Plan a Vacation: A Geography & Finance Unit Study

Get step-by-step instructions for your kids to plan your next family homeschool vacation (and learn some geography and finance skills along the way).

Before beginning this Family Vacation Planning unit, you as the parent should choose two or three possible vacation locations and order free travel information from those areas.

Next, you should also determine the family homeschool vacation budget and time frame your children need to stay within.

Choose a Vacation Destination

Have children look through the travel information. For each possible destination, have them make a list of the things they would enjoy doing.

Next, give them suggestions on activities to include (a.k.a. the things the adults want to do or think should be included). Let them add the activities or venues they want to do and see, and then have them narrow the lists down to what can be done in your allotted vacation time.

Look for reviews about the places you want to visit or things you’d like to do at each destination. Are there historical or educational places nearby?

My friend Sarah created a list of the top 10 Historical Vacation spots for homeschoolers, which may help you select a destination.

Or check out this list of ten of the best national parks for kids from my other friend Sara.

Parenting Hack: If you will be traveling with only one parent (or driver) be sure to check out these helpful hints for taking a road trip with kids by yourself.

Determine Basic Costs of that Destination

Trace your route on a map and determine how long it will take to get to each location. Figure the estimated gas costs. Look for stopping places along the way.

Research possible lodgings to decide where to stay. Find out if there is a cheaper time to travel to that location–not off-season, but not peak season either. It’s usually right after school starts in the fall –it’s still nice weather, it’s less crowded, and it doesn’t cost as much!)

Estimate your daily meal expenses. Will you rent a house and cook your own meals and take picnics or will you eat out?

It can help to make a chart for each possible destination. Figure the percentage of the total cost that meals, activities, lodging, etc will cost and put it into a pie graph.

Free Printables: Use the printable vacation planning chart for each of the possible destinations.

Now it’s easy to see which destination is less expensive or where cuts can be made.

Make adjustments as needed to stay within your budget.

Family Road Trip Hack: Learn and play some of these Road trip games for the whole family

Select the “Winning” Destination for Your Next Homeschool Vacation

After your kids have spent one to two days researching each possible destination (so probably five or six days total), have them “present” their findings to you.

Let them make a case for why your family should visit each one, with a list of pros and cons.

Finally, make a decision as a family about which destination “wins” for your next homeschool family vacation.