How many of you have seen the classic Chevy Chase movie, “National Lampoon’s Vacations?” If you haven’t then you should, but if you have (and are probably laughing right now), then you’ll remember the mishaps the Griswold family went through traveling across country to Wally World Theme Park.

Well, family vacations don’t have to be that way. With a little planning, you can ensure little headaches, relaxation, and most important, fun!!

With that being said, here are some top tips for having a great family vacation…

**Plan ahead. Get all the guides, maps, & information you can get your hands on. If you travel with kids, sit down and plan out things to do, see, and so forth. It can be a fun thing to do before you leave and get everyone excited about the trip. For kids, renting movies (Disney, Vacation movies) can be fun also. Although the Griswold’s had a heck of a time and planned ahead, be sure you know what to do in crazy circumstances- have a plan.

**How are you getting there? Taking your own car may pose problems. We typically fly, but if you decide to drive, weigh out the options of taking your own vehicle or renting one. Now, if your family car is newer, has a DVD player, and plenty of room, then it may be the best way to go to keep everyone busy. Otherwise, look into flying or renting a car for the trip.

**Does everyone have stuff to do? Keep the kids and spouse pre-occupied during the trip. Books, games, movies, toys, and so on are must have items. Remember, waiting in airports can be boring and long drives can be rough with antsy kids in the back. I am an adult and even I have a tough time. Don’t forget things to do while you’re there as well. **Did you take care of the mundane details? Is the family pet taken care of? Did you consider travel insurance? What about other important documents? Did you get discount tickets and coupons? Who is watching the house, getting the mail, etc…? What is everyone packing and is there room for all that stuff? These are important details many people wait until the last minute or forget to handle causing them to rush around or make cell phone calls from the road. Don’t stress by figuring it all out in advance.

**Did you prepare your budget? Maybe you have a ton of money to take, which is what everyone wants. Don’t overdo it though. You can have an awesome vacation without a high-end budget (especially in Florida). I have seen people who go on champagne vacations with a beer budget. Remember, credit cards have to be paid back and the trip is only temporary. We agree, travel is a must, but be smart.

Are you ready to go? Be sure you plan your trip, find the best deals, shop for travel necessities before hand, and have fun doing it- there is a lot to do, but if you make it a headache it will be. If you make it fun and include everyone, then you’ll feel like you’re already on vacation! Most of us work all year for a vacation. We see little time of each other and vacations are a great way to spend quality time together. Ensure you don’t become the Griswold’s with just a little planning!!