The One Thing to Do Before Every Family Trip

Daisy Stevens
Oct 22
3 min read

Family trips: the stuff of amazing memories, hilarious anecdotes, and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of potential stress. Between packing, planning, and keeping everyone happy on the road (or in the air!), it's easy to feel overwhelmed before you even leave the house. But what if I told you there's one simple thing you can do to significantly improve your family trip experience? It's not a magic trick, but it's pretty close. It involves a little bit of conversation, a dash of imagination, and a whole lot of anticipation. So, before you pack those suitcases and buckle those seatbelts, let’s talk about the one thing you should always do before every family trip.

The Secret to Stress-Free Family Travel: The Pre-Trip Family Meeting

Why a Family Meeting?

In our busy lives, it's rare to have dedicated time to connect and prepare as a family. A pre-trip meeting changes that.

Benefits of a Pre-Trip Family Meeting

Builds Excitement: Generates anticipation and enthusiasm for the upcoming trip.
Manages Expectations: Allows everyone to voice their hopes and concerns, leading to realistic expectations.
Promotes Teamwork: Creates a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration.
Reduces Conflict: Addresses potential conflicts and disagreements before they arise.
Fosters Communication: Encourages open and honest communication within the family.
Aligns with Brand Values: Promotes family bonding, tradition and togetherness .

How to Hold a Successful Pre-Trip Family Meeting

1. Set the Stage

Choose a Relaxed Time: Select a time when everyone is relaxed and not rushed, maybe during dinner or on a weekend afternoon.
Create a Comfortable Environment: Gather in a comfortable space where everyone can sit together and focus.
Minimize Distractions: Turn off the TV, put away phones, and create a distraction-free zone.

2. Discuss the Destination

Show Pictures and Videos: Use visuals to introduce your destination and highlight its attractions.
Share Interesting Facts: Share fun and interesting facts about the history, culture, and geography of the area.
Involve the Kids: Ask your kids what they're most excited to see and do.

3. Plan Activities Together

Brainstorm Ideas: Brainstorm a list of potential activities that everyone would enjoy.
Prioritize Interests: Let each family member choose one or two activities that are a priority for them.
Create a Flexible Itinerary: Develop a flexible itinerary that includes a mix of planned activities and free time for spontaneous adventures.

4. Establish Expectations and Ground Rules

Discuss Behavior: Talk about expected behavior during the trip, such as being respectful, helpful, and patient.
Set Screen Time Limits: Establish guidelines for screen time to encourage family interaction and exploration.
Address Potential Conflicts: Discuss potential conflicts and how to resolve them constructively.

5. Pack Smart, Pack Together

Create a Packing List: Develop a packing list together to ensure everyone has everything they need.
Involve Kids in Packing: Let kids pack their own backpacks with snacks, books, and activities to keep them entertained on the journey.
Discuss Travel Games: Brainstorm travel games and activities to keep everyone engaged during long car rides or flights, tying into the "DIY travel games" Pinterest board .

Real-Life Examples

The Smith family holds a pre-trip meeting a week before every vacation. They create a slideshow with pictures of their destination and discuss their planned activities.
The Jones family uses a whiteboard to brainstorm ideas for their trip and create a visual itinerary that everyone can see.

Make the Most of Your Family Adventures

The one thing to do before every family trip is simple: hold a pre-trip family meeting. By taking the time to connect, plan, and prepare together, you can transform your family trips from stressful to seamless, creating lasting memories and strengthening your family bonds. So, gather your family, set the stage, and get ready for an adventure!

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