Appoint a family coordinator.
Everyone should have a say in the beginning, when options are being considered. But one person should handle scheduling, reservations and paperwork. “We meet at Christmas to discuss destinations, dates, budget and wish lists; then my mother-inlaw handles all the planning,” says Maeve Visser Knoth, of San Carlos, California, who goes away annually with her husband, their kids—now 7 and 10—and in-laws. “If you’re a huge group, delegate distinct tasks to different family members, suggests Yvonne Lembi-Detert, a San Francisco mom of two, who is the president and CEO of the city’s Personality Hotels and often travels with a group of 14 or more. One person can handle room bookings, another, restaurant reservations.
Think ahead.
To ensure choice accommodations and to get the best deals, reserve at least six months in advance. Be flexible with dates. “Going from Monday to Monday can save you as much a $50 a person on plane tickets,” says Maggie Eskicioglu, of American Express Travel. Seriously consider purchasing travel insurance, since there’s a greater chance of illness or emergency within a big group.
Respect grandparents’ time.
Don’t assume they’re on call 24/7 to babysit—after all, they’re on vacation, too. Talk beforehand about their desire to provide child care. Judy Nielsen of San Francisco often travels with her three adult kids and six grandkids. “I schedule a ‘date’ with each grandchild, so we can hang out one-on-one,” she says.
Keep the peace.
Disagreements are bound to happen, says Terrisue Krogh, of Ithaca, New York. “I actively focus on the positives, like my mom’s big smile as she discovers new places with my daughters.”
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