How to Plan an Extended Family Vacation

Getting your immediate family ready for a vacation can be hard work. Opening the invitation to extended family might seem like a better idea when it's originally brought up than when the arrangements are actually being made. Even if you are the person making the majority of the plans, there are ways to simplify the task so that everyone can remain happy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on the destination for your vacation and choose the dates you will be traveling.

2. Verify the means by which you will be traveling.

3. Extend the invitation to family members and inform them of the dates you'll be traveling. That way, they can make their own decision and you can still go where you want to.

4. If they accept your invitation, start looking for accommodations. Some hotels will let you block rooms in advance. Each family can call and pay individually.

5. Make plane reservations if needed. Inform the rest of your party of the times you'll be arriving and departing.

6. Reserve a car if needed. Remember that it might be cheaper to rent larger vehicles and split the costs rather than smaller vehicles for each individual family.

7. Enjoy your trip!

Tips & Warnings

• Check travel Web sites for package deals with planes, hotels and cars. Some destinations even offer excursions which you can add these items on to your package.
• Vacation condos are often great alternatives to traditional hotels when traveling as a large group.
• Book accommodations as far in advance as possible. Booking rooms together would need to be done with advanced notice.
• You might want to consult a travel agent. They could give you more information about the area you are visiting, and could find better packages for larger groups.
• Make everyone book and pay for their own accommodations. It will help keep the peace in the long run.
• Remember that just because you're all on vacation together, you don't have to do everything together. If you go your separate ways during the day, you can always meet up for something in the evening or even the next day.