Image courtesy of AmpSmart Automation
Going on vacation can be stressful for the whole family. Many factors can make it difficult, such as boredom and failing to book adequate accommodations. You want to use your vacation to recharge and connect with family, so try these five strategies to make your vacation more fun and less stressful.
Consider Home Automation
You’ll be more likely to have a worry-free vacation if you take care of things at home before you leave. Ask someone at work to handle any emergencies you would normally take care of. Also, consider installing a home automation system to allow you to monitor and control your house while you’re away.
Use Stress-Reducing Techniques
Regardless of what you do, there will be some level of stress on your family vacation. When faced with these unavoidable, stressful situations, try some simple yoga poses recommended for relaxation. There are also a number of deep breathing exercises that are proven to reduce stress. Early morning meditation can also be a good way to start your day off right and prepare yourself for the high-stress situations you might face. In addition to these activities, pack items that will promote sleep and comfort while you travel. Neck and back support items are particularly effective at easing common aches and pains associated with travel.
Minimize Technology Use
Overusing technology can make a vacation less meaningful. It can negatively affect your vision and sleep—among other things. Pay more attention to the trip and focus less on social media and gaming by turning off devices whenever possible. Try not to bring along devices that take up valuable time that could be better spent relaxing or having meaningful family experiences.
Keep Children Occupied
When kids get bored, they tend to become restless and irritable. Be sure to bring a favorite book and other activities on your trip as a way to keep them occupied and content. Snacks are also useful for keeping children happy.
Plan Ahead
Before heading out on your trip, you’ll want to research the area and book accommodations. This is particularly important when traveling with little ones since you will want to ensure that there are child-friendly activities in the area and accommodations that will comfortably sleep the whole family. Vacation rentals are particularly suited to families since you can find properties with separate bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and full kitchens. Keep this option in mind when planning a long-term stay with a large family.
When it comes to activities, be careful about overplanning your schedule. Packing too many activities into one day can cause stress. Instead, try choosing fewer, more meaningful things to do. Pay attention to how everyone is affected by time in the sun and excess walking and be sure to include everyone in the planning process.
Travel By Bus
Chartering a bus or joining an already planned group tour is perhaps the best way for a family to travel. It allows you to enjoy the sights along the way, sleep as you travel, talk, and play games with each other. Essentially, it removes some of the most stressful parts of traveling with large groups and kids. So if you’re planning a family vacation, consider using a motorcoach.