The joy of a multigenerational vacation or a family reunion is the opportunity for connection among a wide range of ages and interests. Planning such a getaway does not have to be a daunting task. In fact, investing some time in thinking about three important criteria – budget, lodging and interests – will ensure that your family’s vacation kicks off without a hitch. Consider the following tips from Smugglers’ Notch Resort’s group vacations planning staff, experts at accommodating the needs of travelers from tots to grandparents.

• Discuss your budget. Identify guidelines for vacation expenses, whether one person is paying for the vacation or the expenses will be split among participating families. Having a budget in hand will help guide choices for lodging and activities.

• Consider family members’ needs when choosing lodging. Young children may benefit from having a quiet area for naps. Grandparents may prefer to have private space to retreat to after a busy day, or feel ground floor lodging is a “must have” for convenience and accessibility. Your family may want a common area to gather in for games or end-of-day chatter. Much to consider! But rest assured that taking into account individual needs will keep everyone happier over the course of the vacation.

• Determine your family’s interests. You’ll want to select a destination that has activities for every family member. Consider whether your family members want to participate in individual activities as well as group activities, or a mix of active and quiet pursuits. Would your family like to experience something special that all ages can participate in? That could be a memorable activity like a zip line canopy tour or a special group meal that everyone gathers to enjoy.

Once you’ve outlined your budget, lodging needs and interests, let your decisions on those items be your guide to destinations that are good matches for your family. And when you’re ready to make your vacation arrangements, remember to communicate any individual requirements to the host property – for example, whether you need a rental cot or a crib. Identifying such needs ahead of time means that there’s one less thing to do when you arrive – and that’s always nice!

Vacations strengthen family ties through shared experiences and time away from daily routines. Enjoy your getaway – whether it’s a weekend or weeklong, you’ll be treasuring memories of your family time together for years to come!