The Family That Plays Together, Stays Together

Family vacation!  If you’re anything like me, perhaps you’re picturing the Griswolds; squished into a tiny European car, zooming around a roundabout in London or crammed into a wood-paneled station wagon singing road songs on their way to Wally World.  We love these Hollywood scenes because everyone can relate somehow.

The overzealous tour guide dads, the endless hours of travel, the kids bickering in the backseat, the LUGGAGE.  Family vacations can definitely be stressful, but they are also a whole lot of fun.  And, incidentally, family vacations (even the imperfect ones) help to de-stress, recuperate and ground us.

Bonding with family members increases endorphin levels in the brain, literally making us happier humans.  Here are a few tips on how to make the most of this summer’s vacation with your clan:

1. Pack light!  Bring what you need to have a good time and leave the rest at home! Vacation is the time to put everything in the rear-view, so keep it simple.
2. Play together!  Whether its biking, cards, golfing or assembling a 1000-piece puzzle, find a family pal and use the buddy system.
3. Bon appétit!  Cooking and dining as a family is something that we busy city-dwellers can’t always find time to do.  Use your vacation freedom to round up the troops and eat some delicious food together!
4. Solo hour!  Try to carve out a bit of time during each day for yourself.  Let the grandparents spoil the kids, leave your spouse at the hotel and go for walk on the beach or a hike in the pines.  Find some quiet!
5. Relax!  Vacation should be light and fun.  Let it all roll off your back, breath deep, sit back and unwind.

Be Well,

Megan Teft