The Value of Vacation Planning
The idea of planning a vacation can seem counter-intuitive when we think of vacations as a time to relax and de-stress. I mean, we’re trying to get away from stress, have fun and chill out. What’s to plan?
Or perhaps we’re in the other camp… if we’re going to the effort to plan a vacation, we’re going to make the absolute most of it and we’ve planned every minute!
Well, as I discussed with Cheryl Miller on CBS6 Virginia This Morning back in 2019, good planning is essential to the success of a vacation to reduce your overall stress. Whether it is too much, too little, or the wrong kind of planning… many of us can tweak our vacation planning efforts to have the best experience possible.
Too much planning
Sometimes we’ve invested so much time and money into a vacation that we completely over-plan, wanting to take advantage of every moment. This is classic FOMO (fear of missing out). We might stay out half the night, crash for couple hours, and then we’re up again early for that sunrise adventure. The problem, of course, is sleep deprivation. It’s hard to be mentally and emotionally present to enjoy experiences if you’re drowsy and irritable from lack of sleep. Plus, it can be physically unsafe to try new adventures or drive in unfamiliar territory while sleep-deprived. After this kind of vacation we tend to return home utterly depleted of energy and needing to rest after vacation, leading to stress on reentry- as we now need to work extra hard to recover from being away while also being fatigued.
Why we do it:
Ensuring availability: Some popular tourist destinations and activities may have limited availability, especially during peak seasons. Planning in advance allows you to secure reservations for attractions, tours, and restaurants, ensuring you don't miss out on must-see experiences.
Avoiding last-minute stress: A well-thought-out itinerary reduces the likelihood of facing stressful situations during your vacation. By planning ahead, you can avoid scrambling for accommodations, transportation, or activities at the last minute
Safety and health considerations: Planning allows you to be well-prepared for any potential health or safety concerns during your trip. You can find out about necessary vaccinations, local customs, and potential risks, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
Cautionary tips:
Flexibility and adaptability: While planning is important, leaving some room for flexibility is also essential. Unexpected events may arise, and having a general framework allows you to adapt and make necessary changes without feeling overwhelmed.
Balancing activities and relaxation: A well-balanced itinerary lets you incorporate a mix of sightseeing, adventurous activities, and relaxation time. Planning helps avoid overloading your schedule and burning out, ensuring you have a well-paced and enjoyable vacation.
Recovery: If you’ve decided to maximize your vacation time with a packed schedule, try to plan at least one recovery day when you arrive home and/or minimize obligations for a few days after you return. This will give you a chance to catch up on sleep, work, self-care, and other necessities of life without becoming overwhelmed.
Too little planning
The example I gave in my on-air discussion of this topic is the situation where you’ve been relaxing and enjoying yourself, and suddenly realize you’re hungry and need to go find food. Without a reservation or knowing your options, you may end up in a long, frustrating wait for a table or eating somewhere you’d rather not, and those situations are often escalated by “hanger”, leading to squabbles and decision challenges with your travel companions. While you can usually solve this problem without dire consequences, a bit of planning can prevent stress altogether.
Don’t want to plan much? No problem. You can get big payoffs for minimal planning efforts by concentrating on a few areas and leaving the details to chance.
Maximizing time and resources: With proper planning, you can make the most of your limited time and budget. Planning in advance allows you to identify the best travel deals, accommodation options, and activities, helping you save money and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Exploring new opportunities: Researching and planning ahead of time enables you to discover unique and off-the-beaten-path attractions that might not be widely known. It opens up opportunities to explore hidden gems and create unforgettable memories.
Managing expectations: By planning and researching your destination, you can set realistic expectations for your vacation. This helps prevent disappointment and allows you to focus on enjoying the experiences that meet or exceed your expectations.
Delegate: If you’re traveling with others, pick a few things that you will research (like interesting local restaurants with low wait times) and task them to plan details like what time they’d like to leave to get dinner. By spreading the planning load, it feels like less.
Plans that aren’t customized
Planning a vacation to minimize stress is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor and traveling with others can lead to a lot more stress than being at home. It’s easy to assume that everyone on the trip has the same goals and desires, but even within a tight-knit family, that’s often not the case.
As you’re preparing for the trip, ask everyone you’re traveling with (including yourself!) some important questions: “What do you want out of your vacation? What are your expectations? What’s most important? What are you looking forward to most?”
You can then put those pieces together for planning purposes. If your 8-year-old is most looking forward to getting ice cream cones at a little shop you went to last year, then you can add that to the itinerary or talk to her about an alternative ahead of time so she isn’t disappointed and frustrated if you don’t go. Likewise, if your spouse’s favorite thing is morning yoga on the beach and you’d prefer to sleep late, you’ll know not to grumble too much on the one day they get their wish. Being considerate of each person’s wishes and preferences can lead to fewer arguments, hurt feelings, and overall create a more relaxing and less stressful vacation!
Create a tailored vacation for less stress:
Creating shared experiences: If you're traveling with others, planning together can build excitement and anticipation. It also allows everyone to have a say in the trip's activities and ensures that the vacation caters to everyone's interests and preferences.
Planning a vacation for a memorable experience
Clearly, planning during a vacation is crucial for a variety of reasons. It helps ensure that the trip is well-organized, enjoyable, and successful. Remember that while planning is essential, it's also essential to leave room for spontaneity and enjoy the unexpected moments that can make a vacation truly special. Striking a balance between structure and flexibility will ensure you have a fantastic and fulfilling travel experience.
Ultimately, a well-planned vacation enhances the overall experience. When you have a clear vision of what you want to do and see, you can immerse yourself in the moment and create lasting memories.
