Plan a Low Stress Family Vacation: Prepare Ahead of Time

Vacations are meant to be a getaway and escape from the daily grind, but sometimes a family vacation creates more stress. Here are a few tips to help you reduce stress on a family vacation.

* Choose a family vacation that appeals to the most members of the family as possible. Try including them in the decisions. Then they may feel the family vacation is planned with each and every family member in mind. It will make them look forward to the planned family vacation, instead of dreading it. Surprise vacations are fun too, but be aware that you may get resistance and more stress with spur of the moment family vacations.

* The more people involved on a family vacation, the more prepared you will need to be. Unlike group holidays, with people who have the same interests, a family vacation involves people of different ages and interests.

* Sometimes a family vacation may be for a prearranged event like a family reunion or a wedding. If that is the case, make sure you plan events, during the visit, that appeal to different family members. That way everybody has special things to look forward to on the vacation.

* Do any necessary shopping for appropriate clothing, supplies, gifts and so forth, ahead of time. That way you are less likely to be stressing right before you leave on your family vacation. It also may help the budget some if you spread out purchases needed for the trip, over a longer period of time.

* If you are not on a driving family vacation, look for bargains on tickets and lodging well ahead of time. You can save money by thinking ahead . The costs of family vacations can be overwhelming. Careful planning can take stress off the family pocketbook.

* If you are planning the family vacation for a long time, start saving for it right away. It is better to pay with cash you have been saving, than to run up huge credit debts all at once. Get the other family members involved in this part of the planning too. They may be able to contribute to the budget for the trip. If they realize the expenses, and sometimes even sacrifices involved in the family vacation, they will appreciate it even more.

* Don't wait to pack at the last minute. Make lists for each family member including everything they will need to bring on the trip. Have the older family members help the younger ones and reduce the stress and burden on one or two parents. As they or you pack, check off each item from their individual lists, so you know nothing is forgotten. Keep a copy of the list/s with you, so if anything is lost by family or by airlines, trains and so forth, you have an accurate accounting of the item/s.

* Make sure tickets, passports, maps and so forth are in a safe and easily accessible place when you travel.

* Have each family member bring things to keep them entertained on long drives or flights. Give each one a bag or small backpack to fill with their individual books, toys, games, favourite stuffed animal and so forth. For the younger ones, include a special or favourite toy or blanket that will help them relax in stressful situations. If people want music or movies, make sure there are headphones, so the noise level doesn't get out of control. This way people don't drown each other out with their own personal entertainment preferences.

* Pack easy foods and snacks that appeal to every member. For longer trips include bottles of water or favourite juices, if there is room. Include supplies for wiping messy hands, cleaning up spills and garbage bags for disposal. For children in car seats or booster seats, consider purchasing small attachable table tops for their individual seats. They can use these for food, or games and entertainment

* Keep a first aid kit and flares, tire iron, spare tire, flashlights, blankets, pillows and so forth in the car if you are planning a road trip. Also include emergency numbers and contact numbers and addresses. Bring enough cash for emergencies.

* Prepare your house for a family vacation. That way you won't be stressing over the security of your home while you are on your family vacation.

* Plan car games for long drives that include all family members. Encourage everyone to participate to make the trip more enjoyable. It helps to make a long drive pass more quickly.

* Make sure you stop for bathroom and leg stretching breaks, if you are driving a long distance. Make sure each family member takes advantage of these stops.

You can reduce a great deal of stress and worry by following some or all of these tips when you go on a family vacation. Be prepared and you will have a better and more stress free family vacation. It is work, but it makes the family vacation a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.