How To Banish Stress During A Family Trip
You look forward to a vacation all year, and when it finally rolls around, there’s so much to do to prepare. Some people overcompensate when they pack, some are very particular and have developed a method over the years, and some put it off until the very last minute. Packing anxiety is real, and unfortunately, many of us should be excited about an upcoming trip but stress over it.
There are ways to reduce stress while traveling. It helps to remember that not everything will go as planned. Even if you like to know what’s coming and to stay in control, part of the fun of going away is having new experiences. Glare Guard shares a few tips for getting started:
Become a packing guru.
Some people travel all the time for their jobs, and they don’t have the luxury of having packing anxiety. If they ever had it, they got over it years ago. How? They learned what they needed, what they didn’t need, and what they could always buy if it came down to it. There’s a lot of advice worth being open to from folks who have turned packing into an art.
For example, the roll method really works and lets you get more clothes into the same space without wrinkling them. You can also try packing cubes; cubes are the perfect shape to make the best use of the space in your suitcase, and they are a great way to stay organized so everything is easy to find. Remember to pack polarized car visor extenders if you’re going on a road trip!
Write out a budget.
Creating a budget is crucial in planning a stress-free vacation, as it helps you manage your finances and avoid unexpected expenses. Identify the major costs, then use a free budget template. The main expenses are transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities. Then, set a realistic spending limit for each category based on your available funds.
Don’t forget to account for smaller expenses like souvenirs, tips, and emergency funds. Using apps or spreadsheets can help you track your spending and stay within your limits. Planning your budget will give you a clearer picture of what you can afford, allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation without the stress of financial surprises.
Keep the kids occupied.
Whether driving or flying, allow space to bring a few things to keep the kids busy. As much as we might discourage screen time during the year, a tablet or smartphone will keep them busy on vacation, so let them pack it in.
It’s a good idea to bring an extra charger since phone chargers are the number one item left behind at hotels. We depend on our phones, especially while traveling. Keep your kids happy and save yourself some stress by keeping your devices top of mind.
Bring the hobbies along
For some travelers, being away from home can be unsettling. You may lose sleep because you’re in an unfamiliar bed or because meal times and other routines are disrupted. One of the best ways to get through a difficult transition is to bring your hobbies along.
If you’re a reader, load up your Kindle. If you’re into drawing, bring a sketchbook. Or you can engage in some stress-busting techniques like breathing deeply, meditating, and getting to sleep at a decent hour. Pick something that relaxes you, and make sure you have a way to enjoy it during the trip.
Keep things simple
Filling your vacation with activities might be tempting, especially if you have young children. But vacationing too hard can lead to more stress, especially if you can’t squeeze everything in or stick to a schedule. Give yourself some wiggle room, and remember not to focus on a single activity.
You can try keeping things simple by joining a vacation club so your days practically plan themselves. Trying to gather several people together at the same time can be exhausting, so don’t push too hard. If the weather turns, it’s an opportunity to wait it out. Making room for downtime is a good idea as well.
Vacations should be a time of happiness and relaxation, not stress and anxiety. Take some steps before you leave to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy yourself. And be sure to make the time to relax while you’re away.