7 Tips to Make Your Family Summer Vacation Even More Fun

Taking a Summer Family Vacation this year? If so, what are you doing to build excitement BEFORE you go? I know, as parents, we get so busy before a big trip. It's easy to get wrapped up in planning, packing, and last minute preparations that we forget that the fun can start now. So, set aside a little time to make your vacation even more special.

Here are some easy ideas on how to build excitement and have fun with the family before you set out on vacation.

1. Get the kids excited about the destination by reading books about where you are going or what you’ll see. Take the kids to the library and see what’s available. They don't have to be dry travel books. Find some kids fiction or picture books set in the location of your trip. A few years ago, we took a family trip to Boston. We knew we would see Paul Revere’s house so we wanted the kids to know about Paul before we got there, so we read the kids book John, Paul, George and Ben. We knew we would see a statue of ducks in the Boston Commons, so we read Make Way for Ducklings. Both books got the kids excited for what we were going to see.

2. Watch a movie about your destination. Going skiing? Watch a Warren Miller ski film or Snowball Express with Dean Jones. Going to the beach? Watch an old Beach Blanket Bingo movie or Surf’s Up. Going to Washington DC? Watch Night at the Museum 2 to get excited about the Smithsonian.

3. Visit the website of your resort or destination city. Some resorts have a kids section to their site with games and activities for kids. If you have teens, let them do some online research for the best places to eat and visit to get them more involved.

4. As a family, create a list of places or things you absolutely MUST do on the trip, WANT to do, and extra ideas if there’s time. That way you won’t miss anything.

5. Going someplace exotic? Cook a special meal that’s typical of where you are traveling.

6. Create a countdown calendar. X off the days or “sleeps” before the trip to build anticipation. Going to Disney? Create a Disney Character calendar for your countdown.

7. Draw your route on a road map and let the kids color in the route.

What do you do to get the kids excited about a trip? What summer vacation did you take as a kid that you remember most?

Want more information on how to make family travel easier and more fun? Check ChocolateCakeMoments.com for tips on planning road trips, amusing kids in the airport, packing lists, and baby proofing your hotel room.