There’s no doubt that the annual vacation is something many families look forward to every year. From road-tripping and exploring far-flung destinations to experiencing different cultures and cuisines and spending quality time with loved ones – there is a long list of things to look forward to when it comes to a family getaway.
But something many of us can agree on is that planning a family vacation can be very stressful. There’s a number of tasks that need to be tackled, not to mention the emotional and financial stress many of us get caught up in during the planning stages. Still, there is a way to make the most of your family vacation and conquer the stress associated with it. Below, five tips on how to spend a stress-free vacation with your family members.
Come up with a budget you can stick to
Vacations are notorious for being the time of the year when many people spend more than they can afford. According to an online survey conducted by Experian, 68% of people tend to overspend on their vacations. What’s more, travel expenses can easily add up, which could make you vulnerable to debt.
One way to avoid overspending on a vacation is to come up with a budget you can stick to. Decide on the amount you’re able/willing to spend and work around it, keeping your financial goals in mind. With a solid vacation spending strategy in place, you’ll manage to eliminate unnecessary stress while simultaneously avoiding unnecessary debt.
Plan your vacation well in advance
Much of the stress we experience before our vacation is due to our lack of preparedness. Not only do last-minute preparations add to pre-vacation stress, but they can also drain our wallets. This is why it pays to plan your vacation well in advance.
Start by making a list of travel destinations ahead of time and saving money throughout the year. In fact, you can apply this same method whenever you’re making some bigger purchases, whether we’re talking about shopping for high-quality Designer Clothes for Men to surprise your SO with or saving up for a new phone or a laptop. Give yourself enough time to save up for these bigger purchases in advance. Also, take advantage of any discounts, and remember to make any important reservations early on. Doing so will simplify the vacation planning process, take the stress out of the equation, and keep spending under control.
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Define your priorities
Other than taking advantage of discounts, it’s important that you consider your own family’s priorities when making plans for the upcoming vacation. The truth is, not all of us have the same exact idea of what an ideal vacation looks like. While some like to fill their schedules with traveling and exploring different sights and activities, others prefer keeping their schedules flexible and planning just one structured activity a day.
For some, that will mean visiting different museums, going to the beach, exploring restaurants, and then watching movies later in the day. For others, however, it will mean hitting the pool and then simply relaxing afterwards. What’s important is that you define your priorities beforehand and plan your activities accordingly. After all, vacations are there for us to enjoy, so pick something that aligns with your and your family’s preferences.
Plan your vacation together, but avoid overscheduling
All the excitement that comes with vacation planning can easily result in a jam-packed schedule. This is especially true if you’re used to saying “yes” to everything and everyone around you. Instead of trying to fit too many things into an already tight schedule, focus on activities that feel “right”. Don’t force yourself into doing something just because it’s considered a “must”.
Whether that means scheduling time for napping and relaxation or saying “no” to boring and draining activities, don’t be afraid to say “yes” to the things that will keep your family happy and “no” to things that don’t bring you joy. Doing so will prevent you from spreading yourself too thin, which will help keep the stress at bay. Just remember to include all your family members in the vacation planning process so that everyone feels engaged.
Don’t stress about making everything feel and look perfect
Looking at seemingly flawless Insta vacation snaps and Facebook stories, it can be all too easy to start chasing perfection. The truth is, many of us fall into this trap. In reality though, this can cause enormous pressure and prevent us from enjoying our vacation to the fullest. It can also make us feel envious of others, and that is definitely not what vacations are about.
Of course, letting go of perfectionism is something that is easier said than done. Still, it is an important part of ensuring a stress-free, enjoyable vacation. So, rather than focusing on everything looking and feeling Pinterest-worthy, make room for imperfection, and embrace it. This will help you cope with perfectionism-induced stress more easily, and make you realize that good enough is good enough.
Wrapping up
Family vacations are what many of us look forward to all year long, and it is easy to see why. It’s a time to make some precious memories, and a time to enjoy each other. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make your next vacation less stressful, ensuring a relaxing, joy-filled adventure.
