Planning for your vacation sets the stage for getting the most out of your vacation, even if your plan is to be as lazy as you can be.
When my family vacations we tend to plan in two stages. The first stage is all about thinking ahead to: what will we need for the trip and what will we need when we get there. The second stage is all about what are we going to do when we get there (activities).
This list is a combination of planning tips, that involve planning before you arrive and may require additional forethought, and activities that we highly recommend adding to your "must do" list to get the full Outer Banks beach vacation experience.
Outer Banks Vacation Planning
The goal is to make your life simpler on vacation. Planning for these things ahead of time helps the trip go smoother. Rarely do things actually go according to the plan, but at least you'll be better prepared for what might come.
On The Trip to the Outer Banks
Most vacationers to the Outer Banks are driving for at least 5 hours, and most are closer to 9-10 hours. This leaves a lot of time on the drive that could be filled with enjoyment to help the time pass. This is particularly true if you're traveling with children (Fun Road Trip Activities for Kids).
Yes, it's possible for everyone to get on their mobile device and disappear into their own world, but why not use this time to bond and create shared experiences. You might be met with a little resistance, as many prefer their mobile devices, but the reward of laughter and memories will be worth the effort.
Our habit has been to rotate the hours of what we're doing: one hour of game time followed by one hour of mobile device time. If you have children I highly recommend you share this with them well in advance and sell it as part of the experience. Dropping this news on them once they're in the car will shatter their expectations and likely cause grumpiness.
