No matter the size of your family, planning a family holiday takes some preparation. The older your children are, the greater the need for coordination with their schedules before you leave for your destination. Holidays go best when everyone is on the same page with respect to expectations, and agrees on the activities. In addition, there are important things to remember that will vary with your destination.

The more exotic the destination, and different in environment from your home, the more you’re going to need to check things like recent inoculations, special medicines (especially if they are asthmatic), locating local doctors at the destination in case of emergency, and preparing your children to deal with local customs. Should your children have cell phones glued to their ears and be networked with friends they cannot leave behind, make sure you have enough minutes and roaming privileges. If the phones have to be left home, take precautions to make sure they stay charged (if needed) or are safely stored away.

Clothing for the family is another consideration. Check your destination. Even if camping, it is nice if there are laundry facilities available at the other end. Travelling light can make all the difference in the world, and even save a few pounds overall over and above what you’ll spend at the laundrette for soap and machines. Most people pack way more than they need for trips and only wind up wearing a few favourite outfits, while the rest of their travel bag remains heavy with clothes never worn. If you have a bit extra in your travel budget, buy incidentals like toothpaste, shampoo, and soap at the other end if possible. Unless you are going to the far reaches of the earth, you should find a shop where you can purchase your travel necessities — plan on leaving them behind when you go home, or prepare ahead to pack them so as not to drip or leak in your travel kip. The larger your family, the more probability for packing accidents. Travel light and keep a list of what every family member insists they have to take, if just to make sure it gets packed when coming home.