When booking a vacation, how often do you think about the worst? The only thing on your mind is basking in the glorious sun, chilling on the beach or next to a pool, and some good music.

Of course, there’s the mandatory cocktail(s) too. Vacation is your “me-time” – the time you put the stress and drama of everyday life aside to reconnect with yourself. It’s the time to make some amazing memories.

However, more often than not, family vacations can be the complete opposite of relaxing. From fussy children to forgotten passports to missed flights and regular fights over where to eat, you see it all.

Pexels | What was meant to be a relaxing break leaves you overtired and more frustrated than when the vacation started

But, what if we told you can have family vacations without feeling trapped like an animal in a pen? Don’t believe us? Try out these tried and tested tips on how to reduce your family vacation stress and strain.

1. Ease Up on the Pressure

As parents, making sure that your kids enjoy every minute of their vacation time is not only unrealistic but also puts unnecessary stress on the entire family. Don’t pack so many activities into a single day that you become exhausted just two days in.

Remember that the main point of going on a family vacation is having lots of bonding time so it doesn’t really matter whether you’re giving your kids a life-changing experience like scuba diving or just sharing a bowl of ice cream in the hotel room.

Pexels | As long as you’re together, the memories will keep forming automatically

2. Be Well Prepared

One of the biggest causes of stress on vacation time is not having the things you need. So, whether you’re traveling by air or by road, consider checklists your best friend. They must be prepared in advance and must contain every possible item you need to ensure a comfortable and peaceful trip.

For example, if you’re on the road, be sure to pack in lots of snacks, have all your gadgets packed, and for a break from screen time, put together some activity packs. Additionally, sitting for miles on end is super annoying, especially for children who spend their days like the superhero Flash. They need breaks to stretch their legs so stop regularly at gas stations or cute roadside diners. If you’re traveling by air, schedule a night flight so your kids have better chances of sleeping through.

3. Travel Insurance

Emergencies show up announced when you least expect them – as parents, you know this all too well. Since medical or travel emergencies can literally come out of nowhere, especially in these uncertain times, your first priority should be to get insured before you travel. Opt for a robust policy that gives you that extra bit of mental peace and keeps you relaxed throughout your vacation.

Pexels | Your budget can take a serious hit after a few extra nights at the hotel

So there you have it. Make sure to bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you’re planning your next vacation!