Don’t let the unexpected interrupt your family vacation. Prior research, early reservations, and pre-planning, all have the potential to free up your time. Then, if unforeseen circumstances threaten to derail your family fun, it won’t be so stress-inducing as to ruin the good time you were planning on having.
As the saying goes, “Expect the best, prepare for the worst.” When it comes to embarking on a family houseboat adventure, this could not be truer. However, stress levels can be kept to a bare minimum simply by planning where possible and the following hacks may come in handy to keep you sane on your next family vacation.
1. Check the weather.
Utilizing houseboat rentals can be a surefire way to enjoy your family vacation as long as you know what you’ll be floating into. Some people are more keen on relaxation than watersports and these differences can make an impact on whether you have the vacation you’re seeking.
For example, if you’re interested in swimming, boating, and the like, you will want to schedule your vacation during the hottest times of the year. On the other hand, individuals who could care less about getting into the water, may choose reservation dates during the cooler months of the season.
2. Reserve early.
Lakeside marinas usually offer several sizes of houseboats for rent making it easy to match your budget to the number of passengers you plan to bring along. However, waiting too long to make your reservations could result in not being able to obtain the vessel you’d like for the dates you’ve chosen.
The sooner a party can nail down their desired dates and budget, the sooner they can contact the marina to reserve a boat. Early reservations do not just apply to houseboats as smaller boats and toys also have the potential of being sold out when you contact the marina.
3. Find local activities.
Once you have nailed down the dates of your vacation, you should definitely take a look for events that may be occurring during your stay on the water. While it is true that just being on or near a lake can provide a ton of fun for the whole family, many also choose to venture out and find other activities in which to participate.
In addition to the fishing, swimming, and water sports that can be enjoyed right from your houseboat, there may be concerts, community events, or movie releases that your family might enjoy.
4. Plan and prep meals.
Nobody wants to spend their vacation laboring behind a stove. This is especially true in hotter climates. That’s where good meal planning and preparation come in very handy. To get started, simply write up a detailed menu. Before you embark on your journey, you can shop, cut up, and pre-package your ingredients.
Using this hack, you can save time during your vacation while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals that the whole family will love. Not only that, this small step will make it easier to ensure that any food allergies or special diets have been well-considered.
5. Pack what you can.
Seasoned vacationers, especially parents, know that you can’t over-plan for an adventure. Figuring out early on what you need for your trip will reduce stress and the likelihood of forgotten items. With enough time, you can even involve the kids and make a game out of what they will need and how to pack it all up.
Seasonal items of clothing that you don’t plan on wearing prior to your trip can be packed when you’re ready to get started. As your departure date nears, keep a close watch and add the things you won’t be needing. Then, when the time comes to hit the road, all that you’ll need to worry about is your toiletries and outerwear.
Don’t let the unexpected interrupt your family vacation. Prior research, early reservations, and pre-planning, all have the potential to free up your time. Then, if unforeseen circumstances threaten to derail your family fun, it won’t be so stress-inducing as to ruin the good time you were planning on having.