This season has me anxious to get out to go exploring and begin updating my 2018 family travel bucket list. The cooler temperatures and changing colors are reason enough to do some sightseeing from the car. Many of my favorite fall destinations are the ones that have vibrant hues of color (orange, yellow, red…oh my!). Fall is also happens to be my favorite time of year to go camping. Temperatures are cooler and the crowds are so much smaller this time of year – especially in local national parks. Alamo Rent A Car has a few family-friendly fall travel destinations on the Scenic Route that are perfect for a quick getaway.
Grand Tetons overlooking Jenny Lake
That article got me thinking about our travel plans for the future and what our family travel destinations could be in 2018. Historically, the biggest travel planning day in the US is the first day back to work after the Christmas holiday. That said, I think fall is a great time to start planning your next trip and make a few family travel resolutions. As I start to plan, I follow these three rules. These rules help me to shape our family adventures and I hope they can help you plan for more family fun!
Commit to taking at least one family vacation a year.
Don’t just dream of a vacation or pin countless destinations your family will never realistically see in one season or one calendar year. Choose one travel destination and start making plans to go there. One thing my family did was buy a timeshare. Every year we stay in our time share. If we don’t, we lose money and I REALLY hate to throw away money. Another idea (one that is slightly more budget friendly) is to commit to a family camping trip. Camping fees are low and you can always borrow gear from friends before you decided to make the investment in family camping equipment.
Sand Arch at Arches National Park
See (at least) one new place each year.
Exploring a new destination opens up new worlds and experiences for you and your family. A new place doesn’t necessarily have to be far away. It could be a road trip to a nearby area you haven’t seen, a trip to a new state park or someplace far, far away.
Germany, Boston and Savannah, Georgia are all at the top of my travel bucket list. Alamo’s Scenic Route listed Savannah as one of their great fall getaways. This month they host their annual food and wine festival that would be wonderful to attend.
Budget accordingly to create a family travel fund.
Committing to family trip is going to take some budgeting and planning in advance. Finding ways to save regularly means you can travel more often or add to your travel itinerary with additional activities and entertainment. Here are a few money saving tips to help with setting up a family travel budget:
- Set aside a specific amount of money each month by scheduling payments to a dedicated fund for family travel.
- Schedule family trips during the “off-season” for better rates on hotels and flights.
- If you are flying, pack light. Use carry-on bags to avoid additional fees.
- Choose accommodations with a kitchen in order to cook a few meals at home.
- Pack car snacks to avoid expensive (and unhealthy) fast-food chains while en route to your destination.
What are your family travel plans and resolutions for 2018?
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