Does anyone else get to the point where they think going on holiday is more trouble than it’s worth?

[Rainallnight]

Happens to be every single time.

The laundry, the lists, the ordering of stuff, the packing and planning, the trying to get all the work done.

We’re lucky to be going on holiday and I know we’ll have a nice time but there does come a point when I feel like the holiday prep is longer than the actual holiday.

We did a 3000 mile trip one year, sheer bliss! Miami to New York, one of many trips. I much prefer only staying somewhere a max of 2 nights. I'll make an exception for New Orleans.

Now my best holiday ever was a trip from SanFran, down the coast to LA via Yosemite absolutely amazing trip - and we even had a 5 year old with us.
Less clothes, trip was planned with a wash stop.

I love it , but a take military approach to it. Once we've booked i buy the toiletries and pack in to wash bags straight away. Car park booked straight away , we have annual insurance. Clothes I go through and see what extras are needed and purchase, few weeks to go everything ironed and ready to go in packing cubes and in to suitcases. 2 days before pack. I have spare charges and plugs just for holiday. Clean bedding on and clean house 2 days before.

Each time we go away, I wonder why I’m spending time somewhere that’s far less comfortable than my home, in a bed that’s too small, with bedding that so many others have used and facilities that are poorer than mine. I’m doing it now and I always say never again, then get sucked in to booking another.

I was thinking about this earlier today. I haven't been abroad since before Covid and it just doesn't appeal at the moment. Partly because I'd have to go on my own (or do an organised group holiday) but mostly because of the faff. I am considering getting the ferry over to France because it feels easier than faffing with airports and taxis and blah blah blah. But part of me would be perfectly happy spending a couple of weeks pottering at home with maybe a long weekend in a cottage or at a campsite in the middle.

OK since so many people seem to not enjoy holidays generally, I’m just here to clarify from my earlier post that I do LOVE holidays once I am away! And very much appreciate the privilege of being able to afford to go. Although I agree with others that holidays have generally become more stressful compared to 20 years or so ago. Started with 9/11!

But I do find the build up stressful and it’s clear to me that the people on here who don’t are simply far more organised than me. I do think I may have ADHD… I had to laugh at the person who said “but surely you book all that months before so what’s the stress?!” I tend to leave everything to the last minute, I think the most I have ever booked in advance is a few months and this time I am going on holiday tomorrow afternoon (still not packed eek!) and I booked it last Friday! Was waiting for a passport renewal (which I also had to do fast track due to leaving it to the last minute argh!). However I never learn!

To pick up on a few of the points…

I’m actually not that bothered by airports and flying. So it’s not that.

And I honestly do enjoy it when I get there. I don’t experience the ‘this bed is less comfortable than my own’ phenomenon.

It seems to really specifically to do with packing.

On laundry, yes, it is more laundry than usual because you do have to get a load of stuff clean and ready to go at once, rather than doing, say, a load a day in your normal life

You have to buy extra stuff because, say, kids might need a rash vest and a beach robe where at home they only use a swimsuit. And so on.

DD and I both have chronic medical conditions so I guess there’s a bit extra to do there to do with ordering and picking up medication etc. But same for lots of people.

I’m fairly sure I don’t have ADHD, and I’m pretty good with lists and stuff.

I’m conscious that these are very, very first world problems, especially these days.

But when the laundry, packing, purchasing and planning all seems to go on for longer thank the holiday, I do find myself slightly questioning my life choices 😂

Yip it's getting 14 t-shirts or whatever that all fit clean and ready to be worn at the same time.

My kids had 2 days between school stopping and holiday. Both managed to wear stuff that I'd ear marked as going on holiday.

I felt as if I was running around looking for stuff right up to the weekend before we went away.

Absolutely.
Last time I went on a beach holiday, to Spain to a place I be been to many times before, even the beach was regulated with big windbreaks on either side snd so many rows that you couldn't actually see the sea! Horrible. And subbed bagging issues in hotels, queues and cancellations and airports and stations overcrowded .
Even in UK travelling is unpleasant. Traffic jams, constant roadworks.. last week we decided to " let the train take the strain". Our pre booked, reserved seats were not available as " all reservations have been cancelled " although the train was running.
I'm in my 60s, I don't want to have to risk standing on a long train journey, and lugging even a small suitcase is problematic for me. I remember the days when you could get a porter at a train station or airport , now they're getting rid of ticket offices and guards.
It's all such a mental and physical effort now!

YES!!!! I get all excited about going away but when it comes to it, it always seems hugely stressful. Packing my stuff, my meds, making sure the kids have all their stuff, having to arrange someone to look after the dog etc. Dont get me wrong, we always have a lovely time, but the hassle of all the laundry when you get back, picking the dog up, etc sometimes makes me think I just cant be arsed for the sake of a week or two. It makes me realise how much I just appreciate having access to all my "stuff" at home.

I don’t get this. I work full time have a 8Yo and a 8 month old and it takes me less than a day to get ready for holiday. What are you people doing? But some sun real chuck some stuff in a bag and leave.

Yes

See also Christmas

Organising passports and insurance/booking trips and tickets/organising car hire/sorting out dog care/doing laundry and making sure everyone has clean clothes/making sure the car is ready for a long journey/etc etc. It’s not rocket science.

Sorry I'm with @Katey83
It's not hard...bare minimum clothes ..never take more than hand luggage.
Yearly travel insurance.
As soon as book holiday book car parking and kennels..I mean immediately.
Passports are all kept together in one drawer..I know when they expire.
If you have younger children...book a holiday with kids clubs, there are shops abroad for nappies etc ..or go in car to France or Belgium and take stuff...you just chuck it all in
I'm always baffled by people with enormous amount of luggage for a week or two...

I actually like the build up and airports etc more than I usually like the holiday!! I love packing! I'm the same with Xmas

This isn’t AIBU. I wasn’t particularly looking for opinions on whether I’m right or wrong.

Yes I can relate to the house looking like a bomb site. It’s better now I go away with husband and leave the offspring behind though.

I have never felt like this, I do think the more you travel the easier and quicker the packing and planning is. Now I can book the day before and be packed in time for the holiday.

Omg this is me

I'm not a faffer but there is a lot to do as the clothes you want are always dirty. Then insurance. Travel to airport. Pack. Visas. And work always seems manic before you leave and I want to clear urgent stuff so it's less stressful coming back. Looking back I don't know how I did it packing for 2 kids as well and all camp stuff when we went camping...while ex packed a single bag for himself. But that is another thread altogether

Yes! When we visit DHs home country - it's stressful being there (not a particularly safe place, much of it is officially advised against travelling to) - lovely to see his family of course. It's a long flight, stifling humid weather, heavily polluted, mosquitos (malaria), crazy traffic. I couldn't wait to get back home - to the unpacking!

I love holidays whether they are camping or self catering abroad (which are generally our choices). What I have realised though is to try and finish work (self employed) at least 2 days beforehand so I have time to organise myself and the family and also enjoy the anticipation and not feel rushed.
Note: this is the dream and to be implemented this year after all holidays in recent years being a chaotic last minute packing situation due to working to the last minute! 🤣

That’s far more than ‘buy sunscreen, Chuck some stuff in a bag, leave’. Even the most casual family holidays require an element of planning beyond buying sun cream and packing a small suitcase.

No, I don't really find the holiday prep difficult at all to be honest. I'm usually a last minute packer and don't even think about it until a day or 2 before. We go away quite a lot though so we have it down to a fine art, never need lists or anything and have all the holiday specific stuff like kids swim/hiking gear/special toys for flights etc left in the bags from the last trip.

Yes yes yes! I have adhd too and this is me 100%