Summer is the ultimate time to take a vacation. Warm weather pretty much demands you take some time off for yourself. From planning the vacation, to packing, to saying goodbye, all vacations come in stages.

Most, if not everyone, has gone through these stages before. Some are minor little things, but others hit you with a tidal wave of feelings.

Stage 1. Contemplation

Do I need to take a vacation? Can I afford it? I need some time off of work for a bit, and my mind is going straight to the beach. I deserve this.

Stage 2. Anticipation

Well I've booked my trip and my bank account hates me, but oh well! This time in two weeks I'll be in Florida soaking up the sun...now how can I make these two weeks fly by?

Stage 3. Packing

Do I need dresses or shorts? Are rompers still acceptable? Am I trying too hard if I bring five pairs of shoes? How do people know what they need?! Whatever, bathing suits and t-shirts it is.

Stage 4. Travel

SO close! If this plane could hurry up and take off I'd basically be on vacation already.

Stage 5. Relaxation

What is work? Who has responsibilities on vacation? Not me! I'm going to park my butt in a lounge chair in the water and I'm not moving until the sun goes down. Treat yo self.

Stage 6. Exploration

What's this? What's that? Should I hike this trail, or take that boat ride? Why not! Why would I stay in my room and watch TV when I can go parasailing?!

Stage 7. A Bit Of Guilt

I bet 'insert name here' would love this place. Okay maybe I should've had someone else come with me, it may have been cool. Too late now, but maybe I won't show that person as many pictures of my awesome time as I do everyone else.

Stage 8. Dread

Crap, my vacation is almost over. I have to go back home soon and be an adult with a life and responsibilities. Can't I just stay here? Ughhhh.

Stage 9. Packing (again)

This packing thing would've been a whole lot easier if I hadn't bought those four t-shirts and cool shot glasses to prove I was here. UGH I don't want to leave. This is too stressful.

Stage 10. Full Blown Tantrum

I'M NOT LEAVING! NO NO NO. I AM STAYING RIGHT HERE ON THIS BEACH SO I CAN REALIZE MY FULL MERMAID POTENTIAL AND NO ONE CAN MAKE ME GO BACK TO WORK!

(Images taken from Giphy and Pinterest)