Before the pandemic, most summer travel plans entail sticking with a budget or finding cost-effective ways to enjoy the family vacation. But after two years of the pandemic, splurging on a trip does not seem like a bad idea.
Some may call this revenge travel, per The Globe and Mail, but it's an understandable trend because people have been deprived of exploration and experiences due to the lockdowns. For families planning to make the most of their summer vacation, here are three travel splurges worth paying extra for:
1. Booking a direct flight.
If you're traveling with kids, paying the extra fees for a nonstop or direct flight would be better. According to Coservamome, the parent's worse enemy is a layover because there are more chances of canceled, delayed, or moved flights that will give rise to worse scenarios.
Additionally, it's a physical strain on a baby to take off and land more than once within 24 hours. Thus, the stress of connecting flights can best be avoided by booking direct.
2. Getting a room with extra amenities in a central location.
Granted, hotels at the center of your travel destination might have expensive rates, but you will have access to nearly everything you need. This means you can skip the rental car and walk to the places you'd like to check out and visit.
Pick a room with the extra amenities because you can have more spaces to rest and sleep or set up the baby's equipment instead of a crowded room with the whole family. If the hotel offers a breakfast buffet or a happy hour, grab it because it will do away with paying for meals outside your accommodation that the family might not like.
If there's a room with a kitchen, consider splurging on it because you can store quick snacks or leftovers, which you can reheat anytime someone in the family gets hungry. This is more practical for group vacations or holidays longer than four or five days.
Travel experts also suggested making the most of your credit card when booking accommodation because you could pay for a room with points or get some perks later.
3. Paying premium for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
You are traveling with family so you can create experiences and memories together. So, pick a trip you know you'll likely not have a chance to do again because, one day, the kids will be on their own and planning their trips. Here's your opportunity to complete the family bucket list!
In the U.S., Family Vacation Critic recommends splurging on travel experiences in Orlando, Florida's theme parks, Hawaii's beaches and nature, Montana's Dude Ranch, or Alaska's stunning scenery and unique lifestyle. New York, one of the greatest cities in the world, might be expensive, but it is still a city that never sleeps because there are many exciting things to do there for the whole family.
