Planning holidays and weekends away is fun. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. It’s a little more challenging these days with two constraints:

1. Kids
2. Budget

Managing our expectations is key. We can’t easily jet off somewhere or wing it without a plan. We find it easier to maintain the kids’ (age 2.5 and 4.5) routine and find it more comfortable for everyone if we can organize most of our own meals and have a good sleep set up. We are four people and it can substantially increase the cost, particularly if flights are involved. Things we keep in mind when making our holiday plans:

• Travel distance
• Activities
• Quiet time
• A Plan B

We manage cost along with expectations by often driving instead of flying, combine family visits with our holidays, being a tourist in our own city, choosing our holiday dates (we’re still able to plan around spring break and other popular times) and making the majority of our own meals allow us to offer food the kids will eat and keep the good behaviour for the restaurants.

We look forward to all our holidays including short, long, close to home and farther afield. In order to enjoy more extravagent breaks, we estimate the cost and save. Part of the fun is looking forward to it!