Vacation....ahhhh what a glorious word! I live for vacations. I plan months in advance, count down the days until I leave, write packing lists, and more. Beyond making sure to pack an extra USB cable or reconfirming hotel reservations, here are six things you can do to before leaving that will help you to enjoy your time off even more.
Are you thinking about going on a family vacation? Does the thought of traveling with a group of people whom you're related to sound like fun, but at the same time to give you anxiety when thinking about all the different personalities involved (picture Kevin's crazy family in the movie "Home Alone")? No worries! I've spent most of my vacations since childhood traveling or going on camping trips with groups of up to 25 people, ages 2 months to 85-years-old. Along the way, I've learned what works (and what doesn't work) to accomplish smooth journeys and make the best memories.
Family meetings are a great way to ensure that everyone is on the same page and anything from the daily routine to special events like vacations or birthday parties go off without a hitch. It's also a useful forum for having more serious, challenging conversations, such as discussing a family member's illness and care. Follow these 10 rules for successful family meetings:
We're big advocates of families sitting around a table and sharing at least one meal together each day because we’ve found that when we do this with our families, we’re able to reconnect, recharge and solidify our bond. It may not seem significant over the course of one meal or one week, but over a period of time, families are strengthened by this daily ritual.
A home cooked meal enhances this experience. Home cooked meals express love, care, respect and well-being. Think about your favorite comfort food. Most likely, it’s a dish prepared by a beloved family member. Along these lines, home cooked meals often supplement the best memories and some evolve into family traditions.