10 Things I Hate About Vacation

We are back from vacation. I know today is a holiday, but I haven’t talked in a while so I thought I’d post in the spirit of my book.

It was a great trip.  On the way back I started thinking about some things about vacation I don’t like. I’m sure there are some things here you can relate to as well:

10. Packing. I hate the days of planning and packing (in truth, my wife did most of it). Even so, somehow there is always something important forgotten. AHH!

9. Traveling. I hate the long-distance driving (or flying) it takes to get to where you want to go, especially when you get caught in traffic (or delayed flights). We we’re in a jam for 1 1/2 hours. I just wanted to get there already!

8. Getting lost. I hate not being able to find where we are trying to get to. Everyone’s cranky, hungry, and has to use the toilet. No matter where we’ve gone on vacation, we get lost every time in that final stretch. Whether you’re trying to find a hotel or beach cottage, getting lost seems to be the last tension you are trying to manage while actually trying to get into the vacation mindset.

7. Arguing. I hate all the tempers flaring on what is supposed to be the beginning of very satisfying and relaxing family time. You’re already tense from the traveling and getting lost. Now everyone wants to use the bathroom at the same time but there’s no toilet paper to be found. Plus, you started to unpack and realize you forgot you’re toothbrush. The kids are fighting, you and you’re wife are fighting, and you and your wife are fighting with the kids. Still trying to get into that vacation mindset…

6. Sunburns. Of course, this only applies to a beach-style vacation (or at least sun-based activities). But I hate the fact that I am usually sun-burned beyond all recognition by the second day and still have 5 more to go. As much SPF 300 as I use, I am just so white the redness is unavoidable. So the choice is, do I keep going in the sun, or do we take a beach-free non-sun day? That’s the smart thing to do, but the least fun.

5. Vacation blues. I hate the fact that the vacation mindset doesn’t start to set in until about the third day. That means I don’t start actually start feeling relaxed until this time. What’s worse is, once I realize this euphoria has set in, it is followed by the thought that vacation will be over in only a few days.

4. Diarrhea. That’s right, I said it. I hate getting the runs because I am eating like I am on vacation. Fried this and saturated that starts to catch up. There’s no way around it because I refuse to eat responsible on vacation. That just wouldn’t be vacation!

3. Spenders remorse. In order for it to feel like vacation, I spend freely. This is because in our everyday lives we have to be budget conscious. I hate the feeling like I am spending too much, but at the same time, I ignore it so it will still feel like vacation. This only compounds the issue.

2. Bad beds. I don’t know why vacation places all buy the same crappy mattresses. It’s like they shop at the plywood-with-a-fitted-sheet-over-it-warehouse. My back hurts for two hours every single morning during vacation because of the medieval torture style beds.

1. Vacating. I hate having to leave vacation. This is the saddest part. Eventually everyone starts to get along and have an amazing trip as we spend time having fun out of our normal routine. The marriage gets better and the family gets stronger. And so I always wish it was longer. This is the worst part of vacation: facing the fact that it is over. And also facing the challenge of being that better person that I turn into on vacation in our regular lives.

So there you have it. I’d love to hear your vacation stories…