How to Decide Where To Go On Vacation with Your Family

You Are Here – But You Want To Be There – You Just Don’t Know Where There Is

So you wanna take a trip? But you have no idea where. Sometimes the saying, “the world is your oyster” can feel a lot more overwhelming than it is uplifting. 

Maybe you have a lot of strong opinions in your family, or maybe you just don’t know where to start. 

Been there, bought the T-shirt. 

Let me help you circumnavigate your stress over location, so you can get down to the part where you actually get to go on vacation. 

Before You Start Listing Destinations, Consider These 3 Things:

• There’s rarely a “one size fits all” option for a family–there’s going to be some disagreement
• Consider your family’s needs: large and small, budget and health, schedules…
• Factor in your family’s interests and travel style: what’s the goal of the trip? Adventure? Relaxation” Cultural? Exploration? Educational? Visiting other family or loved ones?

While the conundrum of “where should we go on holiday”? certainly falls under the “good problems” category, it doesn’t make it any easier… especially if you have multiple family members with multiple opinions (mum of four – our daily lives are a constant series of compromises and “rock, paper, scissors” duels – I get it). 

But if you truly suss out the goals and expectations, as well as your personalities and interests, the right destination will become more evident as you go. 

And at the very least, crossing off certain places will happen…

Okay, So How Do You Actually Decide? What’s Your Secret?

If you don’t know by now, I’m a big fan of plans… and planning a trip? That needs a plan for your plan! 

I’m about to give you the exact steps my family and I take when we aren’t sure where to go on our next family vacation, starting with the pre-plan:

Step One: Establish why you all want to travel and what you are all hoping to get out of the trip

As a family, what do you want to achieve?  Is it to experience culture? 

Relax and slow down together? 

Adventure and explore? 

Warm weather? 

Tick off a bucket list item? 

We start off asking ourselves these questions during dinner or an informal family meeting – it also gets us all pumped for our upcoming vacation (and gets the vacay vibes going!)

Step Two: You’ll also want to establish what you don’t want out of it

To help you narrow down, sometimes it’s easier to eliminate what you don’t want rather than try and decide what you do want. 

Do you want to revisit a place you’ve been before or go somewhere new? 

Do you want cold weather or warm? 

Do you want the excitement of the city or the calm of the countryside? 

These points are all brought up during the initial discussion mentioned above. 

Step Three: What do all of you enjoy doing?

This point might seem like it’s just echoing the first one, but it’s slightly different, and will help all of you dig a little deeper as far as how your time together during the trip will truly be quality time. 

Are you water/beach/lake people? 

Do you enjoy hiking together? 

Feel like letting your theme park junkie shine this time? 

Prefer hitting a bunch of museums or exploring a completely new culture – immersing yourself in a new language, food, and activities? 

List them all out, letting each family member freely add to that list. 

Start (and keep) a running dream destinations list

(Okay, this isn’t really a step you’ll need to do each time. But once you have one going, you’ll want to remember to pull that list back out and consult it)

Write that down! Or type that up – whichever. You could even get really fancy with it and start a Pinterest board, so you have visuals and supplemental ideas such as sights/activities/unique accommodations…

As you see/hear about destinations you want to visit, make a note of them in your phone or diary/planner. When it’s time to start planning, refer back to your list to see if any of them might fit your needs for that particular trip – weather, travel season, budget, number of weeks/days away…

Now back to the steps…

Step Four: Explore your kid’s interests

My family and I are committed to travelling together because there are countless ways (in fact, I can name at least 23 reasons) it benefits our children. 

No one is calling travel frivolous on my watch. 

Some of our favourite trips have been the ones where we surprised the kids by going somewhere tailored to their specific interests, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the activities and things they love. 

For instance, we’ve logged trips to destinations known for their zoos and authentic wildlife experiences – both of which include things they absolutely adore, making them truly engaging experiences for them. 

Sometimes this is as simple as actually asking your kids where they’d like to go, things they’d love to see or experience, and activities that interest them. 

Maybe you’ve been reading a book together as a family? Use that for inspiration!

Consider consulting friends and family, or even use where they live as a guide

One way to truly maximise your travel budget and spend quality time with both your immediate family, as well as extended family and loved ones? 

Incorporate the various locations of family and friends in relation to the destinations you already want to visit. 

If it’s feasible, spending a night or two at a family member or friend’s home as part of the accommodation bucket of the travel budget really opens you up for a high-low travel method win. 

If you’re not familiar with what the concept of high-low travel entails, I have lots to say about it. 

Step Five: Let the deals of the season be your reason

Why not let a good airline or accommodation deal decide for you? If you want to capitalise on the best deals, it’s a good idea to have some money saved up ready to book things for when one pops up. 

We try to save on air travel as much as possible by searching Google Flights for the cheapest flights available to any destination during our specific travel dates.

Step Six: Listen to your budget

If you don’t have the budget to pay for flights, then try a road trip or somewhere within driving distance. 

If you need to keep costs down, pick destinations where your dollar goes further depending on where you live, exchange rates, etc.

Is this a bucket list trip? Then having the savings to match the importance of the trip should be top priority. 

If it’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip instead of trying to make it happen too soon, causing you to skimp on certain aspects to make it work, maximise your timeline instead. 

**Okay! So that’s how my family and I “pre-plan,” once we have all of that sussed out, it’s time to dial in and plan the actual trip!

How To Choose A Vacation Spot: Narrowing It Down

Now that you’ve sat down as a family and have a big ol’ pile of ideas in front of you, it’s time to narrow them down and pick the one that’s going to best fit your family’s needs. 

Here are some crucial things to sort out:

How long is your total travel time?

You don’t want to end up spending the majority of your trip getting there and back, with limited time in between for the actual vacation part.

 If your time is short or dependent on school schedules, etc, you’ll want to pick a place closer to home and save the overseas travel for longer breaks. 

Do the big expenses fit your travel budget?

It’s highly likely that the bulk of your travel budget will go to transportation to and from the destination, as well as while you’re there, specifically accommodations and food. 

I know I mentioned this about 100 times already, but I highly recommend learning and implementing a high-low travel method for your next trip. 

This is going to help you create a balance, while keeping  the goals for your trip top of mind. 

Another ‘must do’ is noting any exchange rates and currency values between locations–that is not a lesson you want to learn on the fly. 

It’s also something that could completely blow apart the budget you worked so hard on if you’re on the lower valued side of that coin. 

Consider the time of year you’ll be travelling

• Will the weather be too hot or too cold?
• Will it be peak season and overcrowded with tourists?
• How does it fit with your budget – peak season, expensive; shoulder/low season, cheaper
• What activities will be available at that time for the family?

Think about the overall logistics 

• When children are involved, you have to plan the everyday stuff out a lot more (but that shouldn’t deter you from actually taking the trip!).
• Long travel days, Airport customs, vaccinations – all things to consider depending on the age/skills/temperament of your kids. 
• What can you take on and what will be pushing it too far for both you and the kids for this particular trip? Sometimes it’s best to stick with the 2 hour rule – no longer than 2 hour flight or drive to get there. 
• Can you drink the water there? Are they at risk of certain sickness or viruses there?

Then there are logistics specific to your accommodations…

I speak from experience, as a family of 6, we don’t fit in a lot of traditional hotels etc, so we have to make sure there are accommodation options that will suit our needs.

• Do some quick research: is there an Airbnb big enough for your large family?
• Does the hotel/serviced apartment have a kitchenette for you to make baby formula or cook meals if needed?
• Is there a hotel with an option for separate bedrooms for the kids and adults? Or at least a bedroom area completely separate from the main space so the adults can make noise and relax at night? 
• Do you need a kids club? A kid-friendly pool? What food options are there?

What parenting season are currently in?

The ages of your kids, their personalities at this time, (tantrum stage, kids day naps etc) These are the factors you definitely don’t want to overlook…remember this is a vacation, not a test of survival! 

Again, this doesn’t mean avoiding travel altogether, you deserve vacations too, just make sure you’re setting yourself and your kids up for the best possible experience. 

Here are some of the things my husband and I have taken into consideration along the way:

• Crawling babies – are you prepared for the dirt if you go camping? 
• Can your 4 yr old handle long hikes yet?
• What is the best situation for their ages and skills?
• Are your kids a little older? – then it’s more likely that they can handle longer travel times or varying excursions, as well as act with more independence. 

Need an actual example of how I’ve learned how vital these considerations are before you get to where you are going? 

Don’t stay in an overwater bungalow if your kids can’t swim confidently (true story: Solomon Islands). Saying that it was stressful keeping an eye on them? Doesn’t even begin to explain that trip. Zero relaxation on my part, lesson well learned. 

Will the location appeal to all members of your family?

• Are the activities available good for the age (or age-range) of your kids?
• Will the parents be able to enjoy aspects of the trip too?
• Are you meeting somewhere in the middle so that everyone will enjoy some aspect of the trip? 

The Doust House’s Top 3 Family Vacation Ideas

Who doesn’t love a great beach destination?

Don’t tell the kids, but when sand is involved? My husband and I somehow seem to luck out with plenty of hours of relaxation time on the sidelines. 

Camping 

Our family truly enjoys getting all that fresh, outdoor air, and the quality time together with minimal distractions; everything that tends to come naturally when you’re all fully immersed in the great outdoors. 

Exploring a new country together

Sometimes there’s a bit of a learning curve, but experiencing new culture, languages, currency, while meeting new and interesting people is always a family favourite!

Amazing Places to Vacation with Your Family in Australia

Kununurra, Western Australia:

• Explore Indigenous Australian culture
• Spy on some crocodiles
• Endless waterfalls to swim under and admire 

Tasmania:

• When we’re here,  we love to hire a campervan and head off around the big island
• Great food
• Endless nature and wildlife to discover 

Gold Coast, Queensland:

• Such a fun mix of laid-back beach scenes and theme parks, this is the “something for everyone” spot of choice

Rottnest Island, Western Australia:

• Beautiful beaches
• Bike Riding
• Quiet island life
• Opportunities to spot the adorable Quokkas! 

Cairns, Queensland:

• Splash around in the Cairns Lagoon
• Explore the Daintree Rainforest
• …and of course! Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef!

Family-Friendly International Destinations We Highly Recommend

New Zealand: 

• Nature, nature, nature! 
• Thermal pools
• Glowworm caves
• Adventure, adventure, adventure!

Bali, Indonesia: 

• Incredible value for the money
• Huge variety of unique accommodation options
• Great beaches
• Fantastic food
• Loads of activities for kids

Lapland, Finland: 

• Santa Clause Village
• Husky rides
• Reindeer
• Plenty of white, fluffy snow
• Seriously, a great season-specific treat for the family

Thailand: 

• Opportunity to go island hopping-hitting various locations in one vacation
• Amazing resorts and pools
• Rich culture and history–ripe with activities and experiences for everyone

Switzerland:

• Plenty of kid-friendly hiking
• Playgrounds GALORE! 
• Mountains and stunning scenery

FAQs: How Do I Decide Where To Take My Family Vacation 

How do you plan a family vacation everyone will enjoy?

Involve the whole family! Family travel planning requires a lot of open communication, especially when it comes to the destination and activities. 

For larger families, this can be somewhat tricky. Make sure the itinerary is a mix of everyone’s interests, as well as considering your children’s age and daily needs. 

Flexibility is key, not everything has to be planned down to the minute… leave room for some spontaneity! 

How long should a family vacation last?

I think it’s safe to say that this depends on a lot of variables, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. 

But I won’t lie, an endless summer does sound fantastic…

I will say that a rule of thumb we use is somewhere from 7 to 10 days depending on location. 

For our family, we’ve found that this allows for enough time to get there (and home), settle in, and truly explore our destination without feeling rushed. 

This is also a good amount of time to make sure everyone is getting the most out of the trip, and engaging in  activities tailored to their interests. 

What is the best way to involve kids in vacation planning?

I can promise you that involving everyone is going to make your family trip all the more enjoyable.

 We start by getting everyone’s input regarding destinations and preferred activities. 

Create a short list and then have everyone vote! For the older kids, delegate certain tasks such as researching activities or orchestrating the packing lists. 

They’ll take the tasks seriously, trust me, and it gives them agency, as well as excitement for the trip outside of, “are we there yet?!” 

How to afford a family vacation every year?

If travelling with your family every year is a priority (which I fully support!), then you will want to make travel a non-negotiable category in your household budget. 

Consistent contributions to a dedicated travel fund will allow you to keep that fund growing, as well as taking advantage of deals, reward programs, and unexpected discounts. 

Being flexible as far as your possible destinations and travel dates is another way to make annual vacations a reality. 

How can I make my travel budget more flexible?

For a more flexible travel budget, identify the areas you can cut back on without sacrificing the overall quality of your trip. 

This might mean choosing a less expensive destination, travelling during the off-season, or getting creative as far as activities while you’re there. 

Keeping your budget flexible isn’t restrictive, it actually makes room for unexpected, unique opportunities you hadn’t planned for! 

How can I make a trip educational for my kids?

First things first, educational does not mean sacrificing fun.

 There are so many ways a family vacation is an educational experience for your kids–ways they won’t even recognize as such while it’s happening. 

One idea is to choose destinations with cultural and historical significance and take advantage of the guided tours or interactive exhibits. 

Another is planning a vacation with more natural elements like camping can provide opportunities to learn more about the local wildlife and ecosystems. 

We like to have discussions with our kids about all the different facets of our destination and planned activities beforehand, and then encourage them to keep a travel journal in order to document and later reflect on their adventures. 

What is a good budget for a family vacation?

That’s going to depend on your overall household budget. And if you aren’t exactly sure what that is, this is your gentle suggestion to start with that. 

As far as travel budgets specifically, I start with looking at what my family can comfortably allocate each month toward our next trip, and then count backward from the intended departure date. 

Once the overall budget has been determined, break that down into categories like flights, accommodations, meals, daily expenses… taking into consideration your family’s specific needs. 

I also highly recommend using tracking  tools such as a budget planner or various apps to help you prioritise spending and saving, so you can stay on track. 

And yes, I take my travel planner with me on our vacations… I mean, that’s what it’s called… it should get to go too! 

How can I make saving money for travel a habit?

Like any habit, saving money for travel requires discipline and consistency. 

Now that I’ve gotten sounding like a school teacher out of the way… you simply have to decide that saving for your family vacation is a priority and then work at it until it’s just another part of your family routine. 

You can set up automatic transfers to your travel fund after each payday so you aren’t tempted to allocate that money elsewhere. 

You can also dedicate a specific savings account for your travel funds, which will also prevent temptation to spend that money elsewhere.

 I also recommend regularly reviewing your budget with a keen eye for areas you can cut expenses elsewhere to boost your savings. 

Get the whole family involved! Make a chart, as big and as colourful as you wish, and have a time each week or month that you fill it in and track your progress together. 

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?

Hidden fees-those sneaky little buggers. 

This can include resort fees, local taxes, or even unexpected transportation costs such as tolls. 

The best way to fight hidden fees is to consider everything, and I mean everything. Mentally walk through where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing. Imagine yourself at public transport, the airport, walking around the city. Be your own concierge of the details of your trip. 

You’ll also want to consider the cost of travel insurance, international roaming charges, and emergency expenses that are impossible to predict. 

 I recommend always adding in a “just in case” buffer to the overall budget to account for unforeseen costs. And? If you end up not needing to dip into that? Forward that money to your savings for the next vacation! 

Wrapping It Up: Deciding Where To Go When Travelling with Your Family

No one said planning a family vacation would be a breeze, but you’ve got this, and it’s going to be a trip your family will talk about for years to come! 

And it’s not like the planning part isn’t at least a little fun, yeah?

When it comes to family vacations, you’re not simply trying to “escape it all,” you’re planning necessary, enriching experiences that will shape your kid’s interests and character. 
Now that you’ve decided where to go, head over to my step-by-step comprehensive guide on how to plan for a family vacation. There you’ll get all the information you need to start planning and actually take the trip!