No one wants to need a vacation from their vacation.
Most of my friends look forward to vacationing with their mate and family. Frankly, I dread it. My wife and I inevitably have multiple arguments from the time we lock the door to our home to the time we unlock it again. We can’t seem to get on the same page when traveling. Any ideas?.
Vacations can be a respite from everyday life, but if two people going on one don’t communicate their expectations and desires clearly and be willing to give and take, vacations can be energy-zapping and stressful. Here are a few ideas to ease vacation stress and make room for relaxation and fun:
- Make sure you and your mate are clear on the “theme” of your trip. What kind of trip is this, a trip to relax and vegetate most of the time or a trip to be active and sightsee? You may decide for it to be a mix of both.
- Food is HUGE on vacation. Talk about your food expectations. Are you expecting to do some fine dining, cooking in, or eating take-out? Talk about this before you leave because what you decide will affect your travel budget.
- Set your boundaries around the use of technology before you leave! More vacations have been ruined because this topic has not been discussed.
- If you are driving, talk about how many times you want to stop along the way and for how long you want to rest. This most likely will be something on which you will both have to compromise.
- If you are driving, rule #1 is absolutely NO arguing while your vehicle is in motion! If you feel an argument coming on, pull over.
- Have an exit plan for leaving your house for the trip. How you leave sets the tone for the vacation.
- At least a week before your trip, meet with your mate and go over this checklist, including your vacation budget.
- Last, but not least, keep a sense of humor. No vacation is perfect.
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