So how long does it take you to hit your holiday stride?

[MissBetsyTrotwood]

We just went away for one week, as we do every year. And, true to form, I couldn't just relax into the holiday 'state of mind' until about Thursday (we travelled Saturday to Saturday.)

Does anyone else have this problem? Do you have any tips or advice? Or am I eternally condemned to only be completely relaxed for two days out of my yearly seven?

Oh Betsy, I thought it was just me!!

I find I need a routine and the sooner that's established the happier I am. It also helps to go to places we've been before, when I can reuse last year's routine. I appreciate lots of people hate that idea, but thankfully we've found somewhere DH and the DC all love

After we arrive (we normally stay in mobile homes) I am sent off to check out the shop & takeaway and get out from under DH's feet. I stride off in a great hurry, eager to complete my task in a speedy and efficient manner. I get hot and bothered. Eventually I look at my feet and realise that they dont need to move so fast. For one or two weeks all I need to do is rememeber to get up, eat and go to bed again and remind DCs to do the same. This generally takes me a day or two.

Agree with Create about going somewhere you have been before.

Because we know where we like to eat/visit/do, we relax very quickly. I know it would be some peoples idea of hell but for us, especially when the Dc were younger, it worked really well. We went to one place 6 years running .

I have realised reading this that I have no issues with returning somewhere we'd been before - it just hadn't occurred to me! D'oh. And thanks for the suggestion. There's no shame in returning somewhere for 6 years!

And Gnome, I'll try the feet thing. And thinking, 'Wow they're pale. Maybe a little sit down with a nice cool in the sun (though white, obv!) will help brown em up a bit.

about 5 mins

because this year, we are going to the same place for the 3rd year running

I used to think it was really boring to do that, but our kids love it, have made friends with others who are also going again (have been in contact with 'em all year by FB)...kids happy, parents happy

we know where they are, when we give them 3euro to use the inernet cafe in the foyer, so mum and dad can have a "siesta"

we know where everything is, we have our favourite spots that I cannot wait to visit again

works for us

I am in holiday mode before I even leave

Try to be organised and pack everything early then sit down the night before you go with a glass of wine and think "my holiday starts now!"

Hi i agree with Nefret, I am in holiday mode the moment I leave work. I too think the key is to being organised. Pack the cases a few days before. If the kids need new clothes I buy them around holiday time so I can sling them in the case and it cuts down on any washing/ironing beforehand. Also have an extra set of toiletries/toothbrushes so they can stay in the case and you don't have to pack it all last minute. Don't have preconceived ideas about your holidays. I always have a plan of days out etc but it's not set in stone and I go with the flow. I think if you cut down the hassle before you actually leave you are more likely to be relaxed from the start.

I go in a couple of weeks

I am in holiday mode already

QuickLookBusy - I'm with you there. Menorca for 8 years in a row. It's like going to a warmer, prettier version of home and as soon as I step off the plane I start sobbing with happiness (at which point DH and DS pretend they don't know who I am)

Knowing where the supermarket is, what beaches / towns are worth a visit, even what's waiting for me inside the villa is so comforting to me that although I'm sure I will visit other places, I know I'll always go back to Menorca.

I spend the first 4 days of most holidays with a high temperature, sneezing, cough, headache & joint pain. I am never ill otherwise. I don't think it's a virus as nobody else in the family gets it even though I smear snot absolutely everywhere. None of us understand it.

cat, you are probably susceptible to viruses circulated in the air con during the flight

hmm
you may have a point there

So if I follow AnyFucker's method, my 'on holiday but still at work' phase should get shorter each year I return . So going back to the lovely Isle of Wight next year then! Or, to grow an idea from diabolo, maybe two holidays a year - one new, one known. Overtime it is then!

And cat, I'm in agreement with AnyFucker. Mil has the same thing, but for about 2 days after arrival. And everyone else is always fine.

The moment the plane takes off. I send the DH out 'bison hunting' to get the lie of the land (bars, restaurants, beach etc) to make life a bit easier....

We have been going to Mull for ten years this year. Getting the car packed (and work finished so I can leave for two weeks) is definately a bit hectic but then we get to Oban, we get on the ferry and the island appears - and I'm on holiday. Love, love love it! Going to the same place is definately the way to relax.

folly I'm a bit worried about your DH being sent off to find the lay of the land "the moment the plane takes off." You could get arrested for doing that you know

Haha, no wonder the poor bugger's ill.

Should obviously have said that once we get there I send him out etc...

When i'm packing. And the thought of going to the same place more than once gives me hives. I can understand why, I have said 'I could do this again here' but when it comes to looking and booking for next time, it will never happen, there is just too much wonderful, exciting, world to explore.