Skip to main content
Winter 2017

Thwarting Vacation Vexation: Eight Travel Proverbs

Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but too often vacations with friends, roommates, or family becomes stressful. Constant proximity to traveling companions, limited downtime, and disagreements can leave vacationers feeling physically and even emotionally exhausted. Remembering these eight proverbs can help travelers return home feeling satisfied with their vacation.

1. A successful vacation is born when planning and flexibility meet and fall in love.
The perfect balance of planning and flexibility may be different for every group of travelers, but make sure everyone in your group is on the same page and realize that there are many ways to enjoy a destination—not just what’s written in your planner.

2. Anything that can leak, will leak.
Things like to melt, too. Pack potentially leaky things in plastic bags and never leave things that could melt in a hot car. Watch out for chocolate, lotions, hard candy, and drink bottles.

3. Anyone can turn out to be a talented snorer.
Vacationing with the extended family? Don’t be fooled by your young niece’s petite exterior; sometimes the smallest ones have the loudest airways. Bring a package of earplugs for yourself and to share with your traveling companions. Everyone will thank you.

4. Leave room for souvenirs and spontaneity.
Few experiences are as horrifying as throwing away personal possessions in an airport terminal because your suitcase gained a few too many pounds. Packing light will save you a lot of stress.

5. Doing nothing on purpose will make your somethings more purposeful.
As much as traveling companions might enjoy each other's company, too much time together can get tiresome. “Doing nothing” allows individuals the freedom to relax or to get away from the group for a while. This freedom is crucial for a truly rejuvenating vacation.

6. Days are better when they are preceded by enough sleep; indulge when you can.
Resist the temptation to plan 20-hour days in order to see and do “everything.” Sleep deprivation can cause increased hunger, poor memory, irritability, and sickness. Getting enough sleep will allow you to enjoy your vacation and to feel more prepared to face real life once you return home.

7. The human stomach remains roughly the same size at home and abroad.
It’s tempting to gorge oneself on delicious and exotic dishes or to stop and nibble at every destination food shop. Resist the temptation: eat slowly, stop when you're full, and savor each bite; you’ll be happier in the long run.

8. A phone in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Actually, it isn’t. Phones are helpful for communication and capturing moments, but they can be distracting. Put your phone down every so often and look at the world through the lens of your own two eyes.

Isabella Markert