Have you ever heard someone say, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” Usually they’ll let out a long sigh and talk about how busy they were. It’s as if Americans just can’t let go of their obsession with being busy even when trying to get a break! Your next vacation doesn’t have to be like this! Check out our tips on how to successfully de-stress while camping and watch the quality of your next trip soar!
Plan | By planning things like what you’ll bring and eat, and of course where you’ll stay, you won’t be stuck questioning just exactly what you’re doing. Having a plan saves times and ultimately keeps you at ease because you know what’s going to happen next. This also applies to activities. While it’s fun to fly by the seat of your pants, most of the time you’re stuck spending hours online or arguing with the family of what you will do. By this time half the day is gone and everyone is frustrated.
Don’t Worry | It’s easy to worry about what the weather will turn out like or if the kids will have a good time. Your job, however, isn’t to worry. It’s to go with the flow and relax with the family. So what if it rains? A little rain is good for the earth and can force families to spend some extra time bonding! The best way to combat worry is to look for the good in each situation. Instead of focusing on what can go wrong, focus on what can go right.
Have a Back-up Plan | Things don’t always go as planned and that’s alright! Create a back-up plan that will get you through any unpredictable events that occur. Bring games and movies to enjoy in case of rain or if one of the kids get sick. Plan for an alternate activity if your hiking trail is flooded or the lake is closed to swimming. These things happen. If you’re prepared to handle them you won’t be stressed by them.
Delegate | Even if you don’t have children, chances are someone is coming with you on your trip. Make sure you delegate chores to each person so that everything doesn’t fall on your shoulders. More often than not people are happy to help, but need to be told what to do. Write down or type up a chore list with each person’s name next to it. You’ll be surprised how enjoyable your vacation is when set up and tear down aren’t left to just one person.
Breathe | Take a deep breath and enjoy where you are. Things might not be perfect, but they could certainly be worse. Don’t fret if you can’t get everything you want done. Don’t stress if the kids complain. Just breathe in and out and let it go.
Vacation doesn’t have to be stressful! These tips should help you enjoy your next one and might even make all the difference in how you and your family enjoy it.
Photo Credit: By Jon Sullivan [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
