Planning an Extended Stay Vacation for the Family

If you are taking an extended stay vacation, there are several tips you should consider prior to leaving home. The main goal in planning an extended stay vacation for a family is to make sure each member of your family is comfortable in the lodging and neighborhood where you choose to spend your vacation. Considering individual needs and budgeting the same way you do at home is a great way to guarantee your family's comfort level stays high and the stress level is low.

Rely on Friends and Family

Set up your home to be taken care of while you are on your extended stay vacation with family. Walk your friend through your home and have written instructions for plant care, lawn care, pet care and if any packages are to be delivered. Put your mail on hold if you go on an extended stay vacation, if you typically get a lot of mail. Leave a list of numbers for a plumber, repair man and your utility companies and account numbers. Make sure your friend has the address and phone number of the place where you are planning to spend your extended stay vacation.

Pay Bills Online

Make sure all of your bills are paid ahead of time, so you can enjoy your extended stay vacation. If you are taking a laptop, be sure to have all of your accounts set up to be paid quickly online while you are away.

Budget Your Food

When planning an extended stay vacation for the family, I always make a daily budget for food. We tend to eat out every other day, and then I stock a fridge with groceries at the condo or hotel I stay at. Stocking the fridge right away keeps the budget lower, and minimizes the temptation to order pizza each night.

Take Personal Items

Your family will all have items they want to take. Give them each a backpack to fill of things from home; I let my kids take this back pack in the car, instead of putting it in the trunk. This keeps them busy on the drive and gives them familiar things to entertain themselves with in the hotel.

Ask the Right Questions

Make sure you know what you need in an extended stay rental, and ask the right questions prior to reserving your lodging. If you need a full-sized refrigerator and washer and dryer, be sure to ask your host if you will be staying in a place that offers these appliances. I always ask if there is Wifi, or Wifi in the area and a full-sized fridge. I also always ask about the deposit, and the amount that will be held on my credit card so I can stay on budget.

Stay Healthy

Be sure to take vitamins, medications and anti-nausea medications for your vacation. You never know who will get sick on an extended stay vacation, so go prepared.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Prior to leaving with your family on your extended stay vacation, be sure to have your vehicle serviced. Take extra bottles of fluids for your trip, so you don't have to pay double at a convenience store in the middle of the night.

Prepare Your Pets

If you plan on taking a pet on your extended stay vacation, you should talk to your vet about optional sedatives and any shots they may need. I don't give my cat a sedative when she travels with me, but I do have some with me, just in case.

Check Out the Deals

Extended stay hotels sometimes offer a percentage off of your next stay if you sign up for their email offers. Make sure you look for coupons and good deals that will help your budget out.

Find a Recycling Center

If you are going on an extended stay vacation with family, be sure to look up a recycling center or ask the management how to take care of your items that you need to recycle. Take your reusable grocery bags and don't take a vacation from keeping the earth healthy.

Sources:

Extended Stay Hotels, http://www.extendedstayhotels.com