Family vacations can cost a lot of money, and the investment in the trip has to pay dividends in the form of relaxation and the creation of memories. Traveling can be a rewarding experience for every member of the family if the right resort or hotel is chosen. Every member of the family has different needs, which means it takes a bit of research on the destination to figure out which resort is the best fit for a particular family. Online travel guides, social media, other travelers, and dedicated web sites can help even the most demanding family locate the best lodging options for the big trip.
Online Travel Guides
Online travel guides are an important source of information for any traveling family heading to a new destination. All-encompassing guides, like Hipmunk’s guide to Honolulu, can reveal a host of options regarding particular resort offerings. In addition to valuable information like amenities and features, the guides present sight-seeing information, activity reports, and location guides. Basically, they help uncover all the relevant material that is directed at particular guests and age groups. Choosing the best available resort that fits the unique needs of every family can take the traditional trip up a few notches.
Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites can help uncover some truly unique aspects of the resort and the destination itself. Searching hashtags, resort names, and locations can produce a number of great articles, pictures, and even coupons that can really elevate the vacation experience. While official accounts of resorts are great to locate, digging a little deeper to locate reviews and visitor pictures can present a genuine overview of what travelers can expect upon arrival at the resort. Food, activities, and value for the investment are all important factors that come into play during the family vacation.
Other Travelers
New destinations can be a little intimidating, and the more exotic a location the more difficult the planning phase can be. Talking to other travelers that have visited the area is a great way to get a firsthand report of the area. Plus, the people that have been to the area are likely to have a slew of pictures that just might feature one or two of the resorts the family is considering. Other travelers might even frequent the area, which means getting some insight and inside tips on what activities and attractions to visit and which to pass on could prove extremely valuable.
Planning
The perfect resort for every family is something of a subjective decision. Every family member has different needs, which means taking the necessary time to plan accordingly is vital to the enjoyment of the family. After all, one unhappy traveler can quickly affect the dynamic of the entire group. Evaluating the different options and features of a resort, including proximity to attractions to minimize additional travel times, helps maximize the entertainment value for everyone in the traveling party.
Family vacations should be a time to relax and make memories. By taking advantage of online travel guides, other travelers, and social media, families can develop a great plan for the trip and locate the perfect resort that has something to do for every member of the family. The more effort put into the planning phase, the more enjoyable the vacation will be.
This article was contributed by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, a complete travel platform that allows you to do everything from comparing charter flights and train rides, to finding the best resort hotels and Airbnb rentals.
