It is that time of the year again when many families take off a week or two and go on a vacation. Vacations can be a very positive change of pace from normal routines. Whether your going to Wally World as Clark Griswold did in the classic movie “Summer Vacation,” heading for a camp out, taking a vacation by the seaside or attending a family reunion, give yourself a break and plan ahead.
Plan a vacation that will fit your budget and will not leave you in debt when you return home. Many vacations can be low cost as well as be fun and memorable.
While on your holiday, maintain good health habits such as eating a healthy diet, exercising , getting adequate sleep and wearing enough suntan lotion to avoid sun damage to your skin.
Make your vacation a time that will provide relaxation versus a frenzied schedule of packing and unpacking, fighting traffic, spending lots of time in airports or going to a family reunion that brings up a lot of old wounds.
Start preparing for your vacation departure several days before leaving. Begin packing early. Arrange for assistance with the mail and newspaper along with lawn maintenance and pet care. Do this several days before leaving home so that at the start of the vacation your are not exhausted because of preparation.
Use the internet to plan travel routes and find good places to lodge and dine. Previewing potential visiting sites on the web can also make your vacation a happier experience.
Don’t let your job follow you while on vacation. Taking along “a few things from the office to look at if you run out of things to do,” making yourself available to co-workers by cell phone and email, going to a meeting and calling it a vacation, can all wind up blurring the line between work and vacation.
Allow a day or two to unwined and unpack when you return from your vacation. Arriving at home the night before starting back to work can be very stressful.
Remember vacationing can be good for your health, especially if prior planning makes the trip relatively stress free.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2003