Speaking from experience, your task may seem daunting, but in fact, it will be quite fun. The reason being: You get to have everything your way, doing things you yourself will love. This is work, however, because you need to consider everyone’s different interests, budgets, health and mobility.
Oddly, picking a destination is not the first step – that would be choosing the time of year that is best for everyone’s work and school schedules. This will domino into the weather at your given time, which will then dictate where you go. Focus on a location everyone can reach relatively easily (and not too expensively), given where they live.
When you have considered all the above plus everyone’s age, ask yourself what type of vacation would work best. Something totally different from previous trips or visiting a place everyone is familiar with? Would your family put up with the rigour of a bus tour, changing hotels every night, or would they rather stay put, in a villa, for instance, from which they can explore on day trips. Maybe a cruise ship is an easier gathering spot, with things to do to appeal to a wide variety of interests and abilities.
Whatever you do, ensure that the agenda leaves room for both social family time and private time, and try to make it both easy and affordable – no small feat, I know. Getting everyone to agree may be exhausting, but if they all weigh in on the decisions, no one can complain later!
Travel vaccine savvy
A few years ago, I found myself exploring a cave or a cenote or a dense woodland every other trip I took, and I started to fret about rabid bats or raccoons or rodents. Down to the travel clinic I went for a series of rabies vaccinations. And this prompted a thorough review of my health records.
My advice: Before you take off, review your immunization history with your doctor to make sure your shots are up to date. You may need extra vaccinations depending on where you’re going, the activities you’ve planned and the local conditions at your destination.
Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, hepatitis A and B, shingles, pneumonia, the annual flu shot and COVID-19 boosters. Travellers can also consider vaccinations for typhoid fever and rabies, and malaria pills for countries where malaria may be a problem. Some destinations require a yellow fever vaccination before your visit.
The World Health Organization publishes a list of entry requirements at its immunization data portal.
While a travel clinic can help get you up to date with your vaccinations, ask your doctor first about what they may be able to provide for free. You can also download the free CANImmunize app to manage your family’s vaccination records on the go.
