Vacationing with family can be tough for some, and damn near impossible for others. After many successful week-long vacations with family there are a few tips that I've amassed.
1. Always plan your own alone time.
There are plenty of hours throughout the day to sneak away and just relax. Constantly spending time with relatives can be quite draining for some, so take the time you need.
2. Check out the history.
Definitely check out the historic aspects of wherever you're visiting. There are always museums and other interesting things that you can find to do local to wherever you're staying.
3. Do something out of the ordinary.
Take a hang gliding lesson, take a wild horse tour or even go and try some new food that's local to your vacation spot.
4. Fall back in love with reading.
If you're a student or working full-time bring some fun relaxing books to read. Everyone has their genre, find yours!
5. Set up a community puzzle.
If you're vacationing for a week or so get a 720/1000 piece puzzle and set it up in a common area for everyone to pick at when they pass through.
6. Maybe don't play those weird board games.
We all know there are some people in the family who don't want to play your childish games, so maybe stick to the classics like Risk, Trivial Pusuit, or Scattergories.
7. Bond with your family.
Keep in mind, some of these people might be visiting from all over the country, so soak up that time that you get to spend with them as it may only be once or twice a year.
8. Keep movies ready for a rainy day.
Unfortunately the weather won't do anything that you want it to, so always have that backup of a movie for everyone to cozy up and watch together. Maybe choose a few in different genres for a family vote.
9. Stay up a little later than usual.
If you stay up a little later than usual to hang with the family and play a few rounds of pool every night just sleep in a bit later than you normally would. You might regret not staying up a bit more to have those few more hours.
10. Walk or drive around the town.
If you can, walk into the closest town and go check out some shops and see what they're like. Maybe you'll find a nice shirt or a cool hat with a little logo of where you've been.
11. Spend time doing what you want to.
After all is said and done you have to enjoy your vacation, too! If there's a day that you don't want to go out, or just want to sit on the couch and read a book, do it. Enjoy it while you have the time to vacation.
Enjoy your time spent with family, and be thankful for the time you have to share.
