Vacation Planner for Couples and Families
Vacations are something many of us eagerly look forward to, but they can bring a great deal of stress and disappointment. This summer I want you to nerd out in your planning, like I do, to ensure you get what you want and everyone else is happy too!
Nerding out and planning does not mean every little thing will be written in stone, nope! That would be stressful too. Rather, you are going to do a little bit of creating and designing with your loved ones in advance so that the vibe once on vacation is very chill.
If you want to get the scoop via video, check out this Insta Live, I recorded with husband Will:
I’m clickable!
Here are the steps to follow in writing:
Write down how you want to feel on your vacation or trip.
Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of the trip? Write it down.
What obstacles could get in the way? What are you willing to do about them? Write down your answers.
Now share all your answers with your partner or family and have them answer the same questions.
Now brainstorm together all the things you want to do on the vacation or trip.
Everyone gets a chance to add to the list and say what is most important to them. At this time you can also make a list of all the meals you are looking forward to and restaurants you want to make sure to visit.
Make a spreadsheet of all of the days of the trip and start filling in plans you know you want to do at certain times.
You can also note when certain people might not be available so there is a central location where everyone can see what is already planned and who is available. I love google sheets for this!
Make reservations if necessary.
Remember the planner is just a rough draft, nothing is in stone, unless you paid a bunch of money for non-refundable tickets already! ;)
In my family everyone has different needs for vacation. My husband’s family loves to do loads of activities in a day, I like to have down time to rest and read. My husband likes to play family games. My older kids like to sleep in and watch movies as a group (and it takes some planning to figure out movies that ages 7--->77 will all like!). My 7-year old needs major gross motor activities every day. And everyone has different opinions and needs when it comes to food and restaurants.
My point is, to make everyone happy, we need to do the pre-planning.
If you promise not to make fun of me I will show you one of our past planners, which we actually just keep re-using.
Click for full size
You also might want to make a few rules for yourself, so you feel good physically and emotionally. For example, I like to make rules about the following:
Limit check-ins to work.
Limit phone time.
Limit food or alcohol so that it’s fun, but not harmful to your overall well-being or dreams.
Promise to try new activities, so you make sure to have great adventure stories to tell.
Promise to hydrate, wear a hat, sunscreen, or take care of yourself in the way you need to so you stay healthy and well.
Vacations cost lots of time and money, let’s make sure your dreams for these special occasions come true! I call this “nerdlove”, because--though I admit it’s dorky to talk, plan and spreadsheet like this--I’ve learned the hard way: it’s worth it! Conscious design=love!
If you wish you were better at designing your life, have I got a digital program for you! Check out Inner.U Love! Use the coupon code “LAURIE” at check out and get $50 off!
