With a challenging 2021 coming to an end, many people have an optimistic outlook for 2022, and this includes family vacation plans. If you are considering a 2022 family vacation, here are ten tips that will help your planning process go more smoothly.

Tip 1: Look at your annual calendar

One of the most important aspects of planning any trip is looking at your calendar for the year. Add to your calendar all your known activities for the year before you begin considering dates for your family vacation. This will help you avoid conflicts with other activities. Be sure to include things like school breaks, conferences, work meetings, holiday plans, and so forth. You can then pencil in a window of time that would be best for your family to travel.

Tip 2: Take a family poll

Many families don’t know where to start in selecting a vacation destination. A good way to get this process moving is to take a poll. Ask each family member to give you two or three places they’d like to go. Compile the list and turn it into a poll that you can give to each family member. This process can help by building buy-in from everyone, giving them a feeling that their preferences have been considered. It can also give ideas for backup destinations in case your first choice doesn’t work out.

Tip 3: Understand your travel options

As the saying goes, “Half the fun is getting there.” Yet how you get there is an important factor. Once you have a destination in mind, investigate your travel options. While you may be able to take a classic road trip to your vacation destination, some locations may require you to fly or take a train to get there. You’ll also want to understand if there is easy access when traveling with family, particularly if you have little ones. Travel can be unpredictable, so understanding your options can help with backup plans. 

Tip 4: What matters most?

Every family has a few certain things that are most important to their vacation plans. For your family, this could be food, attractions, outdoor activities, historical sites, cultural exhibits, or other favorites. Before you choose your destination, be sure to pinpoint what is most important to your family. Again, this can also help with backup planning. For example, if you are planning a trip with outdoor activities, it’s good to have alternate options in case the weather or other factors don’t cooperate.

Tip 5: Rewards and deals

The travel and hospitality industry, particularly hotels, often have deals and discounts running throughout the year. When making your reservations, buying tickets, and so forth, be sure to ask about discounts and special pricing. If you are a member of one or more airline, hotel, or other rewards programs, be sure to investigate their deals and discounts, as well as how you might be able to use any points you may have earned to help you save money.

Tip 6: Get the bigger room

One vacation cost-cutting measure that many families employ is trying to squeeze into a tiny room. This can be stressful, especially for larger families. One way to enjoy the time your family spends together on vacation is to splurge a bit and book a larger room. This will help ensure everyone is comfortable and well-rested for when you go on activities and excursions together.

Tip 7: Check amenities and accommodations

It would be difficult to find a hotel or other type of vacation lodging that does not include amenities. Before you leave for vacation, investigate the amenities where you’ll be staying. Does it have a pool? Fitness center? Free breakfast? Is it pet-friendly? Complimentary parking or shuttle to attractions? Knowing these features in advance can make a difference in your travel experience and even help you save money. 

Tip 8: Check out social media

While a few quick Google searches can help you find attractions at your destination, social media can help you find those hidden gems that are “off the beaten path.” Pay attention to and follow local hashtags. Local folks always know the best places to go, and social media can be a better way than Google to find them. 

Tip 9: Book or reserve ahead

While the pandemic situation has improved in many areas, local conditions can still be fluid. Many locations are still under various levels of restrictions, which can leave businesses understaffed, with reduced hours and capacities. Booking and making reservations ahead to guarantee a spot will help reduce your risk of disappointment.

Tip 10: Give yourself time

Many families want to optimize their time while on vacation, setting and sticking to tight a full itinerary and tight timeline so they can see and do everything on their wish list. However, travel and vacations tend to have varying degrees of predictability. Things happen like traffic, weather, closed facilities, kid meltdowns, and more. Allowing yourself some extra time gives you flexibility and allows for easier adjustment. This reduces stress levels and provides a more enjoyable trip for everyone. 

If you’re making family vacation plans for 2022, check out Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids. We offer a wide range of features and amenities including the following:

• Free parking
• Pet friendly
• Breakfast and restaurant on-site
• High-Speed WiFi
• Health & fitness center (on-site and off-site)
• Pool
• Spa
• Whirlpool
• Outdoor patio
• Lounge
• And more!

Holiday Inn Downtown Grand Rapids is located in the heart of Grand Rapids, MI, a mid-sized city with a small-town feel not far from the shore of Lake Michigan. Our hotel is just a short walk or car ride from many fine restaurants, craft breweries, and other attractions, like the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Children’s Museum.

Contact us today and let us be your destination for your 2022 family vacation.