Summer is all about vacations, rest and relaxation! (In our dreams at least!) This #wildwednesdaytpstyle is all about how to plan the perfect vacation! We’ll give you everything you need to address to come back refreshed from vacation and not needing a vacation from your vacation!
#1: Plan When You’re Going on Vacation
This is a no brainer, but an excellent starting point. As farmers, there is a narrow margin of time that Matt is least pissy about leaving the farm. Think about your life, your kids’ schedules and figure out when is the least stressful time to take a time out from your life. It is a non-negotiable for me for us to leave the farm once per year. Every year is pretty similar for us so I know the late July, August time frame works best for us. Figure out when that is for you.
#2: Where to Vacation?
For some, a spot instantly popped into your head to this question. For others of us, some thought is required. I like to start with what is it on vacation that makes you come back ready to tackle the world. Is that seeing and experiencing amazing things? Is that visiting family you never get to see? Is that sitting in a cabin in the middle of nowhere and seeing nobody? Is it being close to water? Is it doing everything your kids want to do?
Matt and I, we’ve tried some different vacation styles and when I asked him where he wanted to go this year, he immediately said Arkansas. Last year, we rented a cabin right on the water and did absolutely nothing. This year, we’re going to a different part of Arkansas, but the same idea. 99% of you just cringed, rolled your eyes and decided that anybody that had a dream vacation of going to Arkansas, does not get to give you advice on how to accomplish your vacation goals.
The thing about vacations and escaping your reality for even a short period of time is that it needs to be refreshing for you and your family. For Matt and I, a cabin by water and seeing nobody and no cell service is a little slice of heaven. I want to strongly encourage you to quit trying to get the perfect Instagram worthy photo and really think about what you want on vacation.
#3: Vacation Expectation Meeting
Alright, you’ve booked your spot, put your vacation time on the schedule at work and now counting down the days. Now, have a sit down with the family (everybody, kids included) and have everybody list what they want to do on vacation, in order, top to bottom. Include activities and sight-seeing or swimming or sitting in a recliner. Whatever you want to do on vacation from most to least. Then compile those lists. Explain that everything just isn’t going to happen, most likely. Try to combine everybody’s desire so everybody gets to experience something on their list.
Have a frank conversation with everybody about how much is going to be spent, where you’re staying, how much time you’ll be out and about, how many times you’re eating out versus cooking in, who can go in the pool unsupervised and who can’t and what the sleeping arrangements are going to be. After having this conversation, you won’t have to worry about tantrums that your child isn’t going to get ice cream every time you walk by an ice cream stand because they know how much money is going to be spent and have had expectations put in place.
A side note, check back in with the last #marriagemondaytypstyle post to have a private conversation with your spouse about their sex expectations for the vacation. Planning is key! You get mad and upset when your expectations aren’t met. Have the conversation to avoid the fights!
#4: Taking Care of Business
Next, is Fido going on vacation or remaining behind? Do you need to make boarding plans? Or is your sister going to babysit him? Are you having somebody stay and house-sit for you? A neighbor that’s going to grab the mail? Who has emergency numbers for you and know where you’re going and when you’ll be back? Who’s watering the plants? Take care of all these details so you can rest assured on vacation that you won’t be coming back to a disaster.
#5: Enjoy Your Vacation
Next? Enjoy. Pack up and have the most amazing trip ever. Understand that no matter how many expectation meetings you have, things aren’t going to go perfect. So many of us only get away once a year or less. Don’t be stressed or upset on the limited time. Don’t worry about whether your vacation is somebody else’s ideal vacation. Is it filling you and your family? Social media is a highlight reel for so many. Don’t plan your life around that. It’s not worth it. You deserve the rest and relaxation without worrying about what other are thinking.
You’re going to have the most amazing vacation because you’ve put the work in. Just like with anything, magic doesn’t just happen. It’s carefully orchestrated and planned. You deserve it!
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