Vacation Countdown Ideas

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Aside from planning, my next favorite part about going on vacation is the anticipation. When I know that I have a fun trip coming up, it gives me encouragement to make it through a tough day.

My kids also love to know how many days until we leave on our next vacation, and it seems like they are constantly asking me that question. Last week, when the temperatures were in the 20s in Texas in the mornings, my kids inquired daily about our spring break trip.

Over the years, we’ve done different types of vacation countdowns to keep track of our departure days. If you’re not keeping track of your vacation countdown, here are some ideas.

Vacation Countdown App

Of course there’s an app for that! I downloaded this Vacation Countdown App. It’s free if you don’t mind the ads.

You pick the background photo and style of the countdown clock. Add the details of your trip, and voila!

If your kids use an iPad, you can add this to their device so they can look for themselves.

Digital Countdown Clock

When I was engaged, I used a digital countdown clock for the big wedding day. Amazon sells several varieties like this Digital Countdown Days Timer.

Just set the date, and watch the days/hours/minutes/seconds go by.

Chalkboard/Whiteboard Vacation Countdown Sign

Get a dry erase board or a chalkboard and decorate it. Leave a spot to write the number of days. If you don’t feel like making one yourself, you can buy one on Amazon like this:

Adjustable Countdown Sign

I purchased this adjustable vacation countdown sign at a souvenir shop at the beach last summer. It has a dial that goes up to 31 days. If you’re crafty, you could make this with wood and a Cricut.

Countdown Blocks

Block are an easy way to countdown to vacation. Your family members may enjoy painting blocks together on the next snow day. Check out the ready-made countdown blocks on Amazon and this one on etsy.

Paper Chain Links

Sometimes, ripping a paper chain link is so satisfying. Kids can help make this paper chain link countdown by cutting the paper and adding stickers to the links.

So that we don’t forget if we’ve already ripped one for the day, I write each day’s date and the “days until” on the paper link. I also write a specific kid’s name on each link to prevent fighting over who gets to rip the link.

Paper Calendar

Of course, one of the easiest countdowns is simply a paper calendar. Circle the day you leave, then mark X’s through each day. You can use a printable calendar template to create a single month page to hang prominently on the wall.

Do you use a vacation countdown? How do you mark the days until your next adventure?

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