How to Plan Your Vacation
Plan a Memorable Vacation with Tips on Destinations, Reservations, Outdoor Activities, Budgeting, Efficient Packing, Traveling with Kids, Accommodation Options, and More - Venture Outfitters Can Help You Create Unforgettable Adventures!
Choosing Your Outdoor Adventure Vacation
You have three options for planning an outdoor adventure vacation: a local vacation, a destination vacation, or a journey vacation.
A journey vacation is a vacation where the journey is your adventure, such as hiking the Appalachian trail from Maine to Florida or an RV Trip to catch baseball games at every MLB ballpark from New York to Minnesota.
A local outdoor adventure vacation has the advantage that you save travel time and costs, and you can do outdoor activities that are part of your normal routine. For example, if you have been surfing for years on beaches near your hometown, a vacation near home renting an Airbnb on the beach is a good choice to enjoy lots of surfing, which is an activity you normally do. Check out our local guides for outdoor activities near you.
However, if you live in the Midwest but you have always wanted to try a deep-sea fishing charter in Florida, you’re planning a destination vacation. Check out our destination guides for exciting outdoor adventure vacation destinations.
If you are traveling with a family or large group, be sure to consider diverse activities for all members of your group. People with kids in your group may enjoy building sandcastles on the beach while others are windsurfing or parasailing.
Planning a Local Outdoor Adventure Vacation
A local outdoor adventure vacation maximizes the “bang for your buck” because you save travel costs and time. This may be the easiest option to include friends and family, especially if their schedule is different and they may only be with you for part of your vacation. Local outdoor activities have the advantage that it’s easy to practice these activities for years on end, so you can perfect your wind-surfing or rock-climbing skills throughout the year.
Planning a local vacation gives you additional options such as returning home for other activities (work) if necessary. You should especially consider “over booking” your dates for resorts or other activities in January to allow for flexibility. If you are planning a summer vacation, make sure you book your plans no later than January. The trick to overbooking is to make reservations for the maximum number of dates months in advance. Most campgrounds and resorts have generous cancellation policies with just a few days’ notice. You typically only make a small deposit or give your credit card to hold the reservation and don’t have to pay until you check in. This way, if plans change and you must shift your dates, you already have the dates reserved. If you don’t have reservations booked in advance for busy hotels or campgrounds, then good luck making last-minute changes.
Planning a Destination Outdoor Adventure Vacation
Destination vacations are awesome. You get to escape from your everyday life to spend an entire vacation snorkeling, skiing, or rock climbing. Depending on where you live, a destination vacation may be your only opportunity to enjoy awesome outdoor vacations. Skiing in Pennsylvania may be ok, but it’s no comparison to skiing in Colorado.
However, planning a destination vacation involves a few risks that you must plan for. What if the airline loses your luggage, including your snowboard for your snowboarding vacation? What if the airline cancels your flight? What if you drive and your car breaks down halfway to your destination? That local outdoor adventure vacation is starting to sound more appealing, isn’t it? Don’t give up. You can plan an awesome outdoor adventure destination vacation as long as you make a few considerations to prevent the worst from happening.
Take a look at our Outdoor Adventure Destination Travel Guides if you haven’t yet decided where you want to go and what you want to do. Our guides give you ideas for outdoor adventures in locations that can’t be beaten.
As you are deciding where you are going and what you are going to do, consider trying new outdoor activities at home before you hit the road. You wouldn’t want to plan a SCUBA diving trip complete with “first time” lessons, and then discover that your sinuses can’t handle the pressure of diving.
Once you have tried something at least once and you are comfortable that you and your group won’t get seasick or you are not afraid of heights, then you should be comfortable booking your trip. If you are driving, then you should be able to pack all of your gear with you. It may be time to consider a rooftop cargo rack to pack all of your gear for your trip.
Driving is becoming an increasingly better choice over flying due to challenges in the air travel system. Flight cancellations, staffing shortages, missed connections, baggage fees, airplane doors falling off mid-flight, inflight engine fires…the list of problems goes on. Most likely none of these disasters would hit during your flight, but it does mean that you must book your flights early. Flights can be expensive, and there may not be flexibility for the travel dates and times that you want. Still, flying at 500 miles per hour will get you to your destination a lot faster than driving.
If you choose to drive, prepare to enjoy the trip! With in-car entertainment, assisted driving, great GPS apps like Waze, and reasonable gas prices, there has never been a better time for the Great American Road trip. If you are lucky enough that you can work remotely, you could drive for days at night while working remotely in hotels along your way. Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Great American Road Trip for all-inclusive tips, tricks, and gear.
Planning a Journey Outdoor Adventure Vacation
Sometimes the journey is the adventure. Think about driving all of Route 66 from Chicago to L.A. or taking all summer to Bike from Boston to Seattle. If you like to drive, bike, sail, or, row you should probably plan at least one journey vacation before you reach age 50. By setting aside time for the journey, you are clearing your schedule to enjoy one of your favorite activities. Journey vacations are a little different because you’re not going to spend your entire vacation at a destination. You will likely plan to visit wonderful stops along the way, but most of your time will be spent traveling.
Here are a few ideas for you to consider how to turn your favorite modes of transportation into a journey vacation:
Bike and ride: Pack your bags on your road bike, get a ticket on Amtrak, and head out by bike and rail. You could visit multiple cities or just one city. Biking around a new city is a great way to see the sights, while a train trip is relaxing and saves the trouble of driving to get to your destination. You can have an amazing trip for only the cost of a hotel and a train ticket. Consider Santa Barbra, Chicago, San Antonio, or Washington DC as bike friendly cities on popular Amtrak train routes.
Sail: If you’re an experienced boater, you can plan an adventure in your sailboat or your cruiser to a new destination. If your boat fits on a trailer, you can drive to a new area then launch at a boat ramp and Marina. Try boating around Long Island or along the East Coast in the Intercoastal waterway. On the West Coast, consider towing your boat to Washington’s Puget Sound and boating around the San Juan Islands.
Drive Pacific Coast Highway: If you feel like a road trip, no journey beats the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’ve got a car that you love to drive and a group of people that appreciate the adventure, then get ready to hit the road. The Pacific Coast Highway runs from San Juan Capistrano in Southern California to Mendocino County, about three hours North of San Francisco. There is no better drive in the country for the sake of just enjoying the drive. Even if you do not live near California, you could fly into John Wayne Orange County Airport, rent a car, and start this epic road trip from nearby San Jan Capistrano.
Hike from A to B: If you enjoy hiking, then hiking makes an excellent journey vacation. Of course, if you want to cover a significant distance by walking, then you will have to dedicate significant time to the journey, but the distance traveled is not the point. The point is to enjoy a journey. Hiking the entire Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail would take an entire summer, but you could easily enjoy a portion of these trails for a couple of days or a couple of weeks. While these trails are the most famous, there are other trails that include noteworthy wilderness attractions and quaint towns for a hotel and a shower.
Road Biking Journey: Check out our Road Biking “How To” Guide if you are unfamiliar with road biking. Road biking can be done with racks and special storage bags called “panniers” that function like suitcases or a trunk for your bike. With these bags, you can pedal to campgrounds, or you can stay in hotels. Road biking is not for Interstate Highways, but state highways usually offer majestic scenery, convenient towns, and shoulders suitable for biking on the side of the road.
Vacation Budgeting Tips
Creating a budget for your family vacation is crucial for ensuring a financially stress-free and enjoyable experience. Start by outlining a vacation budget using tools like the Vacation Budget Worksheet, which can help you allocate funds for travel, accommodations, activities, and unexpected expenses. Additionally, consider money-saving tips such as traveling during the shoulder season, utilizing travel deals from websites like Groupon Getaways and Expedia, and exploring the potential benefits of using travel rewards credit cards for additional savings and perks.
Planning and budgeting ahead of time can help you avoid stress and overspending, allowing you to focus on creating lasting memories with your family. By incorporating these budgeting tips, you can ensure that your vacation remains within financial bounds while still offering a fulfilling experience for all family members.
Efficient Packing Tips for Family Travel
Packing efficiently for family travel is essential to manage luggage limitations and ensure that you have all the essentials for a smooth and enjoyable vacation. Create a checklist of essentials tailored to your family’s needs, considering factors such as weather conditions, planned activities, and the duration of your trip. Additionally, prioritize packing items that cater to different age groups within the family, ensuring that everyone is prepared for the journey.
For instance, if you’re planning a family hiking trip, packing essentials such as comfortable hiking shoes for adults and children, sunscreen, and insect repellent can contribute to a comfortable and safe outdoor experience. Check out our Gear Guides for tips, deals, and reviews to ensure you are properly equipped for your vacation.
Family Traveling with Kids
Traveling with kids requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire family. Consider strategies for keeping children entertained and comfortable during travel, such as packing snacks, engaging activities, and essential items like first-aid kits and travel insurance. By prioritizing the well-being and entertainment of children, you can create a positive travel experience that minimizes stress and maximizes enjoyment for the whole family.
For example, using Venture Outfitters’ guides for tips on making outdoor adventures enjoyable and safe for kids can provide valuable insights into creating memorable experiences that cater to the unique needs of children. By implementing practical advice and preparations, you can ensure that your family vacation is filled with joy and comfort for both parents and children.
Family-Friendly Accommodation Options
Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for a successful family vacation. Consider different types of accommodations suitable for families, ranging from hotels with family-friendly amenities to vacation rentals with kitchen facilities. Look for lodging options that cater to the specific needs of your family, providing convenience, safety, and recreational amenities that enhance the overall vacation experience.
For instance, a family-friendly vacation rental with spacious living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and access to a pool and playground can offer the comfort and flexibility necessary for a memorable family getaway. Utilize resources like Venture Outfitters to find accommodations that are convenient for outdoor activities and adventures, ensuring that your chosen lodging complements the overall vacation experience for your family.
Conclusion: Crafting Unforgettable Family Vacation Experiences
Planning a family vacation involves thoughtful consideration and preparation to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for all family members. By carefully selecting a family-friendly destination, planning diverse activities, budgeting wisely, packing efficiently, and prioritizing the needs of children, you can ensure that your vacation is a source of lasting memories and shared joy. Encourage involving all family members in the planning process to tailor the trip to everyone’s interests and needs, enhancing the overall experience.
To explore valuable resources and guides for planning your next family vacation, visit Venture Outfitters for insights, gear reviews, and tips to make your adventure unforgettable. With the right preparations and considerations, you can embark on a family vacation that fosters togetherness, exploration, and cherished moments for years to come.