Prepare a box or bag of surprises for each child to play with along the way. This will give them things to look forward to along the way. Keep a record. Ask each child what he or she liked best at the end of each day and write it down. Involve everyone in gathering photos and postcards and make a scrapbook after the trip.
Vacations are important for everyone.
If you are not able to take a big one this year, plan an overnight stay at a nearby motel with a swimming pool and go out to eat. Doing something out of the ordinary will create happy memories. Most importantly, remember to expect the unexpected and not to demand perfection. The goal of vacationing is to relax and strengthen family relationships.