of time so feelings are not hurt.
A little independence for the older kids
Is it time to let the older kids go out and get ice cream on their own? Sadly, they may remember playing mini-golf with their peers as much — or more — than that family outing earlier in the day.
It's dinnertime
As a larger group, it certainly makes sense to have a reservation if you are going out to dinner. Make it easier at bill time by asking ahead if they will do separate checks. I find it easiest for the kids to give a parent’s first and/or last name to separate the items when ordering.
You will most likely have a kitchen, so make use of it and dine in! Discuss the menus ahead of time to ensure variety. Theme nights are fun! Fiesta. Italian. Barbecue. Now, are you preparing the meals together or rotating nights? If you are splitting up duties, decide whether to cook it yourself or cater. Catering will be more expensive, but you are on vacation too! Either way, I suggest covering expenses the night you host dinner.
