Family vacations without arguments
Stress-free vacation: here's how
Holidays at last - enjoying the sun, the sea or the mountains, forgetting the stress of everyday life, enjoying the best time of the year. Although the family has been looking forward to the vacation for weeks, it's easy to get into arguments. Read here what you can do to make your next family vacation a harmonious experience that you will remember for a long time to come.
Family arguments on vacation: these are the reasons
There are various reasons why things can quickly go wrong on vacation. Being aware of these can help you to avoid critical situations:
9 tips for a harmonious vacation season
It's completely normal for things to get rowdy on vacation and it happens in the best of families. The following tips will help to minimize the causes of stress and arguments:
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Plan together
All family members should be involved in the planning of the vacation: "Who has what wishes and expectations for the time together?". Think together about how this can best be combined. Perhaps everyone can make a wish for a day to do something together. And maybe your son won't find the museum as "stupid" after all as you initially thought. Or you can split up for the day: One parent goes on a bike ride with their son and the other goes to the beach with their daughter - or vice versa.
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Talking to each other
Clear and open communication is the best prerequisite for a harmonious family vacation. Conflicts should be addressed directly before they develop into major problems that are later dealt with on vacation. A willingness to compromise on the part of all family members helps, as does trying to respect the needs of others - partners, children, siblings.
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Plan activities for every taste
Take the interests of all family members into account when planning activities. Try to find a balanced mix of adventure, sport, relaxation, cultural experiences, etc. so that everyone feels that their interests and wishes are taken into account.
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Do not set expectations too high
Make the most of your time together without overloading your expectations of the vacation. Choose experiences together that you enjoy and relax and enjoy a break from everyday life.
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Choose the right accommodation
Are you traveling with a baby, a toddler or teenage children? Depending on the size of your family and the age of your children, the accommodation should be equipped differently and be of an appropriate size. When making your choice, make sure that the hotel room, vacation apartment or campsite is really suitable for all family members.
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Don't overload the vacation program
Avoid planning too tight a time budget or too many activities. Instead, plan enough free time to "arrive" in the first few days, stay spontaneously and enjoy beautiful moments together. It's best to find out what you can do at your destination before you start your vacation. Depending on your interests, this could be a bike or boat tour, a city tour or a visit to the water park. But also be flexible enough to adapt to changing needs on site. Perhaps the children simply want to enjoy undivided attention with their parents without having to do much, or at other times prefer to do something alone with their peers.
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Take time for yourself
Even on a family vacation, it is important to have time for yourself. It's also no good trying to do everything together all the time. Plan a few hours or even a day occasionally where everyone can relax individually or do something they enjoy. This gives everyone the opportunity to recharge their batteries and look forward to doing things together again. It is also important that children learn to show consideration for their parents. You don't have to play Monopoly at 7 a.m. just because your child demands it.Children can also spend some time on their own - reading a book, playing games or listening to music - things that you should not forget when packing.
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Show flexibility
The weather doesn't play ball, the excursion is fully booked, a child suddenly falls ill? Despite careful planning, unexpected situations can arise on vacation. Be flexible and prepared to adjust your plans spontaneously if necessary. The most important thing is to enjoy your time with the family and not let small obstacles spoil the fun.
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Simply say yes
Certain rules apply at home - and on vacation too, of course. But during the vacations, there is also time for a little exception to make the family vacation something special. So feel free to turn a blind eye now and then, for example when it comes to bedtime or that extra scoop of ice cream in the afternoon.
And if it does come to a dispute: What then?
It's very important: objective arguments are not a bad thing and are part of family life. If there is friction on vacation, the same applies as at home: keep calm! If necessary, count to 10. Listen and try to understand the other party. Don't lose sight of the fact that you are actually interested in the same thing: spending valuable time together on vacation. When all the arguments have been exchanged: Try to find compromises that everyone can live with.
Where can we find help and advice?
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia promotes family vacations in family holiday centers. There, children as well as fathers and mothers will find numerous offers tailored to their needs.
The ADAC offers many travel tips for parents, for example on flying with babies, child-friendly rest stops on freeways and much more:
Further information Links to read more
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