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Vacations are planned with hope and optimistic anticipation. Unfortunately, sometimes vacations can cause more stress than they can relieve. Because of this, we listed a few simple ways to alleviate a great deal of unnecessary stress that can be brought on by a family vacation.
Rent a Car
When you rent a car, you are on your own timeline. You can relax at the restaurant because you do not need to worry about the last public transportation bus leaving at a certain time. You can stay out as long as you like, or if the kids are getting fussy, you can leave as early as you like. Public transportation with kids is more stressful than it is worth.
But sometimes car hire can be very stressful, too. Because of this, be sure to plan your rental in advance, so you get a car that is roomy enough for your family. Renting the car online well in advance will also save you money. Plan a little ahead as to what will benefit your family the most.
It is also nice to rent a car even for road trips so that there is less of a chance for the car breaking down. Since rental cars are almost always new and boast low mileage, they are less likely to fall apart in the middle of a road trip. Or if heaven forbid a car accident occurred, you can return the car and swap it for a new one on the road as opposed to waiting for your vehicle to get fixed.
Plan Relaxation for Yourself and Fun for the Kids
Whether it is a ski trip or beach getaway, be sure to have activities planned for the kids. These trips are simple because a day of skiing easily wears kids out while you can go and get a massage or shop. The beach or pool also wears kids out, but you can still keep a close eye on them as you work on your tan.
Smart planning for the activities you and your kids can enjoy will keep everyone happy. The kids will stay entertained and have fun while you get to sit back and relax. If you plan on taking on the task of entertaining your kids the whole trip, you will likely be more exhausted from the trip than you were before the vacation. So plan your relaxation beforehand and keep the kids busy during that time so the whole family can get the most out of the vacation.
Pack Games and Distractions for Travel Times
The travel itself is the hardest part of vacations with the family. Whether it is a long road trip in a crammed car or a flight with limited leg room, it is never fun to manage children in compact spaces for long periods of time.
In order to combat this, be sure to pack many distractions. It can be in the form of handheld video games or movies. It can also be word games, card games, or coloring. Just be sure to have distractions available for your kids to stay entertained.
Snacks
Hanger has no mercy when it seeks victims. Both young and old are not immune to their mood being affected by an empty belly. Pack or buy plenty of snacks along the way so there is always something to keep the family satisfied. A great deal of drama can be avoided with simple snacks.
You can make the snacking fun as well by trying local small bites or favorites from home.
Vacations are always planned with good intentions but sometimes they can be a nightmare. To avoid any extra stress, keep these tips in mind so you can enjoy your time away with your family.
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