* This is a contributed article. The IBTimes news staff was not involved in the creation of this article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of IBTimes. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here are our T&C. For licensing please click here.
Plan your itinerary well.
Plan your itinerary well. Expedia

Going on a family vacation is the best way to spend quality time together, create more memories, and build stronger relationships with your loved ones. However, there are many things to consider when planning a vacation.

Aside from the budget and itinerary, you must check the other necessary items you'll bring with you. After all, it's better to be prepared in case of emergencies or any other inconvenience you might encounter along the way. This list is here to help.

Detailed Itinerary

Aside from making the most of your time, planning an itinerary will also help you determine the estimated cost of your vacation. You have to choose a destination, decide on the length of your vacation, find a place to stay, and check affordable flights or packages ahead of time. Sounds complicated? Expedia can guide you in planning your itinerary for your family vacation.

img

This travel site is informative and helpful for any type of traveler. Simply search for your destination and you will see hotel recommendations, activities to do, and available vacation packages. Expedia can also guide you in booking hotels, rental cars, cruises, and flights, so you will have an overview of what to expect on your vacation.

Durable Travel Bags

img

The bags that you bring also plays an important role because that's where you'll be keeping your personal belongings during the entire trip. Choose a lightweight but durable travel bag that will secure all your belongings like this Travel Backpack Packing Cube Set from Pakt. It includes two large zippered cubes, two small zippered cubes, and one stuff sack, where you can store all of your travel essentials!

Portable Lunch Box

Family vacations would be incomplete without delicious food! Whether you're planning to pack, order, or cook your own food; it would be best to bring this 1.5-liter Portable Electric Lunch Box from OverHalfSale.

img

This portable electric lunch box allows you to reheat your food and keep them warm. If you have leftovers, simply transfer them to the portable lunch box and reheat them for a few minutes! It also has two different plugs suitable for home and cars, so you can share fresh meals with your family when hunger strikes along the way.

Solar Panel Charger

Every moment is worth capturing during a family vacation. That's why mobile phones and other gadgets are considered travel essentials. However, there may be times when you can't charge your devices due to unforeseen circumstances. Since you can't always predict the weather, signal, or availability of electricity; this SunJack 25 Watt Foldable ETFE Monocrystalline Solar Panel Charger is a must-have.

img

Instead of bringing a charger, this solar panel charger lets you charge your devices without electricity as it only needs to absorb the heat from the sun. It has dual amp USB output ports that provide wall-outlet charging speed. The ETFE exterior layer improves performance and durability, extends the panel's lifespan, and requires less maintenance. It also comes with carabiners, so you can hang it in your bag as it absorbs the heat from the sun.

Explore Something New

If you want to shake things up on your next family vacation, join this once-in-a-lifetime experience with Omaze, where you can enter your chance to win a $4.3 million worth Lake Tahoe Dream House!

img

This 5,200-square-foot dream house is built with reclaimed materials from all over the world and features four bedrooms, a seven-bath modern rustic home with mountain and lake views, a home theater, a game room, a rooftop deck with in-floor heating, and a fire pit. There's also a ski chalet, lake lodge, relaxation retreat, and fully equipped culinary castle. You will definitely live your dream in this house as it has everything you need for the perfect vacation.

img

You can spend your winter snowboarding and your summer kayaking in crystal-clear waters at this dream house. If you want to spend time and relax indoors, the main bedroom has a jetted tub, aromatherapy steam shower, and fireplace. You can also invite your friends to come over and chill around the fire pit on the rooftop deck, which also includes an outdoor kitchen. Meanwhile, the indoor kitchen has all the bells and whistles to satisfy a top-tier chef. You can do a lot of adventures here, as well, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

img

Joining will also support the After-School All-Stars (ASAS), a non-profit organization founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992. Their mission is to provide free, comprehensive programs, and essential resources for low-income students and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across the United States. Every donation supports a UU-registered public charity, Charities Aid Foundation America (CAF America), which will be granted to ASAS. Not only could you live in your dream house, but you'd also be lending a hand to those in need.