Spring Break Family Vacation Ideas

Spring Break Family Vacation Ideas – I had the pleasure of being asked to speak about family vacations at the #DCTravelShow yesterday and one of the things that we went over was the importance of getting your entire family on board when planning your vacation experience. I say “experience” because I think there is a growing trend away from “things” and a movement toward “experience.” People are sharing on social media and email more than every before in the history of man kind and one thing is for sure… no one on their death bed ever thanked their family for a special toy or gadget. Oh don’t get me wrong, all of those things are seriously FUN (and keep kids busy on road trips) but when vacationing, families are seeking an experience. Vacationing is about a family experience. It’s an experience of love, happiness, bliss, fun, laughter and excitement. You need to get your family “on board” so to speak, so now what? Oh and lets not forget – How are you going to PAY for that vacation experience? That’s where the Family Vacation Contract was contrived.

As you are making decisions and coming up with your Spring Break Family Vacation Ideas you’ll need the support of the entire family – kids included.  Here are some suggestions below;

• Plan a family meeting without interruption and get in put on destinations. Start basic with weather – Are you headed for warm weather or planning to bundle up, make a fire and have some winter fun
• Discuss how you’ll pay for the vacation. Make a family contract and agree on what you’ll give up or save to make your dream Spring break experience a reality. Ideas below:

1. Cut cable TV for 3-6 months
2. No stopping at convenience store for drinks
3. Cut subscriptions
4. No Fast Food 2 months
5. Stop dining out 1-3 months
6. Stop buying extra clothes for a set period of time
7. No more take out for dinner while working your savings plan
8. Have a “no spending” weekend 1 x per month

• Change your habits – Now is a great time to re-consider old habits and employ new habits. Ideas below;

1. Get the kids to turn off the lights
2. Make use of the local library for videos and books
3. Change from online bill pay to a rewards card that you can use to earn points for vacation
4. Use web sites like Sun Trust’s OnUpMovement (they help families understand financial literacy, how make goals, save and more)

•  Start looking for deals – Look up Groupon for the area you’ll be visiting, sign up for emails of places you might plan to dine (think coupons), contact the local conference and visitors burea and ask about “in season” and “off season” (You’ll frequently find better coupons and deals during shoulder seasons and off seasons),  Get on social media for the town you’ll be visiting – ask the local where to go (they’ll know the deals!)

NOTE: If you’re headed out for a family vacation to Walt Disney World be sure to check out these great ideas;

• Walt Disney World on a Tight Budget
• Disney Vacation Checklist is about advance planning
• What to bring to Walt Disney World planning checklist here