Family Vacations Without Arguments

All family members should be involved right from the start when planning the vacation: “Who has what wishes and expectations for the time we’ll spend together?” Think together about how best to combine these. Maybe everyone can choose one day to decide what the family will do together. And maybe your son will end up not finding the museum as “boring” as he initially thought. Or you could split up for a day: one parent goes on a bike ride with the son while the other takes the daughter to the beach—or vice versa.

Clear and open communication is the best foundation for a harmonious family vacation. Conflicts should be addressed immediately before they escalate into bigger problems that end up being played out later during the vacation. A willingness to compromise on the part of all family members helps, as does trying to respect the needs of others—partners, children, and siblings.

When planning activities, take into account the interests of all family members. Try to find a balanced mix of adventure, sports, relaxation, cultural experiences, etc., so that everyone feels their interests and wishes are being considered.

Make the most of your time together without setting unrealistic expectations for the vacation. Choose activities you both enjoy and relax as you take a break from everyday life.

Are you traveling with a baby, a toddler, or teenagers? Depending on the size of your family and the ages of your children, your accommodations should be equipped differently and be the appropriate size. When making your choice, be sure to check whether the hotel room, vacation rental, or campground is truly suitable for all family members.

Avoid setting a schedule that’s too tight or planning too many activities. Instead, make sure to set aside enough free time to “settle in” during the first few days, stay flexible, and enjoy special moments together. It’s best to find out what there is to do at your destination before your vacation begins. Depending on your interests, this could be a bike or boat tour, a city tour, or a visit to a water park. But also be flexible enough to adapt to changing needs once you’re there. Maybe the kids just want to enjoy their parents’ undivided attention without doing much of anything, or another time they’d rather do something on their own with peers.

Even on a family vacation, it’s important to have time for yourself. It’s not a good idea to try to do everything together all the time. Set aside a few hours or even a day every now and then when everyone can relax on their own or do something they enjoy. This gives everyone the chance to recharge and look forward to spending time together again. It’s also important for children to learn to be considerate of their parents. You don’t have to play Monopoly at 7 a.m. just because your child demands it. Children can also keep themselves occupied on their own for a while—reading a book, playing games, or listening to music—things you shouldn’t forget to pack.

The weather isn't cooperating, the excursion is fully booked, or a child suddenly gets sick? Even with careful planning, unexpected situations can arise on vacation. Be flexible and ready to adjust your plans on the fly if necessary. The most important thing is to enjoy your time with your family and not let minor setbacks spoil the fun.

There are certain rules at home—and, of course, on vacation, too. But during vacation, there’s also time for a little exception to make the family vacation something special. So feel free to turn a blind eye every now and then, whether it’s bedtime or that extra scoop of ice cream in the afternoon.