How to Survive a Family Vacation

Family vacations are loads of fun-on television and in movies, that is. In real life, they can be very stressful. You have high expectations and believe that you should enjoy several days of non-stop contact with family members. But in group situations such as family vacations, you end up relinquishing control of your time to the group, and that makes most people a bit edgy.

Instructions

1. Make your own accommodations. We all have quirks about the way we travel. You don't want to get stuck in a motel if you're a hotel kind of person. Don't leave the sleeping arrangements to chance. Do your own research and make your own reservations.

2. Confirm arrival and departure times in advance. You can survive your family vacation and have fun if you know up front exactly how long you'll be there. Having definite arrival and departure plans lets you mentally prepare for the vacation and keeps you or any one else from prolonging the adventure.

3. Know what to expect. This is the same family you had fun growing up with. You know how everyone is going to act. Dad will whine when he gets hungry. Your sisters will compete to make decisions for the group. Their husbands will hide behind the kids and disappear without warning. Instead of reacting to everyone's bad habits, just smile as you recognize the personalities you've always known.

4. Plan time for yourself. When everyone is sitting around the breakfast table laying out the schedule of fun-filled activities for the day, remember to schedule at least one hour for yourself. Spend that hour in your room, the sauna, a local gym or walking around the block a dozen times. Insist on being alone for at least an hour a day so that you can maintain your mental health.