How to Enjoy the Vacation You Planned
Planning a vacation can be both exciting and daunting, especially when you're the one responsible for making it all come together. Trust me, I absolutely love putting all the logistical details together and daydreaming about how everyone in my group is going to have a magical experience because of my hard work. However, sometimes when you’re responsible for all of that, it’s hard for you to actually soak it all in too. There was a moment in my last girls trip where I realized I had run around trying to help everyone so much, that I was a little resentful I hadn’t made the time to do the things I wanted to do! I was so glad everyone was having an amazing time, but it’s a fine line to juggle sacrificing for others, or being too selfish.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy your vacation even if you're the one planning it:
1. Plan Ahead but Be Flexible
Start Early
The earlier you start planning, the more time you have to research, compare options, and make reservations. This reduces the stress of last-minute decisions and helps ensure you get the best deals on flights, accommodations, and activities. This really comes into play when you have a “big” logistical vacation like a cruise, or a theme park destination.
Build in Flexibility
While it's great to have a detailed itinerary, leave some room for spontaneity. Flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected changes or seize opportunities that arise during your trip. And let’s face it, even the best laid plans can go awry when a thunderstorm comes through or someone wanted to sleep in that morning. Sometimes the best experiences are unplanned!
Delegate Responsibilities
Involve Others
If you're traveling with family or friends, involve them in the planning process. Assign tasks such as researching activities, booking reservations, or even navigating on the trip. This not only lightens your load but also makes everyone feel more invested in the trip. This is such a hard one for me to do! I feel like everyone wants the relief of knowing it’s taken care of, but then I end up overwhelmed. I’ll never forget the moment on my last trip where two of my friends saw me getting flustered, quickly pulled me to the side, and took me on a trip around the park on the train (one of my favorite things to do!). They knew the group wouldn’t make time for it, but it was important to me, and it was such a nice gesture to be remembered like that.
Utilize Technology
Use travel apps and online tools to help with planning and organization. Apps like TripIt can help you manage your itinerary, while Google Maps can be used for navigation and finding local attractions.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
Schedule Downtime
It's important to schedule some downtime for yourself. Whether it's a morning coffee at a local café, an afternoon nap, or a quiet evening stroll, make sure you have moments to relax and recharge. Remember that train ride I just spoke about? That! Whatever it is to help yourself recharge is crucial - and not selfish!
4. Embrace the Unexpected
Keep a Positive Attitude
Traveling can come with its share of hiccups, from flight delays to bad weather. Keep a positive attitude and remember that these experiences often make for the best stories later on. The control freak in me absolutely hates this mantra, but it’s true! Making the best of a situation that’s gone sideways sometimes provides you with the biggest memories of the trip. On my girls trip, we encountered rain just about everyday we were there, and it was a bummer! But instead, we decided to throw on our ponchos and laugh through it. One of our fondest memories of this latest trip was us sitting in McDonald’s watching it rain, and chatting for hours. We never would’ve had that time otherwise!
Be Open to New Experiences
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Trying new foods, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and engaging with locals can lead to unforgettable experiences. Many times there’s a preference in my group of something I NEVER would’ve wanted to do, or done if traveling solo, and it ends up being such a fun surprise for me to try new things.
5. Capture Memories
Document Your Trip
Take photos, keep a travel journal, or blog about your experiences. Not only will this help you remember your trip, but it can also be a fun way to reflect on your adventures and share them with others. And traveling in a group is such a great way to do this! With everyone taking lots of photos and videos on their phones, I end up being featured a lot more than if I was the solo photographer. We’ve used apps like Telegram or Google Drive to share those memories during the trip so everyone can post to social media as we go.
Be Present
While capturing memories is important, don't forget to be present in the moment. Put your camera down occasionally and simply enjoy the experience.
6. Enjoy the Planning Process
Celebrate Milestones
Celebrate when you check items off your planning list. Booked the perfect hotel? Found an amazing tour? These are all victories worth celebrating! This is when the excitement starts to build, and everyone starts daydreaming about the perfect spot to eat, or the activity that they’ve been dying to do.
7. Set Realistic Expectations
Know Your Limits
Don't try to pack too much into your trip. Be realistic about what you can see and do in the time you have. Quality experiences often outweigh quantity. We did a great job of this in our last group trip by staying close enough to Disneyland so that everyone could walk back and forth by themselves if they wanted. This allowed some of us to sleep in, or turn in early, without having the whole group on one schedule. It makes a difference in energy levels and attitudes!
Communicate
Make sure everyone in your travel group is on the same page regarding expectations and preferences. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone has a good time. If I hadn’t of spoken up a little bit about my frustration, my friends NEVER would’ve known I was struggling and not enjoying myself. Being able to voice how you’re feeling is huge in a situation like this.
Planning a vacation can be a rewarding experience when approached with the right mindset. By being organized, involving others, and taking care of yourself, you can ensure that you not only plan a fantastic trip but also enjoy every moment of it.
Happy travels!
