Gas prices are low and the holidays are near. It all adds up to one thing: millions of people hitting the road for holiday travel. But don’t let a little traffic trip you up. Here are a few tips for making sure you don’t unravel while you travel.
Don’t overplan
The trick to a successful trip is to plan but not to overplan. Have a framework with lots of wiggle room. Flexibility helps you to take advantage of the unexpected—it’s a great opportunity to invite spontaneity into your lives. Have a basic structure so your family knows what to expect, but resist the urge to plan every minute.
You could even take turns designating a family member as navigator of the day, choosing, if not the entirely day’s itinerary, at least where you eat lunch or what cultural activity you do.
Eat one healthy meal a day
On the road it’s often catch as catch can, so try to factor in at least one healthy meal—even if it’s a hodgepodge cobbled from a grocery store. Pack healthy snacks such as nuts, protein bars, hard-boiled eggs and turkey jerky, so you are not easy targets for the fast food chains that may surround you. Get creative at night, if you are tired and don’t feel like going out for dinner. It’s healthiest to eat light at night, and breakfast for dinner makes a fun change.
Do something physical
Build in time for stretching and moving—it’s important to maintain a routine during the holidays for your sanity and stress relief. Walk for at least 30 minutes around the mall if you have to, or check out a local yoga studio and get a class in. Don’t be afraid to mix it up: bowling, skating, swimming at an indoor rec center or a hotel pool can score points both as family time and exercise.
Find your happy place
It’s important to do one thing each day that meets one of your deeper needs, such as your desire to relax, connect with a friend, have some alone time or have an adventure. Don’t think the whole vacation has to be family time. Get a nap in, or some shopping, a coffee in an unfamiliar café—an hour to yourself, doing what you like, can go a long way to restoring your holiday spirit.