Why Myrtle Beach is the perfect family vacation destination
Paid for by Visit Myrtle Beach
A family vacation brings memories, photo opps and opinions. When you’ve got a lot of people under one roof, there’s going to be a lot of thoughts about how to spend each day.
“Intergenerational family trips can be so fun and such a great way to connect with the people you love, especially now,” says Roseann Capanna-Hodge, Ed.D, an integrative and pediatric mental health expert.
The first step: picking a place that has activities that can engage the youngest, oldest and choosiest members of the family. A destination like Myrtle Beach can hit all the vacation essentials for everyone. A beach backdrop provides plenty of space for impromptu activities, like kite-flying, seashell combing and hanging out. And Myrtle Beach has specific attractions, from award-winning golf courses to water parks full of speed slides that may be on the vacation bucket list of certain family members. Here, how to make sure your crew has an amazing vacation in Myrtle Beach.
Choose a resort with ample activities for everyone, so that you don’t necessarily need to look for entertainment off-site. Many resorts have robust water features, including indoor slides and kiddie pools for year-round fun. And look for amenities that make your life easier, such as a breakfast buffet, on-site restaurant options and easy access to the beach. Before you arrive, let the grandparents know if your kids need some time to warm up in the morning or you’re hoping to have some nuclear family time after dinner. “Having conversations about expectations and boundaries are essential,” says Capanna-Hodge.
One resort to consider that gives everyone the space and activities they want: Dunes Village Resort, which features an indoor water park, on-site dining options and plenty of two- and three-bedroom suite options to give your family space to spread out.
Part of the magic of vacation comes from planning your itinerary. Create a shared itinerary that people can access online, and encourage people to add their ideas. Consider making one or two people the point people who will plan itineraries based on feedback, suggests Capanna-Hodge.
Also important: Consider splitting up some afternoons to get more accomplished and to provide opportunities for different groups to connect. Maybe the teens can hit Broadway at the Beach to shop with Grandma while Aunt Mabel can chat, uninterrupted, with her siblings while they gallery hop the Grand Strand. The earlier you know what people want to do, the easier it is to plan an itinerary that keeps everyone happy and busy.
One of the best things about visiting Myrtle Beach is the many ways to experience the water. And pro-tip: Activities are a great way to make sure everyone’s on the same page. “Plan things that allow for connection on a different level than you might have at home,” suggests Capanna-Hodge.
The more adventurous in your crew may be interested in a kayak tour or parasail adventure. And everyone can enjoy a dolphin cruise, which is best enjoyed in the morning for ultimate dolphin sighting opportunities. And consider trying something new. Fishing can provide endless photo opps, smiles and bragging rights for everyone as you fish for blues, flounder, sea bass and sharks. For optimum flexibility, consider a private fishing charter for your crew. That way, you can bring your own snacks, your own playlists and go with the flow.
There’s no way you’re going to get to do everything you want to do on your trip. And you shouldn’t even try! “Intergenerational family trips can be so fun and also a bit intense, so scheduling in down time for yourself is the best way to make a happy family trip,” says Capanna-Hodge.
In other words: Don’t feel guilty about doing absolutely nothing but watching the ocean — that’s how memories are made. And the good news: You can always repeat the trip next year. Make an intergenerational family vacation an essential add to your calendar. You can also use it as a backdrop for your family photos. Plenty of scenic locations, such as Huntington Beach State Park or the piers can be great places to pose for a casual snap or official family pictures. And keep your vacation dreams flowing. Your trip can become one of the things that connects your family, no matter how far-flung you may be in real life.
From Visit Myrtle Beach:
Sixty miles of coastline, award-winning golf courses, legendary Low Country cuisine and all sorts of adventures for everyone in your family await you at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend away or a week-long adventure, Myrtle Beach is the destination for girlfriend getaways, romantic trips and family adventures. Balmy fall and winter weather make Myrtle Beach an amazing place to escape the cold, reconnect with your loved ones and find where you belong. To learn more and book a trip, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com.
This article was paid for by Visit Myrtle Beach and created by Yahoo Creative Studios. The Yahoo Life editorial staff did not participate in the creation of this content.
