Plan the Perfect Family Vacation

Memories Last a Lifetime

Families that play together, stay together!
Enjoy them while they're young and want to spend time with you.
Experiences shape one's outlook and develop character.

All of these are excellent reasons to plan a family vacation, we don't have to tell you that. However, planning the vacation can be stressful, affording a vacation can be stressful, and preparing for vacation can be stressful. We don't have to tell you that, either. Guess what? Doesn't have to be. Follow our tips below for a smooth vacation timeline, from planning to execution.

Where Are We Going?

The best vacation is one where everyone is excited about the destination. With so many amazing places, to visit, the chances are good you can find a spot that makes everyone happy. Start by gathering everyone together to brainstorm ideal locations. See what overlaps, discuss each individual's priorities, and decide on a location that meets everyone's needs.

How Much Will This Cost?

This is where it pays to work with a travel advisor. 411 to Travel is a franchise of Cruise Planners, which connects us with travel representatives, hotels, airlines, and destinations around the world. As professionals, we have access to unadvertised, industry-exclusive discounts on travel that we can pass along to our clients.

It costs you $0, nada, nothing to work with us! The fee for our services is paid by our suppliers and partners, not you.

You save hours of researching and booking hassles, we find you great bargains and take care of all of the details. Your chillax starts before you have even packed your bags!

When Are We Going?

Photo courtesy of xtns.org

There's a prevailing misconception out there that cheap travel is booked last minute. That couldn't be further from the truth! For the best selection and price, you want to book as early as possible. Resorts often offer promotional discounts to start filling rooms for the next season. And, special accommodations—such as adjoining rooms or family suites—are in limited supply and book up FAST. You want to get your preferences locked in as early as possible. This is particularly important, if you have to work around school schedules and plan to travel during peak times such as the Christmas holiday or Spring Break. We advise clients to start planning and booking a year in advance.

How Are We Paying for this Dream Vacation?

Now that you know where you going, how much it's going to cost, and how long you have til departure, you can start setting money aside to pay for your trip. Our best piece of advice is to have funds automatically deducted from your bank account on pay day and set aside in a special 'travel fund savings account' that you set up, just for that purpose. Alternately, you can make payments directly to us, to pay off the balance of your trip so that when it's time to go, the only money you need worry about is spending money.

What Will We Need for This Trip?

Photo courtesy of adventuresbydisney.com

If you are planning to travel out of the country, you'll want to make sure everyone's passport is up to date, or get passports for travelers, if necessary. As the date gets closer, it's helpful to write up a packing list so that you just bring the essentials and nothing is forgotten. If you're traveling someplace warm, you're better off buying sunscreen at home and packing it than buying it at your destination. Going skiing? Does everyone have the proper gear and outerwear? Packing lists are super helpful!

Know Before You Go!

As your travel date approaches, you'll want to be up to speed on local customs & happenings.

• What's the weather like at your location this time of year?
• Any local events scheduled for when you'll be there?
• Traveling out of the country? What's the exchange rate? What's your plan for getting local currency?
• What attractions do you want to see? What excursions do you want to go on?

And We're Off!

If you've followed our advice, then everyone is looking forward to their destionation, you're packed with everything you need, and you're armed with all the info necessary to hit the ground running. It's gonna be a great vacation! Take lots of pictures and make memories!

Ready to book your trip? Have questions? Let's talk!

(443) 852-1330 or (443) 306-7646