Specific purpose: To give the audience an insight into some of the factors to consider when planning a family vacation.
Central idea: Planning is core to the success of a family vacation and all important factors should be taken into consideration.
Introduction
There is a misconstrued concept that little or no planning is required when going out on a family vacation. Most individuals assume that things would fall into place in the course of the vacation. However, this assumption, or lack of planning thereof, leads to a disastrous vacation. Planning is an essential prerequisite of a successful vacation. The main reason for a family vacation is to bond; in a fun way. It would thus be a major setback should something, which could have been avoided, interfere with the family time. In this perspective, planning ensures that everything goes on smoothly and without glitches. Some factors that need consideration when planning for a family vacation include the budget, transport, accommodation, and the duration. In addition, the activities that are to be undertaken should be taken into consideration; they should be conducive to the whole family.
(Transition 1) In this perspective, let us look at what one needs to consider and how to go about it.
Body
1. A vacation budget is one of the foremost factors to be considered when planning. Budgeting ensures that the family does not run out of cash unexpectedly, and in the middle of the vacation.
a. When budgeting, one should ensure that cash set aside for the vacation should be able to cater for the whole vacation.
b. In the case of a set amount of money, the budget should be constructed in such a way that it does not exceed the amount provided.
c. An individual could conduct research on affordable, but not exorbitant, inputs for the vacation.
d. One can seek outside help for budget estimation. An example is whereby one could use the website wanderfly.com. This website gives an insight into the size of budget required for different destinations.
e. Control should be emphasized to ensure that there is no, or minimal, deviation from the set budget.
2. Suitable accommodation is essential when planning a family vacation. One should choose, beforehand, affordable and conducive accommodation.
a. One can go about this by researching online for accommodation. A website like www.familyvacationcritic.com/family-resorts/ can prove to be handy for the selection process.
b. The accommodation selected should be one that was built to cater for families.
(Transition 2) Let us now look at other factors, with respect to planning, and how to go about them.
3. The interests of the family should be considered on the onset of the plan . Ignoring of interests could be the beginning of disastrous vacation.
a. One should first delve into what makes the family, in consideration, tick. Then plan everything in line with the findings.
b. A good vacation should be such that it takes into consideration all the interests of the respective family.
c. To establish the interests of the individual members of the family, one could ask on their individual tastes and preferences.
d. One can also find common interests of the family by holding a family discussion. This ensures that nobody feels left out, and everyone contributes.
4. Another important aspect in the planning of a family vacation is the choosing of a suitable destination. A suitable destination should be such that it gives the family some time alone. However, other factors, like recreation, should not be ignored.
a. The amount of money set aside should be a major factor in choosing the perfect destination. The destination should be affordable to the family.
b. One should delve into a research of a perfect destination. Websites, for example, www.familyvacationcritic.com/family-resorts/ could aid in choosing.
c. In addition, one should consider the overall time that is available for travelling and the actual vacation.
(Transition 3) With respect to the above, let us now consider the aspect of transportation.
5. A suitable mode of transportation should be selected. A major consideration in the selection of transportation mode is the existence of children in the family. Also, the mode of transportation should adhere to the budget.
a. The selected mode of transport should be such that it minimizes discomfort for the whole family.
b. In the case of children who can be able to conduct themselves accordingly, one could choose to fly. Websites that compare prices, for example, http://www.farecompare.com/, could come in handy.
c. In addition, the mode of transportation should be in line with the vacation in perspective. For example, a vehicle (suitable) can be selected for a road trip.
Conclusion
1. Planning is the defining trait of a successful, or a disastrous, family vacation.
2. Various important factors like time, budget, transportation, and a budget should be taken into consideration while planning.
3. Ample research regarding the above factors should be carried out in the planning stages of a vacation.
4. The internet can act as a major source of information for the vacation. However, the involved family’s input, direct and indirect, should be considered first.
Works Cited
Cherry, Fall. Family reunion planning kit for dummies. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, 2000.
Jason, Rich. The Everything guide to the Caribbean: a complete guide to a vacation. New York: NYUP, 2005.
Kelly, Gray and Kelly Merrit. The everything family guide to budget. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, 2011.
Rugh, Susan Sessions. Family Vacation. Utah: Gibbs Smith, 2009.
Simpson-Cabelin, Shari. Travel Tips: How To Plan Your Next Vacation. 08 February 2011. 24 May 2012.
