Dreaming About Your Family Vacation: Getting Everyone Involved

            

                     

“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” — John Lennon

Planning a family vacation can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to balance the needs and desires of your big kids with your own. But what if the key to a successful vacation lies not in the details, but in the dreaming? In my book DREAM, DESIGN, DEPART: A Guide to Creating the Perfect Family Vacation, the first step to any family vacation is dreaming about it together. Dreaming allows your family to come together, share visions of what the trip could be, and set the foundation for a vacation that everyone will be excited about.

Get your copy today!

In this approach, the journey begins with dreaming. Before booking flights, choosing hotels, or planning out activities, take time to think about what your family wants from this experience. Once you’ve dreamed together, the next step is designing the perfect itinerary that meets everyone’s needs. Finally, when the plans are set, you’re ready to depart and enjoy the trip you’ve created together.

Today, let’s focus on dreaming—how to get your whole family involved in envisioning the vacation, especially your big kids, and set the tone for a memorable trip.

Step 1: Start with Big Questions

Before you start browsing destinations or activities, kick off the dreaming process by asking your kids a few broad, reflective questions. These will help you understand what everyone truly wants from the vacation. This is the perfect opportunity to open up a conversation about their hopes and expectations, so everyone has a voice in the planning.

Ask questions like:

• Why do you want to go on vacation?
  This question helps uncover what motivates each family member. Is it a much-needed escape from everyday stress? A chance to explore new places or activities? This answer will give you insight into the heart of what each person hopes to gain from the trip.
  
  

• What would make this vacation fun for you right now?
  Every family member may be in a different stage of life and may be looking for different experiences. Does your teen want adventure, while your young adult craves relaxation? Understanding what will make each person feel fulfilled is key to designing a trip everyone will enjoy.
  
  

• What excites you about the idea of this vacation?
  Here’s where the excitement kicks in. What activities, destinations, or experiences make everyone’s eyes light up? Whether it’s a love for new food, a favorite hobby, or a specific location they’ve always wanted to visit, knowing what excites them helps guide your planning.
  
  

Step 2: Dig Deeper into Intentions

Once you’ve gathered everyone’s initial responses, it’s time to dive deeper into what each person intends to gain from the vacation. This step allows you to get more specific about what everyone truly hopes for from the trip, which will make the actual planning much easier.

Ask your family:

• What are your specific intentions for this vacation?
  Is the goal to reconnect as a family? To relax and recharge? Or perhaps to go on an adventure or explore a new culture? Understanding these specific intentions will help you align your plans with everyone’s needs.
  
  

• What’s motivating you to go on this vacation?
  Are your big kids looking for a break from their busy schedules? Or maybe there’s a special occasion to celebrate? Knowing what’s driving each person’s motivation helps you design a trip that feels purposeful and meaningful.
  
  

• What excites you about this vacation?
  Getting clear on what sparks excitement will give you a roadmap for what to prioritize during the trip. Whether it’s outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply quality time together, identifying the excitement helps shape the vacation’s activities and tone.
  
  

Step 3: Share and Listen

Dreaming about the trip isn’t just about sharing your own ideas—it’s about listening to your big kids’ thoughts and making sure everyone feels heard. Open, honest communication will help ensure that everyone’s desires are considered, and it strengthens your family’s bond as you plan the vacation together.

• Share and listen openly: Take the time to share your answers with each other, and listen carefully to everyone’s input. Even if your older kids have different interests or ideas about what would make the trip fun, these differences offer valuable insights into how you can plan a trip that accommodates everyone’s needs.
  
  

• Validate their ideas: When your big kids feel like their voices are being heard, they’ll be more invested in the planning process. It’s important to acknowledge their thoughts and incorporate them into the planning. The more they’re involved early on, the more excited they’ll be about the trip.
  
  

Step 4: Build a Shared Vision

Once everyone’s ideas are on the table, it’s time to create a shared vision. Look for patterns in the responses and identify common themes. Maybe your teens are excited about outdoor activities, while your older kids prefer exploring a new city or relaxing at the beach. Understanding these preferences helps you come up with a vacation plan that blends everyone’s interests.

As a family, try to come to a consensus about the general direction of the trip. Whether it’s an active adventure, a relaxing retreat, or a cultural exploration, having a shared vision ensures everyone feels like they’re contributing to the vacation’s overall goal.

Step 5: Keep the Conversation Going

As busy parents, your schedule is packed, and things may change as you get closer to booking or planning activities. Keep the lines of communication open by regularly checking in with your big kids to make sure their excitement is still aligned with the trip plans. Flexibility is key, and it’s important to keep the dream alive by allowing for adjustments along the way.

• Ongoing feedback: As the trip approaches, keep asking for feedback. Your teens or young adults may discover new interests, or your plans may evolve based on new information. Keeping the conversation going helps ensure the vacation still meets everyone’s needs.
  
  

• Be flexible: Plans might change, and that’s okay! The most important thing is that everyone feels included and heard, and the vacation continues to reflect your shared vision.
  
  

Why Dreaming Together Matters

John Lennon’s quote reminds us that when we dream together, we make those dreams a reality. Taking the time to involve your big kids in the dreaming process turns a simple vacation into something more meaningful—a trip everyone is excited to be a part of. By understanding what each person wants and needs from the experience, you can plan a family vacation that creates lasting memories for all.

For busy parents, it’s easy to focus on the logistics, but when you take the time to dream together, you’re setting the stage for a trip that truly reflects your family’s collective hopes. The key is to make sure everyone has a voice in the process, and the result will be a vacation everyone looks forward to, making the dream come true.

So, gather your family, start dreaming, and make your next vacation a reality that everyone will treasure!

Dream, Design, Depart: How to Plan a Family Vacation That Everyone Will Love

Hello parents!

If you're anything like me, the idea of planning a family vacation can quickly turn into a stress-fest.

Between juggling everyone’s schedules, figuring out where to go, and making sure every family member’s interests are taken into account, the whole process can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you there’s a way to make planning easier—and more enjoyable for the whole family? 

That’s where my "Dream, Design, Depart" method comes in. It’s a simple approach that will help get everyone involved in the process and create a vacation that’s fun, relaxing, and memorable for everyone.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Step 1: Dream – Get Everyone on the Same Page

The first step to making your family vacation truly special is to Dream. This isn’t just about picking a destination. It’s about figuring out why you’re going on this trip and what you want to get out of it. Trust me, when everyone gets to contribute to the dream, you’ll avoid those moments where one person’s idea of a vacation is to be pampered on a beach while another wants to climb mountains (I know, because I’ve been there).

So, what does dreaming look like in real life? Start by asking your kids—and yes, your big kids too—what they’re hoping to experience on the trip. Instead of just saying, “What do you want to do?” get specific. Ask questions like, “What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try on vacation?” or “What would make this the best trip ever?” You might be surprised at how excited they get when you give them a chance to really think about it.

Maybe your teen dreams of exploring a new city or trying new foods. Perhaps your younger kids are all about animal encounters or beach adventures. As for you? Maybe you just want to relax by the water, read a book, and recharge. By talking openly with your family about your individual dreams, you’ll create a shared vision that everyone feels excited about. This is the foundation of your vacation—and it’s where everyone’s voice matters.

Step 2: Design – Turning Dreams Into Reality

Okay, now that you’ve got the dream part down, it’s time to Design the trip. This is where the planning kicks in, and yes, it can be a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key here is balance. How can you take everyone’s dreams and create an itinerary that works for the whole family?

Here’s where getting your big kids involved again comes in handy. They’re not just tagging along for the ride—they’re part of the process. Ask for their input on the destination and the kinds of activities they’d enjoy. Would they prefer a road trip with lots of stops? Or are they more into a resort-style vacation where everything’s taken care of? Knowing what everyone’s expectations are upfront will save you from having a grumpy teen on your hands when they realize they’re spending the whole trip at a museum while you’re sipping mimosas by the pool.

Here’s a little tip: Make sure your itinerary includes something for everyone. You might want a bit of downtime, but your kids might want adventure. This could mean scheduling a few days of relaxation for you and your partner while planning some excursions or activities for the kids. It’s about giving everyone something to look forward to while also being mindful of what you need to feel recharged.

A fun way to get everyone’s ideas on paper is to create a vacation vision board. It’s super simple—just gather magazines, print out photos, or do a Pinterest search and have the whole family create a board that represents what they want to see and do. This visual guide helps bring the dream to life and gives everyone something tangible to get excited about.

Step 3: Depart – The Fun Begins

Now, it’s time for the best part: Depart. This is when the excitement really kicks in. The key here is to keep the energy high as you count down to the big day. Whether you use a fancy app, a good ol’ paper calendar, or a chalkboard in the kitchen, seeing those days tick down helps build anticipation for everyone.

As the departure date approaches, you can make the countdown fun. Have a vacation-themed movie night, cook meals inspired by the destination, or talk about what everyone is most excited for. These little traditions can help build excitement and keep the family focused on the good times ahead.

And don’t forget to stay flexible! As we all know, things don’t always go as planned when you’re traveling. Maybe the weather turns, or an activity takes longer than expected. Instead of letting it throw off your whole trip, embrace the flexibility. Make it part of the adventure. Plus, check in with your big kids during the trip to make sure their interests haven’t changed. Maybe they’re more into a local food tour than they initially thought, or they’re feeling a bit too tired for an afternoon hike. 

Keeping the lines of communication open helps make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Why the “Dream, Design, Depart” Method Works

So, why does this method work so well for busy families? It’s because it puts everyone—yes, everyone—at the heart of the planning process. It’s not just “Mom’s vacation” or “Dad’s trip.” It’s a family vacation, and everyone’s voice matters. When your kids are involved in the dreaming and designing phases, they’re far more invested in the trip. They’ll be less likely to complain when they know they helped plan it, and more likely to engage with the activities you’ve worked hard to put together.

The best part? It makes everyone feel like a team. It’s not about one person’s vision for the trip, it’s about creating a shared experience. And when you’re all in this together, you’re bound to make some great memories—memories that will stick long after the trip is over.

Conclusion

Planning a family vacation doesn’t have to be a chore. By using the Dream, Design, Depart method, you can get everyone involved, create a trip that reflects everyone’s interests, and—most importantly—have fun. It’s about making sure everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, feels like they’re a part of the experience.

Ready to make your next family vacation unforgettable? Grab my Dream, Design, Depart Family Vacation Guide. It’s full of interactive tips, exercises, and templates that’ll help you plan the perfect family getaway without the stress.

Click to purchase on Amazon

Now, let’s get planning and make this the family trip everyone will remember. You’ve got this!

Happy travels,
Laura

P.S. I’d love to hear how you get your kids involved in the planning process. Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s swap ideas!