How do I survive a family vacation?

Question

I'm going to a resort for a week with my family. I'm 18 and get along with them but spending so much time together will drive me crazy. I'm taking books along, my cell and a mp3 player. Any other recs?

i love my family and appreciate everything they do for me, so it's not like I'm unhappy about going with them - I had the option of staying behind. From previous experiences, I know that during vacations like that, we argue and I want to avoid that.

Answer 1

You are going to a resort and taking non essentials as far as I am concerned. Being an island girl myself, I have to say that your first mistake is staying a resort because you will not experience the place as you should. However, being 18, I know you didn't have much of say, so here's my two cents. Forget the electronic mumbo jumbo. Experience the wonders of the sea. Go snorkeling if you can, it is an amazing experience. Ride on a jet ski or go for a boat ride. Experience shopping in the town/city wherever it is, even if you buy nothing. See how the people live, experience life and enjoy life. Eat some fruits or dishes you have never eaten before. Walk along the beaches, soak in the sun, breathe in fresh air. Find a nice cabana boy to tell you whats fun at the resort like massages, spa treatments, parties, or other entertainment. Take a good book yes for tanning or just relaxing because yes that is very necessary on a vacation. Listen to the music native to the place, learn a new accent or language, a new dance. There are so many things to do, just ask someone at teh hotel about the itinerary or to tell you whats fun to do there and like Nike said - just do it.

Answer 2

I'd say you're pretty much set, although you may want a CD player for any new CD's you buy.

You have to remember, though, that in the end, you are with you're family. Now, I know what you're talking about, I've been there, done that, and my plan has usually been as follows:

Ration off the time. If you can guess about how much time you can go without "getting crazy," go for around that time, and then retreat into aa corner. Music isn't an only solution, however, it should be combined with something else, like, as mentioned earlier, sewing, crotcheting, etc. Also, tell your parents your plan, but make sure they understand your good intentions, otherwise they'll be on your back all day with things like, "Why are you on you're MP3 player now? You're supposed to be with family?!" and responding when they're upset is not a very good idea.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Leave the family at home......

Only joking. Go along, and find your inner quiet place. Before you know it, it will be over. Take your diary or journal. Take stationary, and send your friends letters from your various other destinations. That will keep you busy, and they'll love to receive them. Definitely, take your camera--preferably digital--and a portable printer, if you have one. Then, you can include pics with your letters. Also, this will be the opportunity to record the family vacation, because in not too many years, you are likely to be living on your own. The pictures from this trip will mean an awful lot to you.

Then, really when you are of age, as long as you are sensible, cautious, and careful, a solo vacation is the way to go. Some of my best travel, I have done alone! By going solo, you only have your own schedule to adhere to. If you don't want to do anything, you don't have to. A cruise is probably the best option, when you are over 21.

Enjoy the R&R!

Answer 4

You are bringing books and ipod for what? To hibernate at a resort? I can see the ipod for use at night, before sleeping, and same with one or two good books,

but what is at the resort? You should find lots of stuff to do. And you live with your family anyways, right? Isn't that classified as spending a lot of time together? Or do you play invisible around your parents? Maybe your parents are taking you to the resort so they can get to know you again. You only have one family. Try and appreciate them. Your mom/dad love you much...I'm sure...why not show them that in return? Someday you may be a mom...do you want a kid that wants nothing to do with you??

Good luck!

Answer 5

There should be several things for you to do at a resort, so you guys won't always be under one another's feet. I wouldn't spend the entire time on your cell phone...that's rather annoying.
I don't know if you're going to a resort in the mountains or on a beach...but there will be places for you to sneak off to. Take a walk on the beach. Bring a camera and say you're going on a photo safari.

Who knows? This could end up being a bonding experience for you. Trust me, you'll miss this when you're older. Silly arguments and all. Been there, done that.

Answer 6

Just remember that the purpose of a family vacation is to spend time together as a family, have fun, and create lasting memories. Just enjoy the experience! If an argument breaks out, remind everyone that fighting doesn't solve anything. All it does is drain everyone' energy (and patience), not to mention put the whole family in a sour mood. Settle any disagreements in a peaceful and respectful manner (no yelling or belittling allowed).

Answer 7

I used to feel the same way. But NOW, I no longer have either of my parents. Enjoy every minute you have with them because you never know when they won't be there for you and with you. Make concessions for them. Have a great time! There are lots of things at a resort that you can do by yourself! Tell them you want to read and just sit and sunbathe if that's what you want to do. Get a massage. They're wonderful. Ask them to do something that you want to do. Be nice and don't argue. If an issue comes up, agree with them. I hope that you have a great time. I really hope this helps.

Answer 8

Families argue. I was too much of a brat at 18, so me and my bro never got included in the family vacations, just my parents. Please, enjoy it while you can, I'm 27 now, and we never go anywhere as a family anymore. It sucks. I would also say, interupt the arguments with excuse me, we're on vacation here, just thie little bit of time, lets make the time we're together enoyable, finish this discussion at home, or something like that. Or just go do your own thing if theres tension.

Answer 9

When we have family reunion it is always horrid. That's what makes it so much fun (hahaha). I make excuses and lot of them. Oh, I have to buy postcards. Oh, I want to surprise my man with a sea shell necklace. Tell them you are studying the SAT and you are hoping for Yale, Stanford or Harvard. Get sick. Get really sick. Throw up or tell them you have a fever. Get on the cell and tell them a close friend is suicidal and you are scared. Tke the MP3 and tell them might want to study music at the Juliard in NYC. Drama out. The last partial family reunion WE had was in April. We all thought it would be a funeral but it wasn't. All we had was black clothes. And my Mom was exhausted and driving erratically with me holding on for dear life. Then out of sheer stress she got drunk (she's never BEEN drunk) on Mogen David (Mad Dog 20/20). Her husband saw her wobbling about but he can't hear. Do I need to go on? This is so bleak. You do what you have to do. Personally and I will take oath: I went to the family doctor who knows us and said I was nervous about the family reunion. I walked over to the pharmacy and they filled a script for Xanex. I was calm as a cucumber even when my dying Grandmother thought space aliens were coming for her. And I managed to get thru her telling me that Princess Diana's love child was not from Dodi Fayed. Rather, it was Mr. Farqhar's baby. Good luck.

Answer 10

Depending on where your going, find a game room and bump into someone that is doing something you enjoy, and apologize for bumping into them, and then stike up a conversation on what they are doing. spend time with the family of course, but find some friends your age and have fun. don't sit in the room bumming out, go take a chance on having fun. Hell, think of it this way, if it doesn't work out, who cares? You won't see these people again for a long time. Take a chance and mingle. You never know, you might find romance. Have a great trip and keep us updated on what happens. I would be intwerested on how things went for you on your trip.