To help you create a flexible itinerary that caters to everyone’s interests during family vacations, we asked travel bloggers and operations managers for their best strategies. From incorporating structured activities and free time to involving everyone in the planning process, here are the top five strategies these experts shared.
- Incorporate Structured Activities and Free Time
- Understand Family Preferences and Interests
- Use the 25-50-25 Rule
- Choose Activities Based on Family Input
- Involve Everyone in Planning Process
Incorporate Structured Activities and Free Time
One effective strategy is to incorporate a mix of structured activities and free time into the itinerary. Begin by gathering input from all family members on their interests and must-see attractions. Create a balanced schedule that includes key activities in the morning when energy levels are high, and allocate afternoons for relaxation or spontaneous exploration. This approach ensures that everyone’s preferences are considered while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing interests or unexpected opportunities.
Robin Salvador
Travel Blogger, VinzIdeas
Understand Family Preferences and Interests
The most important thing to establish is the essence of the family in question. Getting to know and understanding their likes, dislikes, and interests is key to creating an unforgettable and perfectly bespoke itinerary. Typically, we like to know how mobile they are and their level of stamina. Do they prefer to be driven, or do they like to be active and walk? Would they enjoy the authenticity of public transit, or would they prefer the luxury of a Mercedes vehicle?
We then like to hone in on the family’s make-up. For example, do they have children, and if so, are they younger or older? A young child will likely require a vehicle and shorter, more immersive tours, whereas a teenager will want to be entertained and treated like an adult, albeit with a stimulating experience. Are they a family that enjoys museums and art galleries, or would they prefer a food tour and a graffiti workshop? Are they interested in celebrity culture, or do they prefer military history? Would they enjoy a shopping experience, or are they keen to explore the local music scene?
As a private tour operator, we see ourselves as playing the role of the guests’ best friend while they are in town. Once we have as much information as we can garner from the family, we begin crafting an itinerary that will be as sublime as it is memorable. It is in many ways a partnership between the operator and the client, where both are seeking to create a truly unique and bespoke itinerary that exceeds the dreams and expectations of each member of the family.
As avid travelers ourselves, we have a keen understanding of the ingredients that go into the perfect private tour. Striking the right balance between efficiency, time management, and structure while also allowing the family time to feel relaxed and spontaneous is key. Planning is essential, but conversely, too much planning can reduce spontaneity and flexibility.
As well as their private tour, we like to go above and beyond for our guests and will often share our recommendations on the best things happening in the city during their visit. For example, the hottest restaurants, the best shows (and advice on how to get the best seats), the best exhibitions, and any advice we can dispense regarding their transportation and well-being during their visit. We are not just tour operators; we are memory-makers.
Laura Burton
Operations Manager, Yellow Moon Tours
Use the 25-50-25 Rule
Creating flexible plans for family trips is something I’ve mastered. My tip for a great family vacation is the “25-50-25 Rule.” This means planning 25% of activities for the kids, 50% for family time, and 25% for adult relaxation and exploring. By balancing everyone’s interests and allowing some room for spontaneous choices, every family member feels valued. Controversially, I believe that a rigid schedule is the death of family bonding. Embrace flexibility, and let each day unfold naturally. This method keeps everyone engaged and ensures memorable experiences for all.
Dionne Jayne Ricafort
Marketing Manager, CSO Yemen
Choose Activities Based on Family Input
Creating a family-friendly itinerary that interests everyone on the trip can be a difficult task; however, it is possible! With two daughters and one energetic puppy, Renato and I choose vacation spots that have outdoor activities within reach and/or a town nearby for plenty of exploration. We ask each family member to name one thing they would like to do on vacation, and we go from there!
Millicent Kristie
Owner, Glenmoor by the Sea
Involve Everyone in Planning Process
One strategy that we use to create a flexible itinerary that caters to everyone’s interests during our family vacations is the involvement of everyone in the planning process. Each of our family members (including the children) picks an activity or place they’d like to experience or visit during our trip. Then we build the itinerary around these choices based on a half-day schedule. This allows for free time, spontaneous activities, or some relaxation each day. This is our strategy to ensure everyone is included, and we have the flexibility to adjust the plans as needed while still covering everyone’s top priorities.
Yancy Forsythe
Owner, Missouri Valley Homes
