Involving kids in the vacation planning process can make the trip more exciting and meaningful for everyone. Not only does it get them engaged and eager about the adventure ahead, but it also helps you understand their preferences, making the vacation enjoyable for the entire family. Whether you’re heading to a bustling city or a relaxing beach, here’s how to get your kids involved in planning your next family vacation.

Start with a Brainstorming Session

Gather the family for a casual meeting to discuss the upcoming trip. Allow your kids to share their ideas and interests, even if they seem out of reach at first. You might be surprised at the creative ideas they come up with! Whether it’s exploring a rainforest, visiting a museum, or tasting local foods, their input can help shape the trip.

Tip: Create a fun list or vision board where everyone can contribute ideas. Younger kids can draw pictures of things they’d like to do, while older kids can research destinations online. Use family-friendly travel websites and Kooshy Kids Travel Tray to keep them entertained during planning sessions, especially if you're doing it during car rides or other downtime.

Let Them Help Choose the Destination

Once you’ve narrowed down a few options, let your kids be part of the final decision-making process. If they feel like their opinion matters, they’re more likely to be excited and engaged throughout the trip. You can give them a choice between two or three destinations that suit the family's budget and preferences.

Pro Tip: Use visual aids like maps or videos of the destinations so the kids can see what each location offers. Tools like Google Earth can also help make the decision process fun by allowing them to “explore” the destination virtually.

Involve Them in Activity Planning

After the destination is set, ask your kids to research activities that interest them. They can look for family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences. Depending on their age, they can either choose activities for a full day or even suggest one or two activities for the trip.

Example: If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, your children might suggest visiting an elephant sanctuary or going on a boat tour to the floating markets. Let them present their findings during a family discussion, and then make final decisions together.

Let Them Take Charge of Packing

Encouraging kids to pack their bags gives them a sense of responsibility and excitement. Depending on their age, you can create a list of essentials and fun items they’ll need for the trip, such as their favorite toys, books, or gadgets.

For older kids, let them have some autonomy in deciding what to pack as long as it’s weather-appropriate. You can also introduce them to efficient packing tips and make it a fun task by turning it into a game of “what fits best.”

Involve Them in Creating the Itinerary

Creating a flexible itinerary with input from your kids can enhance their travel experience. Ask them which days they want to dedicate to specific activities and allow room for spontaneous decisions during the trip. This makes them feel like true contributors to the family adventure.

Younger children can assist by marking out specific destinations on a map, while older kids can research operating hours or ticket prices for their chosen activities. Make sure to include some downtime in the schedule for rest and play, especially when traveling with younger children.

Involving your kids in planning the family vacation is not only fun but also a great way to teach them about decision-making, responsibility, and compromise. It helps create a sense of ownership and excitement, ensuring that the whole family enjoys the trip. By giving them a role in everything from choosing the destination to packing their bags, you’ll be making memories even before the journey begins.

Happy planning and bon voyage!