Family Vacation – Planning a family vacation can seem like a huge task, especially if you’ve only got a week or less to pull it all together. I know the feeling—last-minute trips with family can often be a recipe for stress, and the last thing you want is to find yourself rushing around in a panic. But trust me, it can be done. In fact, I’ve done it more than once, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that make it possible to plan an amazing family vacation in just a few days. So if you’re in the same boat, here’s how you can pull it off without losing your mind (or your sanity).
How to Plan a Perfect Family Vacation in Less Than a Week
1. Set Clear Priorities with the Family
The first thing I learned the hard way was that I can’t please everyone, especially when it comes to family vacations. I remember one trip where everyone wanted something totally different. Some of us were keen on exploring new cities, while others just wanted to relax on a beach. By the time I tried to satisfy everyone, the trip felt more stressful than fun.
So here’s the key: Before you even think about booking anything, sit down with the family and get a sense of what everyone wants. Are you all into hiking and outdoor adventures? Or do you just want a quiet beach destination with plenty of downtime? You might not get everything you want, but it’s important to know what the top priorities are. Write them down and keep those in mind as you plan. Trust me, this little conversation will save you a lot of headache down the road.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, ask them what they’d like to do or see during the trip. You’d be surprised at how much their input can shape a fun itinerary!
2. Choose Your Destination Wisely
Now that you have an idea of what the family wants, it’s time to choose a destination. When you’re short on time, you want a place that’s easy to get to, has a lot to offer for all ages, and doesn’t require too much complicated travel. For example, flights and accommodations are often easier to book in places that are close to home or well-connected to major airports.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you here is to focus on destinations where you can find activities that suit everyone’s needs—something for both the adventure seekers and the relaxation lovers. For instance, my family had an incredible trip to San Diego once, where we had access to both beautiful beaches and theme parks like Legoland and SeaWorld. There was plenty to keep us busy, but also room for relaxation in between.
If you’re short on time, it’s usually a good idea to pick a domestic destination (unless, of course, you’re based in a place with super cheap international flights). That way, you’re not wasting precious vacation time with long travel days or complicated connections.
Pro Tip: I also like to check out last-minute vacation deals. Some resorts or airlines offer discounts for spur-of-the-moment bookings, which can help you get a great deal even if you’re planning on short notice.
3. Book Your Accommodations Early (But Not Too Early)
Booking accommodations on short notice can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to strike a balance between booking too early and waiting until the last minute. After all, you don’t want to end up in a tiny hotel room with no space for everyone, but you also don’t want to get stuck paying sky-high prices because you waited too long.
When booking accommodations, I always try to go for places that offer flexibility—like cancelation options. You never know if your plans might change last minute, so being able to cancel or change a reservation is super handy. Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo are great for finding affordable rentals, whether you want an entire house for privacy or a cozy apartment for more space.
I’ve had the best luck in the past by looking for properties that are within walking distance of the main attractions or public transport. This can save you the headache of dealing with car rentals and parking, which is such a time-saver when you’re traveling with kids.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to look at reviews and ask the host or hotel about amenities like cribs, high chairs, or family-friendly activities available nearby. These little details can make a big difference when traveling with kids.
4. Plan a Flexible Itinerary
Now, here’s where things get a little tricky—how do you plan a great itinerary without over-scheduling? You definitely want to have a rough idea of what to do each day, but if you schedule every minute of the trip, it can feel like you’re on a race to check off a list rather than enjoying the vacation.
One of my best family vacations was when I planned a trip to Orlando with a mix of planned activities and downtime. We had a couple of days packed with theme park visits, but I also made sure to leave plenty of time for just chilling at the hotel pool or visiting a nearby nature reserve. Trust me, downtime is key to keeping everyone happy.
Here’s a tip: build in a “free day” where no major activities are planned. It’s perfect for those who want to relax, do some spontaneous exploring, or take it easy. Sometimes, those unplanned moments end up being the most memorable.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting a popular tourist destination, always check if there are any local events or festivals happening during your stay. They can often be a fun surprise and offer unique experiences without extra planning.
5. Pack Smart and Efficient
Packing is always a challenge, but it’s especially tricky when you’re planning a last-minute family vacation. I’ve learned the hard way that packing everything in a rush can lead to forgetfulness (hello, missing swimsuits or sunscreen!). To avoid this, I now make a packing list a day or two before I leave, so I can cross-check everything.
Also, keep it simple. You don’t need to pack five pairs of shoes or a whole wardrobe for the trip. Stick to essentials, and remember that many places offer rentals for gear, strollers, or anything you might need for kids. The fewer bags you have to lug around, the better.
Pro Tip: For younger kids, consider packing a small bag of entertainment for the travel time—things like coloring books, snacks, and small toys can help keep them occupied and avoid the “Are we there yet?” meltdown.
6. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself (It’s Okay to Delegate)
I used to think that I had to do everything myself—research, bookings, organizing meals—but trust me, you don’t have to. If you’ve got a partner or older kids, delegate tasks to them. Let your partner pick the restaurant for one night, or get your kids involved in planning activities. It makes them feel more invested in the trip and takes some pressure off you.
Pro Tip: If you can, hire a local guide or use a tour service for a few days to take care of the logistics, especially if you’re short on time. It can save you from getting lost or missing out on hidden gems!
Planning a family vacation in less than a week might seem impossible, but with a little preparation and a flexible mindset, it can be one of the most fun and rewarding trips you’ll ever take. So don’t stress too much—set your priorities, book your accommodations, plan a simple itinerary, and leave room for spontaneity. You’ve got this!
