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!