When we generally think of stress, we think of it as the main reason we want to go on a vacation. (LOL) The reality of it is that planning, packing and unexpected events while traveling can all lead to monumental stress. Recently I interviewed the ‘Stress Manager’ Chere Cofield and she shared with me a few fabulous tips on managing and eliminating vacation related stress. So BMWK family without further delay, here are eight fabulous tips to help you manage and eliminate vacation related stress.
- The first and most important tip is to plan ahead. The old adage ‘if you fail to plan, plan to fail’ also applies to planning the family vacation. Plan your vacation months in advance making sure that every detail and desire is planned accordingly.
- Once the destination has been chosen, start packing early and don’t wear those fab destination outfits leading up to your vacation. This will eliminate the need to do extra laundry and save you time as your vacation draws closer.
- Our third valuable tip is to meet with your spouse and plan out all vacation activities (considering what every member of the family likes to do).
- The fourth tip is to plan at least one day to ‘do absolutely nothing but relax!’
- Our next tip is one I have learned the hard way, ‘don’t travel with valuables.’ Leave that irreplaceable piece of jewelry and that professional grade camera at home. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Crime on a vacation will add extreme levels of stress and possibly ruin your vacation.
- The sixth tip is very important and that is to add one extra day to your time off to regroup once you’ve returned home. Let’s face it traveling to and from your vacation is a tiring process in itself.
- On departure day request a late check-out (a lot of hotels/resorts offer this one as a courtesy). This way you don’t have to feel rushed on your last vacation day.
- Tip number eight is directly related to number seven. Plan a later flight so there’s no pressure or need to rush to the airport.
With tips 7 and 8 in place, you can enjoy one last fabulous breakfast and lunch at your favorite resort restaurant/cafe (and save a little money on airport food).
I hope these tips help you have a stress free, fun and fabulous vacation this summer.
BMWK – please share tips that help to make your vacations stress free and enjoyable.
Be Happy. Be Fabulous. Be Well Traveled.
By The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller)