Planning a family vacation in the mountains is one of the best ways to keep family members connected, especially if you live apart. Meetings like these will keep you up to date on what’s happening in the family, like news about weddings, graduations, achievements, or new additions to the family. When family members now live alone, a family vacation is much better than a simple phone call or seasonal cards, which may be your only forms of communication.

When family members live so far apart from each other, they usually don’t get a chance to get together except during family vacations once or twice a year. With everyone so busy and physical distance from family members, it’s crucial to plan a family vacation well in advance. If you’re planning to take a family vacation to the mountains, there are helpful tips that can really make your family vacation memorable.

Consider the location from all angles keeping in mind the safety and comfort of the older and younger members of the family alike. It is important to choose a place that the older ones can appreciate and enjoy and that the little ones can have fun.

Know what to put in your backpack before you leave for your family vacation in the mountains. You may not want to burn your nose and cheeks while on the slopes or just walking around town, so be sure to bring a hat with you. A brimmed hat can effectively deflect the sun’s harmful rays away from your face and protect you from the heat of the summer sun. Carry sunscreens such as strong sunscreen lotions of at least SPF 25 and sunglasses that block the sun’s harmful UV rays from penetrating your skin and eyes. Make sure your glasses have good UVA and UVB blocking capabilities.

Be careful what you wear, especially if you’re going to be spending most of your mountain vacation on the slopes or doing something sporty. Invest in base garments that wick sweat and wick it away from the skin. These polypropylene-based garments make movement easier and more comfortable and are no longer expensive in stores. A cotton based garment is not recommended for this type of outdoor activity.

Drink plenty of water and make sure you take an extra bottle with you during your trip to the mountains. Your body needs, but doesn’t always crave, more fluids, especially if you are at high altitudes. It is very necessary that you replenish the moisture that your body loses through sweat. You can also avoid experiencing altitude sickness by drinking plenty of water.

When planning your family vacation in the mountains, don’t rely solely on weather forecasts. Nothing is as unpredictable as the weather. You don’t want less-than-nice weather to ruin your family vacation, so always pack prepared for the mixed elements and know the rules of mountain travel.

You can have the best family mountain vacation that your family members will cherish forever. Together with the whole family, choose the best location, come prepared and you will soon realize that a family vacation in the mountains can be a true paradise on earth.