The seemingly never ending expanse of free time that only comes once a year, summer, gives way to an incredible list of opportunities. Whether you are choosing to get a job, take credits or even travel, summer is a time to enjoy yourself. It is also a time to return home for quality family bonding. This bonding can range from mandatory dinners to weeks of travel. While not all family vacations leave emotional scars, being in close quarter with your family for an extended period of time can be difficult. So, in case your family is more Kardashian and than Tanner, here are some tips for surviving family vacations.
Bring Headphones
On a long travel ride headphones can push you away from your little brothers constant "Are we there yet?" and your sister's incessant desire to play with your hair. Headphones will put you in the private space you want to be in when the actual space you're in is crammed multiple people. You also never know when your little brother is going to develop a snoring habit---safety first.
Avoid "Hot Button" Conversations
So you want to drop economics as a major to pursue a career as an actress? You think opposite-political party leader made some really good points in their last speech? Or maybe you lost that expensive Burberry jacket you begged your parents for at a frat party? Great, talk about it at home where there are escape routes. Being in a different city with no way to get away is probably not the best time to bring up anything dramatic. Save the political, life altering and potentially argumentative topics for home where you can jump in a car and run to a friend's house.
Connect With Your Parents
Believe it or not, you're not the only one who's changed since you went off to college. Your parents understand you're growing up, so go ahead and tell that funny story about your last #WineWednesday. Your parents will get a kick out of it---as long as that wasn't the #WineWednesday where you lost that Burberry jacket. Then definitely pick a different story.
Deflect Conversation to Your Siblings
That's what they're there for. Do your parents have a habit of grilling you about your major? Your boyfriend (or lack of)? Calmly turn to a sibling and ask them the same question. Usually parents will jump on and you've avoided their prying... or another meal.
Remember to Have Fun
Seriously, it's possible. Enjoy yourself while you're traveling with your family because soon there will be real jobs with limited vacation days. It'll get harder and harder to take weeks off, trust me. These are the wonderful trips you'll look back fondly on. Believe me when I say you will be thankful for the millions of pictures your mom insisted on taking of you and your siblings.
Do you have any tips for surviving a getaway with your family? Tell us in the comments!
