With over 35 years of experience creating family itineraries, an A-List travel expert weighs in.

Many "Wow, we did that!" moments that will be discussed at the dinner table with family for years to come are fueled by travel. Travel memories are known to live much longer than material possessions, according to extensive research. As the company's creator and CEO, I adore inspiring and assisting families in maximizing their opportunities to travel.

I'm the first to admit there's a lot that goes into creating the ideal family holiday after more than 35 years of planning travel itineraries for families. Whether it's antsy toddlers, demanding teenagers, or Grandma and Grandpa, it's crucial to strive to meet everyone's travel requirements and expectations. To assist you to understand where to begin and how to execute a terrific family trip, allow me to break down a few things.

Start By Brainstorming

Engage everyone in this! Make planning a fun and enjoyable aspect of the overall process. We usually begin at our house with a pizza party, when we create some pizzas and share ideas. Ensure that everyone has a voice.

Which destination do you seek? What are your plans? Which types of lodging do you prefer? What matters most to you? What is your favorite kind of travel or activity, I like to start by asking.

Don't worry about the specifics because the initial phase is all about free associations and there are no rules! To stimulate my mind, I prefer to keep a few travel guides and possibly some maps close by. Start building a file with the information you learn so it will be useful when you hit the trails. Children can learn to read a map at this stage (a lost art in the age of Google Maps). Create some homework tasks.

By also asking yourself some other crucial opening questions, you can set some boundaries: What does our travel spending plan look like? We shall invite whom? How soon can we depart? How long do we intend to be on vacation?

Stage Two
 

Reconvene at the table, which will now be laden with maps, photos, brochures, and notes. The objective is to narrow the list down to a manageable number. Obtaining an agreement could be simpler than you think.

Look for recurring themes: Do many of you have tropical destinations in mind? Mountainous landscape? Safari excursions? large, thriving cities with a rich past? When you can't seem to agree on anything, have fun with it by letting each other "sell" the others on their choice. Keep in mind that preparing adds to the excitement and creates anticipation.

Keep in mind the restrictions you set when dividing up your trip priorities while you hunt for the ideal holiday spot. Which season you travel in may depend on when individuals have time to do so. The length of your vacation and whether you're willing to fly domestically or internationally might both be determined by your budget. Additionally, you should consider who will be traveling with you, as this may influence the kind of vacation you select (cruise, outdoor adventure, leisurely, road trip, etc.). By this point, you should all be able to decide on the kind of journey you are all willing to embark on.

Select a Partner

You've decided on a destination, adventure style, timing, and spending limit. It's now time to look for a tour operator! Your significant other is as, if not more, significant than your traveling mates. You're going to put your faith in them to carry out the ideas you've been mulling over for so long. I urge you to approach this phase of the procedure with seriousness and diligence. Continue to contribute to that file. Keep in mind that Google is your buddy.

Call a few tour operators or service providers with a list of 6–10 questions in hand (a travel agent can be of assistance here as well). Pay particular attention to the little things, such as how quickly a customer service representative responds to your phone or email, their familiarity with your issue, their capacity to resolve it, etc. It can be confusing, so make a lot of notes.

It will become evident throughout this phase who you want to work with and who is a good fit. Expand that connection.

Utilize a tour guide's skills

Put your chosen tour operator to work once you start the planning process. By putting together a bundled tour that includes your accommodation, transportation, meals, guides, and activities, a tour operator ensures that your holiday will go well and without worry.

Here are some considerate things a tour guide can provide for you:

• Decide on the best program for you and your family.
• Simplify the minute planning details
• Prioritize your safety above all else.
• Ensure that you can spend time with your family without feeling stressed or making a lot of decisions.
• Reserve the nicest hotel in advance.
• Reserve special meals
• Make sure your group has a fun activity that everyone will enjoy.
• Provide skilled tour guides on each excursion (6:1 guest-to-guide ratio)

Research the top attractions and activities in advance.

You might think that a tour operator is a miracle when you're trying to organize a trip for a group of people while they work their magic behind the scenes.

Accept the Process

You already know the kind of trip you're taking, where you're going, and when. The moment has come to keep the excitement level high. Researchers want us to remember that the anticipation of a vacation can be just as significant or fulfilling as the journey itself.

Take into account a monthly check-in. Start discussing (and adding to the file) information about the area, what to bring, and what you are most anticipating. Perhaps set up a few more homework tasks, such as making a packing list, learning a few local words in a foreign language, or compiling a list of interesting local traditions.

You may also take advantage of this to get some new apparel or equipment. Once more, a tour operator might be helpful in this situation because they will know what to carry.

Follow the flow

Even if you don't have any activities planned, sometimes the best vacation memories are made by simply flowing with the flow. It's okay to deviate from your original plans. Naturally, while working with a tour operator, you can just go with the flow, leave the minutiae in your capable hands, and concentrate on the discoveries that lie ahead.

Plan a pizza party after your vacation

come full circle to the beginning. Reconvene and exchange photos, memorable moments, and important lessons. What comes next? It's never too early to begin planning your next adventure. (When on a trip, we typically begin with the final dinner.)

T+L A-List advisor Dan Austin and his staff at Austin Adventures can organize tours to locations all over the world, even though he specializes in American national parks.