Published: April 06, 2023
Quality time matters, and there’s nothing more iconic than a family vacation. In a survey “Family Vacations Create Lasting Memories,” conducted by Harris Interactive for the U.S. Travel Association, 62 percent of adults report that their earliest memories from ages 5 to 10 included family vacations, reflecting the long-lasting effects of time spent together.
Here are a few ways to recharge, reconnect and create lasting memories.
Travel with kids can be tricky, so consult a AAA Travel Agent for a plan to suit your budget and situation. Do you need something manageable for babies or children? Follow some best practices for a safe, enjoyable journey. Pick a destination for the entire family. Family-friendly resorts and restaurants sometimes provide kids’ programs. Destinations like national parks and theme parks offer things to do for all ages.
In addition to securing travel insurance, which can protect your family from the unexpected, you’ll want to do a little preplanning; you can either check with your trusted agent or let some AAA products guide your own trip research. AAA TripTik can help you find the best route if you're driving, while AAA Trip Canvas offers expert insights and recommendations.
Planning helps with packing as well. Remember extra clothes, snacks, toys and devices like breast pumps or iPads. (Check out our “7 Best Travel Tips for Families” for more on how to travel with kids.) Also think ahead at attractions to avoid surprises such as minimum heights for rides and rainy weather. Map out special quiet rooms that some attractions, such as Dollywood and Legoland Florida Resort, help to provide accessible accommodations for children with disabilities.
Families are traveling again and much more open about sharing their adventures. Fifty-eight percent of travelers ages 13-18 will share experiences on social media, while 58 percent of 18-34 will share them in some format, whether in albums, blogs or social media platforms, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Engage your family (and their followers) by picking memorable sights to post.
Including grandparents in your vacation plans can make the trip more meaningful. According to the U.S. Travel Association, “Children who traveled with their grandparents on family vacations reported that they get to spend quality time with their grandparents (78 percent), they feel closer to their grandparents (60 percent) and they like to remember stories about what they did with their grandparents after they return home (65 percent).”
When planning a trip for a family group, it’s important to book early, especially during the busy summer season. … (Fortunately, quite a few hotels have extended cancellation policies these days—just keep in mind the terms.) Places to consider include all-inclusive resorts, vacation rentals and theme park resorts, many of which often feature savings and benefits for group travel.
Picking a popular destination might get your fellow travelers on board. In the November 2024 Travel Forecast, AAA National calculated Orlando as a top pick based on AAA Travel Bookings. The City Beautiful, featuring Universal Orlando Resort and nearby Walt Disney World Resort, offers not only entertainment but also convenience with on-site resorts and local restaurants. Rounding out the domestic list are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Anaheim/LA, Tampa, Honolulu, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Atlanta. Top international travel destinations are Budapest, Hungary; Mexicali, Mexico; Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Rome, Italy; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; and Munich, Germany.
For some people, the place to stay is what makes a vacation, especially if there are on-site family attractions such as game rooms or lazy rivers. If you need some ideas of where to stay, consult our AAA Inspectors’ top picks for family-friendly hotels. (When you book, note if you plan to travel with a baby and need a crib. Most AAA Diamond designated lodgings can provide either a portable or a standard crib upon request.)
It’s easier than ever to save on travel, especially when the tools are right at your fingertips. AAA members can save 15 percent off on shows or sporting events and up to 40 percent off tickets for attractions or movies. Then there are AAA TourBook® Guides — travel information that’s ready when you are; no packing needed! Download a copy to learn about things to do in your destination.
Try to carve out some free time, even if vacation seems like a no-go; 22 percent of parents who work say it’s been more than a year since going on a family trip, according to Project Time Off’s “The Work Martyr’s Children: How Kids Are Harmed by America’s Lost Week.” A day trip to a local garden, an outing to the beach or a brief overnight trip are just a few ideas, but where you go isn’t as important as why. In the survey, some 61 percent of children say they want a getaway to include quality time with their parents.
With just a little planning, travel with kids can go beyond a “break” and make lasting memories for the whole family.
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Sherry is an experienced #AAAEditor and former journalist who enjoys writing informative travel articles and reviews. Her commitment to making meaningful connections with people and places fuels her work for AAA. Favorite activities range from skiing to backpacking abroad and taking ghost tours.
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