Photo Credit: Patrick
A family vacation comes with bundles of stress that no one planned for. Keeping kids in line, booking hotels and tickets across time zones, and running through the airport to catch that connecting flight are all things that wear down vacationers before they even reach their destination!
Isn’t the whole point of a vacation to get away from stress? Some vacations end up leaving travelers feeling like they should have just stayed at the office!
Obviously, this is not the way it should be. A vacation should be fun, exciting, and most of all, relaxing! Otherwise what is the point?
There are a few things vacationers should remember a few things when planning their trips that will ensure they come home wishing they could go back to paradise, instead of landing in paradise wishing they had stayed home.
Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra to make the day for everyone:
Everyone is traveling on a budget, but there is no reason they should deprive themselves to save a dollar here and there. The effort it takes to keep the purse strings tight on vacation can be a huge source of stress and disappointment.
Of course, don’t go overboard! The family doesn’t need to eat lobster for lunch every day, but dropping an extra ten dollars to buy the kids ice cream on the way back to the hotel could end up making the day for everyone.
Plan carefully and visit affordable locations and attractions. This will ensure the fun keeps flowing while keeping large expenses at bay.
Don’t be afraid to spend an extra couple of dollars here and there to really make the experience for everyone. Families that are used to mom and dad saying no will really know they are on vacation when the word of the week is “yes!”
Let the professionals do their jobs:
Not everyone can afford a travel agent, but finding someone else to do the planning can really take the stress out of any trip.
Remember that many resorts have recreation directors and event planners whose job it is to make sure that guests are enjoying themselves. Take advantage of these people! A vacation is about relaxation and enjoyment, and these people are there to make sure of that.
Try to book hotels and flights together, or find vacation packages that include activities as well. The less there is to plan, the less there is to worry about. Let the professionals work and watch the stress melt away.
Get in a vacation state of mind! Try and remember these things:
- Vacation is supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience for everyone!
- If someone else is being paid to do the hard work of planning, let them! Let the professionals do the work.
- Don’t be afraid to spend the extra dollar when it can really brighten everyone’s day.
- Keep a paradise state of mind and let the stress melt away!
Leave the office at home, and don’t bother checking emails. Vacation is as much a state of mind as it is a location.
Stephanie Frasco really enjoys writing and one of her favorite things to write about is traveling. She finds inspiration for her writings at .