As spring evolves into summer thoughts turn towards family vacations. Anticipating and planning the upcoming jaunts can be as enjoyable as the trip itself. However, family vacations can be punctuated with stressful moments if you are not careful. Here are a few tips to help you plan and execute a lovely summer excursion, no matter where your destination finds you.
1. Do make concrete plans. Even if you are simply visiting family, it helps to have a general idea of how you will spend your time. Many problems are alleviated by simply being on the same page as your husband when it comes to allocating your vacation time.
2. Pack appropriately and as lightly as possible. Make sure you actually check the suitcases and backpacks that you allow your children to pack. It’s best to find out ahead of time that your son or daughter forgot to pack some essential piece of clothing. More importantly, it is better to discover your ten-year-old son’s treasured 50-caliber shell yourself rather than leaving that task to airport security!
3. Plan for fun and comfort during the actual travel portion of your trip. Make certain that your children have age-appropriate items in their own backpacks that will keep them entertained: books, paper, pencils, crayons, small magnetic games, cards and even small toys.
4. Always pack comfort food. In a later post I will delineate how we travel across the country without ever stepping into a restaurant. For now I am focusing on air travel. Do not expect the airlines to serve your family anything remotely edible. They usually charge an exorbitant sum for less than palatable fare. Be sensible and pack healthy, fun snacks that you know your family will enjoy. The night before we travel, I set out snacks on the dining room table and the children pack their bags with their choices. Be aware of airline safety rules concerning liquids and even baby formula.
5. Allow ample time for traveling to and checking in at the airport. Nothing stresses a family, especially fathers, like time crunches. I even dress my younger children in their traveling clothes the night before. This saves time in the morning if you are leaving particularly early.
6. Keep your expectations realistic and roll with the punches. Errors occur. Children get ill (even on airplanes) and the people with whom you come into contact are not always pleasant. Try to keep your sense of humor. Your children will mirror your attitude. This rule of thumb is important throughout your vacation.
7. It helps to consider your vacations, particularly when visiting relatives, as mission trips in part. Life is always about serving and giving to others, even on vacation!
“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” – Emerson