4 tips to prepare for a family sailing vacation

Even though family sailing vacations are supposed to be fun, preparing for them can be anything but. Luckily, there are ways to take some of the stress out and make the planning experience more positive than you may have imagined.

Keep reading for our 4 easy tips for preparing for a family sailing trip.

Include your kids in the planning

When you book a trip with Sail LUNA, every part of your itinerary is customized for you—from the menu, to the activities.

With that in mind, and to ensure the trip is as fun as possible, allow every member of the family to have a chance to weigh in on the trip plan. Make sure they know the itinerary so they can plan accordingly.

There is no shortage of ideas to include in your itinerary. Snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, or shopping on the mainland are just a few of the activities everyone in the family can enjoy.

For the laid back days relaxing on the water, brining things like books, coloring books, and even small games can keep younger kids entertained while mom and dad get some much needed R&R.

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Establish rules

Rules serve a few purposes on family sailing vacations. First, and most importantly, it keeps everyone on board safe. Second, it guarantees a fun and stress-free environment for an unforgettable vacation.

Here are some common rules to consider while preparing your family:

• Pay attention to the rules and safety measures implemented with the captain
• When underway, all children should wear life jackets while on deck
• Never run around on the boat
• Always hold on to the boat with at least one hand
• In rough weather, children must go inside the cockpit
• Do not go swimming alone or without direct supervision

Be sure to follow additional instructions and safety demos from the captain and crew.

Pack the essentials

When it comes to family trips, the key is to be prepared but not overpack. For this reason, knowing what is essential to you is essential. While the weather in the Caribbean is consistently beautiful, we recommend double-checking the forecast before heading out to make sure you pack appropriately.

Here is a quick list of items to be comfortable on your tropical vacation:

• Swimsuits
• Hats and sun protective clothing for extra sun protection
• Sandals or flip flops
• Comfortable shoes for walking or hiking
• Water-proof jacket or windbreaker
• Sweater or sweatshirt for night
• Comfortable, casual clothing
• A nicer outfit for going to a nice dinner

For more information, get our packing guide here.

Plan ahead for the unexpected

When it comes to sailing with the family—especially young children, it is always best to expect the unexpected. You never know when sunburns, seasickness, or an upset stomach will strike.

Since you’ll be on the water and might not have quick access to shore, you will want to prepare accordingly. When packing, include any regular medications, and other precautions you think you or your family might need for a comfortable sailing trip. As a rule of thumb, bring lots of sunscreen and aloe, just in case.

For any additional concerns or to get a specific question answered, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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