Make Group Trips a Group Effort
The trickiest part of family vacations: coming up with an itinerary that suits everyone, especially when multiple generations are involved. To keep people happy, make them part of the planning, suggests Samantha Brown, a travel expert and the host of Samantha Brown's Places to Love. "Allow each member of the family to choose and plan at least one activity," she says. "The kids will like having a voice in the decision-making, and everyone will feel invested in the vacation." Create a shared file, like a Google Doc, or a survey (try Google Forms) so loved ones can jot down notes, make suggestions, and voice their opinions.
Have the Hard Convos Before You Head Off with Friends
Traveling with your pals can be a blast until you start arguing over what constitutes a "reasonable price" for dinner. Set expectations before you go, says Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, creator of the travel site JetSetSarah. Do you tend to scrimp or splurge? Are you an early bird or a night owl? And, importantly, how much alone time do you think you'll want? "We all need it,' Greaves-Gabbadon says. "Just talk about it up front so no one feels offended." Let's say you hope to enjoy your morning coffee in silence, or you'd like to spend an afternoon solo halfway through the trip. Cheerfully tell your companions that you love them but you'll be better company if you have a little breathing space. They'll likely say the same.
Ask Your Potential VacationRental Host Some Questions
Esta historia es de la edición September 2023 de Real Simple.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 2023 de Real Simple.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Christmas in the Desert
This Palm Springs home may be low on snow, but it's big on holiday cheer.
Treat Yourself
These festive sweets all start with a clever store-bought shortcut, so you can stay as cool as a...log of slice-and-bake cookie dough.
Appy Holidays
Not a typo! We'll be noshing our way through the season on these partyworthy nibbles. And we wish the same for you and yours.
Gift Guide
Got a few folks who stump you every year? Who may have regifted last year's present just as soon as they could? This is for you and for them. Pretty, fun, and even fabulous stuff at any price point. Every one is a keeper.
Now Hear This
If closed captions have become your best friend and it sounds like everyone around you is mumbling, we've got the latest feedback on why you're having hearing trouble-and what you can do about it.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
...is, actually, all the time! Whether you're looking to venture into the wintry world, stop to smell spring flowers, soak up the summer's warmth, or swim in fall's colors, these are the places that deliver.
A NO-STRESS GUIDE TO GIFT GIVING & RECEIVING
It's the thought that counts, right? Right?!
5 FINANCIAL MOVES TO MAKE BEFORE 2025
Don't drop the ball ahead of the ball drop!
NOT-SO-TALL TAILS
Three of the sweetest doggo adoption stories you ever did read
ELIMINATE PET HAIR
It's time to reclaim your sofas, carpets, and black pants.