A Role in Planning
If you are able to link your family's travel plans to your child's passions, then he will be automatically engaged to further pursue the vacation. To ride the wave of this comfort level, consider other ways in which your child can become increasingly invested in the process. What are the roles and responsibilities you can appoint to him in order to plan in partnership? Such responsibilities may include asking your child to research the trip on the Internet to gather information important to your preparation, such as:
Comparing costs of lodging local to the vacation point.
Identifying local eating establishments and comparing costs. (Some places list online menus so that you can decide in advance if your child's dietary needs will match the available foods.)
Determining the most cost-efficient way to travel (and then deciding the best match for your entire family).
Identifying other forms of entertainment (other than what initially prompted you to select the destination).
Determining the usual climate or allergens of the area to plan for a comfortable stay and seasonally adequate wardrobe.
Comparing “package plans” against one another in terms of content and economy.
Learning if any special equipment or other accoutrements are necessary or are the responsibility of the traveler.
Determining if it's possible to modify or combine travel plans in order to vacation with others or stop en route to or from home to visit friends, family, or another vacation spot.
Looking up the most efficient route there in terms of mileage and travel (highways versus back roads), and printing out directions using an Internet map locator.
Requesting to receive any pertinent literature offered online at no cost.
Once your child has completed his “assignment” to glean useful vacation information, ask him to share it with you and others taking the trip. This is another opportunity to highlight the good efforts of your child and aid him in making a personal investment in the entire process. With the information in hand, your family can decide additional planning from there.
Alert
Remember that your child may be especially vulnerable to allergies of all kinds. The environmental allergens in your vacation spot of choice may make or break your child's enjoyment and will require some investigating prior to committing to your final selection.
Your child may relish planning an itinerary for your family. However, communicate to your child that, while it all sounds terrific, it should be understood by all that the itinerary is flexible and subject to change depending upon any unforeseen obstacles, delays, or unanticipated but appealing alternative activities available upon your arrival. Brainstorm in advance those things that are out of your control but which might hinder your plans, such as cancellation due to illness, safety alerts, or unsafe weather conditions. In this manner, your child should be less likely to stress about abiding by a rigid schedule. Reinforce that the itinerary must be a group consensus and ask your child to poll members of the traveling party.
