What does a successful family spring break require? That's a really great question! It's not just something you can throw together last minute and hope for the best. A vacation is both an investment of your time and your money, so of course you want it to be the best it can be. We have some helpful tips to ensure you have happy memories of your family spring break for years to come.
1. Choose a family-friendly spring break destination.
You really don't want to choose the spring break locations that the college kids are choosing, right? Right! You want a family-friendly vacation destination without all of the spring break antics and indulgences.
Topsail Island, North Carolina has just what you need to get away from it all and still have fun at the beach. With a welcoming, safe and family-centered atmosphere, everyone is sure to enjoy their beach days. There's enough to do to keep your focus on family time without too many distractions that draw everyone in different directions. We happen to think it's the perfect family spring break destination for oh so many reasons!
Take some time to see what family-friendly activities and attractions are available to you and your family during your stay. This will help you plan your time and budget for any big-ticket items. Don't forget to search for the free and low-cost options in the area, too.
3. Book a vacation rental instead of a hotel/motel.
Booking a vacation rental makes sense and saves you money. Why choose a hotel or motel stay when you can opt for a vacation rental that offers more bang for your buck? Think about all you can get with a vacation rental: more privacy, more space, a kitchen, laundry facilities, pet-friendly options, a personalized vacation experience and so much more. Why sacrifice any of that?
4. Choose amenities that matter most to your family.
When you're perusing your vacation rental options, think about the must-have amenities that you and your family will use during your spring break vacation. Whether it's a pool, tennis courts, bicycles, hot tub, game room, boat dock, fishing pier-or whatever your family wants as part of their stay, plan accordingly. Talk together about what's most important and prioritize.
Discuss your vacation rental's preferred location, style, size and all the extras. Then find the best vacation rental for you and your family-one that at least meets, if not exceeds, your expectations. This is your vacation, so don't settle for less.
5. Stay flexible.
This is not the spring break vacation of your youth when you were single and carefree. A family spring break is quite different (but in a good way!) so you have to go ahead and expect the unexpected. Keep the right perspective and know that all may not go as planned, which is almost always the case when you're traveling with kids and teens. Focus on the memories you're making and what will be remembered in the long run. It may not be perfect, but it can be fun, relaxing, and enjoyable for everyone.
It's good to have a plan but it's also important to stay flexible and go with the flow. Allow some time for spontaneous adventures while also planning ahead the best you can for the big things. Communicate with your family, discuss the options, and keep your expectations realistic.
Before you know it, your spring break vacation will be in full swing. Savor these fleeting moments that will quickly become memories. These are days you will look back upon and wish you could go back to, so cherish them.
Happy spring break to you and yours!
Let us know if we can help you plan your family spring break on Topsail Island. We're here to help!
