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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to hate the getting ready to go on holiday?

50 replies

Justmuddlingalong · 04/07/2018 20:27

Just over a week before we're off, but I'm already dreading the faff. My nether regions have been left uncultivated since last summer's holiday, my toes resemble hobbit feet and I'm still trying to sort out my scaly shins. These are my least favourite 'getting ready' things to do. What are yours? And can we make suggestions as to how to make them less of a chore?

OP posts:
MaryPoppinsPenguins · 04/07/2018 20:28

I love getting ready for a holiday!

mumprincess12 · 04/07/2018 20:34

And I also feel obliged to clean the house from top to bottom which just makes me more tired!!

Original poster
Justmuddlingalong · 04/07/2018 20:35

Oh, @MaryPoppinsPenguins, I wish the preparations were as much fun as the holiday. The packing etc doesn't phase me, it's the extra grooming that annoys me. Blush

OP posts:
widgetbeana · 04/07/2018 20:37

The weather packing drama. What to bring, how much to bring, what if it's hot, what if it rains, etc.

Then the trying to use up stuff from the fridge. Also tying to leave something in the freezer for eating the first day back.

donajimena · 04/07/2018 20:39

YANBU. I appreciate that I am lucky enough to have holidays (for years I couldn't even afford camping) but my stress levels go through the roof! The packing, I have to clean the house from top to bottom (lone parent) I'm self employed so I end up working right up until the last minute... whilst trying to pack and clean.

FabLaura · 04/07/2018 20:40

Oh I hate it all too. I over heard someone at work booking a waxing appointment at their hotel for day 1 and thought that was quite smart. I now paint my toe nails on the room balcony in the sunshine

Original poster
Justmuddlingalong · 04/07/2018 20:41

And the changing the bed linen dilemma. Before we go or when we get home? Is it still fresh ish after a fortnight on the bed, because the thought of changing it on our return doesn't fill me with joy either?

OP posts:
Original poster
Justmuddlingalong · 04/07/2018 20:42

I never even get my nails or toenails painted. After the time my suncream melted it. Sad

OP posts:
Titsywoo · 04/07/2018 20:43

I think I find the getting ready more fun than the holiday Grin. I love to organise though.

DontCallMeCharlotte · 04/07/2018 20:44

I'm eith you OP. We have dog/house-sitters so the whole house has to be cleaned etc before we go away so any grooming tends to be DIY in the hotel bathroom on arrival. Didn't even have a chance to get a pre-hol haircut this year Angry

Rosepetal01 · 04/07/2018 20:46

Going self catering at home this year so practically thinking of packing the kitchen sink ! Well not really but all of the above

DontCallMeCharlotte · 04/07/2018 20:46
  • with
keyboardkate · 04/07/2018 20:47
  1. don't bother with lady gardening stuff. Wear a swimsuit that has shorts instead.
  2. Aloe vera gel is brilliant for legs and feet. I cannot believe how good it is, and dries more or less instantly.
  3. Just cut your toenails and paint with a luminous pink. And see 2 above.
  4. Pack minimally. Think of all the times you brought the entire wardrobe and twenty pairs of shoes. Bet you wore the same things time and again. Get those items out and wear them. Three shoes, one for walking (hiking sandals), one for evening, and flip flops or sliders for the pool/sea.
  5. No one cares if you wear the same top/dress twice or three or four times. No one is looking at you, they are far too busy looking at themselves.
  6. Enjoy your holiday!
Original poster
Justmuddlingalong · 04/07/2018 20:47

I'll also have to pluck my whiskers and the one big wiry bristle that grows out of the side of my neck at astonishing speed.

OP posts:
dreamingofsun · 04/07/2018 20:50

i hate the organising the dog, booking the taxi/car park/car rental/getting all the holiday details ready, having inlaws down to 'look after house' not that its really wanted and sorting food/beds etc out for them. And cancelling papers/milk/things that happen

Ginmakesitallok · 04/07/2018 20:52

Just need to cancel the milk.

BertandQueenieforever · 04/07/2018 20:59

I hate the idea of housesitters. They’d see inside my cupboards which isn’t pretty.

Dreaming- if your in laws are looking after your house.. who’s looking after theirs?! Wink

Original poster
Justmuddlingalong · 04/07/2018 20:59

And curtains...opened or closed while we're away?

OP posts:
PumpkinPie2016 · 04/07/2018 21:04

I'm not a fan of the getting ready to go either!

This year, I finish work on a Thursday and go on the Saturday so not much time to get sorted.

I am hoping to do the packing in the evenings during my final week of work and then just make sure the house is clean and tidy on the Friday.

Also need to persuade 4 year old DS that there is not enough room in the car for him to bring all his toys!

Will be nice when we get there though!

Imfinehowareyou · 04/07/2018 21:17

I worked with someone who holidayed a lot. She paid professionals for all the grooming (leg wax/pedicure etc) and bought everything new so it could be packed in advance. This was all the clothes and toiletries for a family of four.
I hate packing as I have to think ahead to when we can stop wearing something so it can be washed/ironed to take. We always end up putting all the toiletries in a bag at the last minute cos you need them until then.
I think my work colleague has the right idea 😁

Imfinehowareyou · 04/07/2018 21:18

Oh, and we now have pets so that adds another layer of organisation with pet boarding.

girlywhirly · 04/07/2018 21:24

I’m always afraid that I will forget something essential like my medication. It might seem over the top, but I have a holiday notes book in which I can make lists which vary depending on where we are going. I can note things like how much currency to take and how much is left over at the end, when airport taxi is booked for, whether the cattery is booked, stuff I need to buy etc and a long list of jobs to do before we go. I find it takes a lot of information off my brain and I can relax that there is nothing to worry about.

The80sweregreat · 05/07/2018 06:13

I think holidays are stressful! The packing / the washing when you get back / actually getting to your destination etc etc.

Baubletrouble43 · 05/07/2018 06:23

I bought a wonderful fifties style shorts swimsuit so I don't have to tend my lady garden. It's awesome.

Merryoldgoat · 05/07/2018 06:43

YANBU - the only times my DH and I have had proper serious arguments were the day before holidays.

I found that getting flights at normal times made a massive difference but I know that’s not the issue you have.