10 Tips for Stress-Free Family Trips with a Big Crew
Planning a trip for a big family like ours (five kids!), can feel like wrangling cats, but with some good old-fashioned preparation and a few handy tips, you can make sure your Summer vacay goes off without a hitch! This Summer our crew headed to Panama City Beach, Florida, for some fun in the sun - but these are my go-to strategies for organizing a trip to remember.
1. Start Planning Early
One of the keys to a successful trip is to start planning well in advance. This lets you snag accommodations, flights, and activities at the best prices and availability. Panama City Beach is a popular spot, especially during peak seasons, so booking early can save you from the stress of last-minute scrambles. We chose to drive to PCB (shout out to our Grand Wagoneer!) so our planning also included making sure the car had a fresh oil change, full tank, and plenty of chargers for devices.
2. Choose the Right Accommodation
Finding the perfect place to stay is crucial when you’re traveling with a herd. For us, this almost always means an Airbnb where we can spread out, cook meals, and do laundry! Look for vacation rentals that offer multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas, and fully equipped kitchens - we also look for amenities like an outdoor grill, beach supplies, and walking distance to the activities. Staying in a rental home not only provides more space but also the convenience of cooking meals, which can save a bundle.
Our PCB rental was absolutely phenomenal - located in the private, gated Carillon community, it was absolutely stunning and a short walk to the gorgeous white sand beaches. You can rent it too - check it out!
3. Plan a Flexible Itinerary
While it’s great to have a plan, flexibility is essential when traveling with a large family. Create a loose itinerary that includes must-see attractions and activities but leaves room for spontaneous fun. Panama City Beach offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, from fishing and renting pontoons to visiting St. Andrews State Park. Allowing some downtime can also help everyone relax and enjoy the trip at their own pace - plus, downtime at the beach, curled up with a book, or riding bikes is the best part!
Our team? We had a blast taking a 6-hour private charter fishing trip with Kelley Girl Charters - who put us ON the red snapper and also did a great job assisting our crew with baiting, reeling in, and taking tons of pictures of our prize catch. They also loaded our fish off the boat to the dock where they were fileted for a nominal cost for us to cook for dinner!
We also rented a pontoon for a half day from Salty Pontoons to head out and explore Shell Island. This was SO much fun as the kids were free to snorkel around, collect shells, play in the sand, and wave down the ice cream man on a boat! Salty Pontoons provided a quick tutorial on how to operate the pontoon, provided us with a map, and made sure we had everything needed for a great day on the water.
4. Delegate Responsibilities
Involving everyone in the planning process can ease the burden on one person and ensure that the interests of all family members are considered. Assign tasks such as meal planning, packing, or researching activities to different family members. This not only makes planning more manageable but also helps everyone feel involved and excited about the trip.
5. Budget Wisely
Traveling with a large group can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Consider all costs, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities. Look for group discounts or family packages that can help reduce expenses - our general rule of thumb is that we eat out one meal a day, but we generally balance eating out with cooking at your rental. Panama City Beach has several grocery stores where you can stock up on essentials. Stay tuned for a Tall Cowboy breakfast taco post and how we regularly feed the masses!
6. Pack Smart
Packing for a large family can be overwhelming. I create a packing list on our family whiteboard so the kids can pack themselves in a backpack - that way, everyone is capable of carrying their own items. This helps reduce trips to the car, and also teaches great travel savvy!
7. Prioritize Safety
Safety should always be a priority and five kids can get WILD. The Tall Cowboy and I always reiterate basic safety rules, like staying together in crowded places and knowing our phone numbers - sounds silly but kids do NOT know phone numbers these days! We also have a mandatory buddy-system for swimming in pools and walking.
8. Embrace the Local Culture
Travel is not the time to eat or do anything we could do at home! We love to try local cuisines at family-friendly restaurants, visit historical sites, and participate in community events like live music and festivals. Engaging with the local culture can provide unique experiences and lasting memories for everyone.
9. Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to capture the special moments. Designate a family photographer or take turns capturing photos and videos - I love seeing all the pics they capture from their awesome POV. Consider creating a shared digital album where everyone can upload their pictures. These memories will be cherished for years to come.
We also try to capture a family picture of our entire group - this year we were SO lucky to have our dear friend Mallory on the same coast and we met up with her for a portrait session on Grayson Beach - I’ll share the edits ASAP!
Looking for a great family beach photographer in the Florida area? Check out Mallory Wynn!
10. Smile and Gig Em!
Finally, remember that the goal of the trip is to have fun and spend quality time together. There might be hiccups along the way, but maintaining a positive attitude and being adaptable can turn potential stress into memorable adventures. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, the vibrant atmosphere, and the precious time with your loved ones no matter where your trip takes you!
