Summer is here, which means it’s time to think about family vacations! The family part of family vacations, however, can make things a little complicated. You want to choose a destination that is fun for everyone, ensure safety, and make traveling easier.

Instead of thinking about where to go, first think about what you want to do.
Start with figuring out what activities you desire. Want a laid-back trip? A beach is best. Looking for thrills? Theme parks are great for kids ages 3-12. Want independence? Cruises offer family-friendly options for all ages.

Think about how you’ll get there, too.
For trips longer than a couple of hours, try wrapping up inexpensive treats and giving them to children hourly as a reward for good behavior. In the car, you’ve got flexibility to explore; on a train, you have space to move around.

Keep safety in mind.
Create “information cards” for kids to carry with emergency phone numbers. Have your children wear bright clothing, and take a daily photo of them each morning—if someone gets lost, you have a current reference to show authorities.

Don’t try to do too much.
Build downtime into your itinerary. Limit planned activities to a half-day or less, leaving the rest of the day for the pool or a local park.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.