Guest Author - Kimberly Misra

Looking for a fun way to choose your next family vacation? Here are a few ways to do it- from the tame to the risky.

1. Throw a dart. If money is no object (lucky you), try the old “throw a dart at the map” trick. Whoever is doing the throwing should be blindfolded (or tossing the dart backwards at the wall). This is best done in a basement or garage where a few holes in the wall won’t matter! Plan a trip to the destination closest to where the dart lands. If this is too limiting, have everyone in the family take a turn tossing the dart. Vote on the destinations that got hit. You may want to point out that parents have veto power if someplace too far-flung or impossible comes up (Antarctica anyone?).

2. Draw the winner. Have everyone jot down two or three destinations on scraps of paper and toss them all in a hat. Let one child draw the winning destination. If money or distance is no object, play this game with no rules. Otherwise lay down some ground rules before beginning. Possible rules: It has to be somewhere we’ve never been before, has to be somewhere we can drive to, needs to be in a bordering state, or must not involve a passport.

3. Go where you want. Most people have places they’ve always wanted to go to. Before you decide your dream trip is out of reach, do a little research to make sure. You may be pleasantly surprised to find a good airfare sale or hotel deal that makes visiting your dream destination possible.

4. Vacation with a plan. Some families want to visit all 50 U.S. states or all the national parks. Other families want to see as many Caribbean islands as possible, hike a mountain in several different countries, or see the “Seven Wonders of the World”. Having a larger goal in mind helps with choosing a destination and prevents you from getting into a vacation destination rut.

5. Plan around a hobby. If your family enjoys activities like skiing, snorkeling, golfing, or hiking choose a destination that caters to your interests. If your family doesn’t have a particular hobby or interest, a vacation is a great time to try out a new one. Have everyone brainstorm things they’d like to try (Kayaking? A glass bottom boat ride? Rock climbing?). Then research destinations that cater to those interests.

6. Revisit an old favorite. Don’t feel like you must visit a new destination every trip. Children in particular enjoy returning to a beloved destination. Have everyone vote on a destination you’ve already been to and enjoyed. You’ll discover something new each time you go.