How To Take A Relaxing, Stress-Free Vacation

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Guest Blog:  Marjorie McMillion at Come On Get Well
 
Vacations mean something different to everyone, but most of us just want to travel, relax, and take some time away from the grind of daily life. Some want to experience new things alone, while others want to be in a group. Whether you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones or go to an event with friends and family, there are some considerations you’ll need to make to ensure your trip stress-free.
 
Vacations require planning, but maybe not in the way that you think. The best way to plan is to give allowance for delays and things that can go wrong. It’s good to be organized, but you have to remember to have fun and just laugh when things get a bit chaotic.
 
Here are some tips to have a relaxing vacation, presented by Allen Batista Travel, Inc.
 
Plan early
 
You usually have more choices of accommodation and rates are usually lower if you book well in advance. Make preparations early to ensure that you can secure a place that everybody likes, especially if you’re traveling in a group. Everyone has different preferences, and taking these into consideration early will avoid possible hiccups.
 
Pack everything you’ll need for the trip a week earlier. If there are things that you can’t pack yet, such as your laptops, tablets, and phones, just make a checklist and prepare them the night before so you don’t forget. Speaking of gadgets, it’s a good idea to pack an extra charger or two. Things can happen during the trip, and it would be a shame if someone misses out on a memorable moment because their phone gets drained. Plus, having charged gadgets means less time being bored during downtime (which is more true for kids).
 
Of course, your packing will ultimately be determined by what you’re doing on vacation. For instance, if you decide to take a camping trip, you’ll need a completely different set of supplies and clothing compared to a weekend trip to a theme park. Remember to read plenty of reviews before you purchase any gear, regardless of where you’re headed on your getaway.
 
Know the Latest Travel Rules
 
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new world order, especially as it pertains to health and safety measures.  It is always good to stay abreast CDC guidelines as it pertains to Covid-19 vaccines, testings and digital passes for entry to a specific country, as well as the testing requirements to re-enter the United States.
 
With some many variables as it pertains to the Delta and Omicron variants, it is always wise to get travel insurance to protect yourself while traveling abroad.  Consumer Advocate has in-depth guide providing travelers invaluable tips for selecting traveling insurance.
 
Remove the worry
 
Traveling brings enough worries--packing, keeping little ones entertained, getting everyone on the same schedule--so it’s important to eliminate them when you get the chance. One good way to do this is to make sure everything is taken care of at home for the duration of your trip.
 
Talk to your neighbors about where you’re going and when you’ll be back; secure all doors and windows and consider installing a home security system that you can check on a tablet or smartphone while you’re away. Knowing your home is safe and sound will give you more peace of mind and allow you to relax better.
 
Keeping your finances secure while traveling is very important, especially if your journey takes you far from home or even out of the country. Christine Sarkis offers several useful tips, such as carrying a dummy wallet and dividing your money between several safe spots.  If you travel abroad and hit a snag, keep in mind there are low-cost ways to receive funds from the US, etc. When you're vacationing in places such as the Dominican Republic, Cancun, or Rio, there are money transfer services that cost little or nothing to get funds to you fast.
 
 
Keep the kiddos happy
 
If you’re traveling with kids, there are several ways to make things easier on everyone, notes Upgraded Points. You can start by having plenty of snacks and drinks on hand, but it’s also a good idea to plan a few activities to prevent boredom. Once the kids are old enough, let them use a camera. It will make them more aware of their surroundings and remember more about the trip. Also, make sure that there’s a phone, tablet, or gaming console that they can play with.
 
It’s also important to schedule time for exercise or physical activity; that way, the pent-up energy your children have stored during the trip can find a healthy outlet.
 
Try to explain to the kids what the itinerary is and what they should expect from the trip. The more they understand what’s going on and what they can look forward to, the more comfortable they will be with accepting new experiences.
 
Unplug
 
It can be hard to completely disconnect from social media and emails for a few days, but when you’re on vacation, it can be helpful to unplug when you don’t need to be reached. Refrain from looking at your phone unless you need to use it, and let everyone know that you’ll be unreachable while you’re away, as per Mindsoother. Remind yourself that it’s OK to let some emails go until you get home. This will help you fully recharge and stay focused on your trip rather than getting distracted.
 
Remember that if you’re traveling with friends or family, there may be people who have different ideas on how to have fun, and that’s OK. Don’t try to schedule every minute of your trip. Instead, go with the flow and allow yourself to have a good time.


Photo credit:  Unsplash

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