While family vacations can be a great way to spend quality time together, they can also be stressful to plan. Especially if that burden primarily falls on one person. From deciding where to go, to booking flights and lodging, there’s a lot that goes into making sure your family getaway is a success. The stress doesn’t stop when you leave the house either, since your designated organiser will need to make sure that everything is going according to plan and that they have all the tickets and booking references they need.
But the result of this stress can mean that this person doesn’t get to enjoy the excitement leading up to a big trip or are able to completely relax whilst you’re away. Research from 2019 showed that one in five people feel overwhelmed by holiday planning, and four in 10 said the stress was ruining their enjoyment of searching for the perfect trip. This is surely only exacerbated post-pandemic, with many smaller hotels closing down and potentially additional rules for incoming tourists.
So how can you lean on lists and the support of those around you to make family holiday planning a fun experience? We share our top tips.
Make a list and check it twice
To kick off your holiday planning, start by jotting down all the tasks necessary for a smooth trip. This includes everything from researching destinations and booking flights, hotels, or rental cars, to packing clothing and preparing for any activities you may have planned. If you’re considering an Ecuador vacation for example, make sure to include specific details like exploring the Galápagos Islands or visiting Quito. Creating a list will help you keep track of what needs to be done before your departure date, ensuring you stay organized and stress-free throughout the process.
If you’re feeling super organised, you could even put dates next to these items, so that you know when you need to have sorted the task. Using a digital calendar or planner tool like Trello can also help you share this information with others and save links to go back to.
Set a budget
Another important factor in reducing stress when it comes to planning is setting a budget. Before you begin, determine how much money you are willing or able to spend on the trip. This will help ensure that you don’t overspend or book something that’s out of your price range. Setting a budget will also help narrow down your list of potential destinations so you don’t waste time researching places and hotels you won’t be able to afford.
Have Somewhere To Keep Your Stuff
One of the more stressful parts of a family vacation is looking after your belongings. You’ll not only need to pack up the right things, but make sure they’re safe when you’re actually on the trip. In many cases, your hotel room should be safe enough, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, it’s worth using a storage locker, especially if you’re staying somewhere close to the city. Luggage storage Sants Station, for example, can be a safe and convenient place to keep any valuables if you’re worried about them.
Delegate tasks
You don’t have to do all the work yourself! If possible, delegate some of the tasks involved in holiday planning among other members of your family or group travelling with you. Whether it’s researching destinations or packing luggage, assigning tasks ahead of time will make sure everything gets done well before your departure date while taking some weight off your shoulders at the same time. This doesn’t just apply to adults either – older children can certainly lay out their own clothes for you to check over or help you choose which activities to do.
Relax and enjoy
Holiday planning doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these simple steps, anyone can plan an amazing getaway without breaking a sweat (or their budget). Start by making a list of all the tasks involved in prepping for the trip and then set a budget so you know how much money is available for spending on travel expenses. Finally, remember that you don’t have to take on all of this alone. Make sure you delegate tasks – after all, it’s a family holiday, not a solo trip.
I am so so bad at delegating. I want to do it all and then I end up so stressed! This year I was a little better and let my husband pack the children’s clothes! And he did actually remember everything, although I had written him a very detailed list!!