Quick Tips to a Stress-Free Summer Vacation

 Do you ever feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? Yes, we've all been there! Vacations are so important. They build memories, bring people closer together, and change your view of the world. But whether you're traveling with parents, kids, cousins, or friends, vacations can sometimes be stressful. Today will will examine a few tips to help make your summer vacation as stress free as possible.
 
1. Define your vacation goals.  It might sound silly, but it's one of the most important steps to having a great vacation. Before you start planning your vacation, it's important to know what you want to do and what you want to get out of your trip. Are you looking to relax in the sun, hike trails and ruins, or explore a city? Making sure that everyone has the same expectations before you even start planning will help the vacation go smoothly.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Your vacation will inevitably have bumps in the road, but it's the way you handle them that will shape your vacation, and your memories. Just enjoy the fact that you're on vacation. If your ice cream falls off the cone and sits there melting on the sidewalk, you can sulk over the melting ice cream, or you can move on and remember that the rest of the vacation was fabulous and get new ice cream.

3. Don't over pack. It's hard to decide how much you need to bring when traveling (especially with kids), but it's so much easier to travel with as few bags as possible. Don't waste suitcase space with disposable things you can buy when you get there – like diapers and wipes. If you're staying in a house or condo, you can ship yourself a box before you get there, or splurge and use a luggage shipping service to take all the stress off on travel days. Some hotels even have a stash of supplies that you can have for free if you forgot something.

4. Have an emergency plan. Always pack a small first aid kit when you travel that includes fever reducer, pain reliever, a thermometer, bandages, and allergy medications. No one expects to need a doctor or a hospital on vacation, but it's always a good idea to know your options. If you or your child needs to see a doctor while traveling, the front desk at the hotel should be able to help you find appropriate care. When traveling with kids, look up ERs ahead of time to know where they are so that if an emergency happens you can get the care you need quickly and with less stress.

5. Purchase travel protection. Travel insurance is always a good idea and will give you peace of mind that your vacation will be protected in case an emergency arises before or during travel. Most people assume that their regular medical insurance will cover them outside of the country, but that's not always true. If it won't, find an alternative before you leave, such as travel insurance. Each insurance plan is different so make sure that you know what your coverage is before you purchase your policy.

6. Pick a great destination. Know what you want and then pick the right destination for your vacation. Each destination has pros and cons, and to have a stress free vacation it's important to pick the right place. If you are looking for larger rooms, all-inclusive resorts, babysitting services, a kids club, great pools, museums to explore, or serious adventure – the right vacation is out there for you. 

7. Use a travel agent. If you want a stress-free vacation stop doing it yourself!. Using a travel agent can save you time, stress, andplanning mistakes. A travel agent is there from the early planning stages, to making sure you have everything you need before you go, helping with anything that arises while you're traveling, and to check in after you get back. When we plan your vacation together, the process will be easy and stress-free, allowing you more time to enjoy your vacation and relax.