Do This 1 Thing Before You Leave To Ensure A Peaceful Family Vacation

Vacations are supposed to be a time to get away from work, but it turns out that doing a bit of work before you leave is the key to making family vacations truly relaxing.

The trick to preventing the kind of whining, complaining and bickering that can quickly sour a trip is to hold a family meeting before you go to discuss the vacation plan and set clear expectations.

When kids feel included in decision-making and like their needs are considered, they are much more likely to behave cooperatively, thus allowing parents to relax. With all the time, effort and money that a vacation entails, you’ll want to make sure that you’re reaping some of the many rewards that family travel can offer.

“A family spending time together and experiencing new areas and activities without the stress of a daily work or school schedule is invaluable,” said Jeni Chaffer of Journeys Travel.

Time together, away from the daily grind, is a precious commodity.

“For my family and so many of my clients, vacation time is the only time we get to leave behind the busy and simply be together having fun,” said Kayla LeClerc of Whimsical Wishes Travel.

Chaffer and LeClerc are among a number of travel professionals, many of whom are members of the American Society of Travel Advisors, that HuffPost spoke to about how a family meeting can set the stage for a smooth, low-stress trip.

If you have more lead time, hold a ‘family travel dream’ meeting.

This is a one-time meeting to create a sort of family bucket list when it comes to travel.

“Making this list together gives everyone an opportunity to have input,” said Christie Holmes of Mi Familia Internacional.

Choose who will have the deciding vote on a certain milestone celebration trip, like Dad’s 50th