On a family vacation there are a few token phrases you can count on, like "Are we there yet?" and "She started it!" While you won't be able to head off every possible complaint, here are some tips for planning a family vacation that will help keep everyone happy.
Set Them Up to Succeed
As tempting as it is to throw the everyday routine to the wind in lieu of spontaneity, sticking to the usual schedule—at least for the most part—can keep kids from getting overly tired, overstimulated, or hungry. However you don't need to stay shackled to your hotel room. Between sights, head to a park for a nutritious picnic lunch, and be sure to schedule some time for the kids burn off energy on the playground (and for you to stretch your legs).
Strategize Your Base of Operations
Have a wailing toddler on your hip, a teen sulking and a couple of highly active grade-schoolers? Set up your base of operations in a family-friendly hotel or vacation rental that has amenities for all ages. Playgrounds, pools, water-slides and splash pads can entertain your whole crew for hours at a time. A bonus: When you’re in the process of family vacation planning, look for hotels with kitchenettes, which can keep restaurants from devouring your budget.
Get Smart with Your Smartphone
Use your smartphone to make a road trip come off without a hitch. Check services at nearby exits with the iExit app, so you can plan meals and bathroom breaks without a fuss. Need gas? Score it cheap by using GasBuddy. When you need a break, find interesting sights like the world's largest talking cow using RoadTrippers. All three apps are both iOS and Android friendly and cost less than a dollar.
Load up the Tablets
While tots usually sleep away the miles and teens have their own smartphone apps, you'll need to plan a little to keep school-aged kids entertained during long stretches in the car or airport layovers. Forget packing large bags of toys. Keep kids fascinated with interactive book apps and learning activities. They’ll have fun learning about U.S. presidents with Roadside America's Roadside Presidents iOS app, which points out quirky presidential landmarks near your location.