Is a stress-free family holiday really possible?
Many of us have experienced the stress of taking the kids away, only to listen to them utter those immortal two words “I’m bored” when travelling with them.
We have also experienced the stress that comes with planning, dealing with tiredness, and trying to make the deadlines that come with travel.
Stress? It’s something you might automatically add to your packing list.
Still, there are ways to reduce the stress you might experience while away.
#1: Don’t travel very far
Flying halfway around the world with the kids in tow might seem like an excellent idea. You will have the opportunity to see and experience new things, and you will be opening your kids up to new experiences too. However, the longer you’re on that plane (or in the car or on the train), the more restless your kids can become. And when you’re in a place you have never visited before, you are risking more stress because of the prospect of getting lost, and because you might not have the ability to speak the local language.
So, while we wouldn’t want to put you off your bucket list dreams, you might want to travel a short distance on your next vacation, perhaps with a caravan holiday in the UK or a stay in a nearby city somewhere in Europe, instead of risking too many stresses in a country too far away from your home.
#2: Let somebody else do the planning
Some people enjoy the planning aspect of a holiday. They spend hours and days working out where to go, what to do, and how to travel from A to B. And if you enjoy this aspect, then fine! But if it stresses you out, try to work out a way to reduce your planning time. So, you might go on holiday with another family group that you are friendly with, and share the planning aspect with them. Or you could book a holiday with a tour group, such as these European tours with On the Go, and let a professional agent take charge of the plans needed for travel, accommodation, and those other planning aspects that would ordinarily take up too much of your time.
#3: Don’t let the kids get bored
It’s easier said than done, we know, but it is possible. For starters, think about the journey itself. By finding ways to entertain the kids when travelling from A to B, you are less likely to suffer the commotion they might cause when experiencing boredom. Check the link for some great ideas. You should also involve them in the planning, so rather than creating an itinerary of activities that only you are interested in, factor in those things that will give your children a good time when you’re away. Hopefully, they will then be less likey to complain of boredom.
#4: Don’t forget the babysitter
Why not bring grandma along for the holiday? If she is always telling you she wants to spend more time with the grandchildren, she might be more than willing to take your children off your hands for part of the holiday. Alternatively, stay in accommodation that has child minding services available. This way, you will have the opportunity to do your own thing and de-stress, and your kids will have the opportunity to take part in fun entertainment activities that are provided by others. Of course, if you don’t have a babysitter on hand, you could take turns minding the kids with your partner, as you will both then have time to de-stress and relax while you’re away.
Let me know what you think of these suggestions, and if you have any further ideas, be sure to share them with me!
This is a collaborative post
