Holiday stress

[purplemachine]

Not necessarily looking for advice but just wondered if anyone feels the same as me.

I feel the lead up to holidays so stressful that it’s almost not worth it. I worry about everything I have to do before I go, packing/forgetting something. I also worry about the travelling as I’m not a fan of flying, airports etc. I also worry about me or the kids getting ill before we go or while we’re away. It’s exhausting!!

I don't no but my daughter does.
she makes lists, sets alexa alarms to review the lists and this helps her anxiety. We make and print a rough guide itinerary as well.
depending where your going, you can nearly always buy forgotton items. Focus on whats most important - medicine, clean knickers and passports ! I get travel sick and just take antihistamines or anti sickness. Yes sometimes kids get sick so make sure you pack paracetamol and anti diarrhoea/ rehydration salts.

I think in your shoes I'd be wondering what the holiday was actually for, and if given the amount of stress it creates, it was the best choice.

My mother was similar and it turned holidays into an ordeal for all of us, I'd have a good think about what you're trying to achieve and maybe accept that something that didn't involve flying/leaving the country might be a more enjoyable experience for all of you. It's not compulsory.

Make lists, & tick things off as you go.

I've got a packing list, divided into sections like shoes, underwear, bathroom stuff, etc.

And a to-do list, such as check bank account for funds for SOs & DDs going out,
OOO on e-mail, whatever needs doing.

When DC were small, I gave them lists of what to lay out on the bed, ready for me to check before they threw them randomly packed them ih a suicase.
I also gave one to DH as a joke, he laughed, threw it away, & didn't pack any socks.

I see where you’re coming from. I love organising holidays and enjoy it when I get there but the lead up and arriving can be stressful. My fear with a whole family holiday is all about leaving the house - did I leave something on, did I turn the tap off, did I lock the door etc. the best holidays I’m having now are city breaks with my teenager leaving DH and other child at home. So I can enjoy myself because I know the house is being looked after.
we are going on holiday this week and DS will be staying at home so yeh there will be somebody in the house but I’ll still think has he left the cooker on, left the front door open .
Meanwhile DH doesn’t have a care in the world!!

Yes, I'm the same. For me it's got a million times worse at menopause. I worry about getting ill, worry about my pets, being burgled, the house burning down. Drives me nuts frankly but don't know how to stop.

Good to know I’m not alone. I do write a lot of lists! I’m not sure not going on holiday is the answer as I do enjoy it when I’m there and wouldn’t want to ruin it for the whole family. I also keep my stress largely to myself which possibly makes it worse.

I get pretty stressed out the day of travel. Partly because I don’t like flying, partly because until recently (as they are now older) I was the only adult with two kids, so all the planning, passport/money/tickets and responsibilities fell on me. I remember standing in a crowded airport with my young DD and three carry ons abd my six year old son needing the toilet, which was fine this tunnel out and around a corner. I sent him off and stood there stressing out til he came back (he took forever). Anyhoo once in the plane I think it’s all out of my hands now so calm firm a bit. But I’m very irritable and snappy beforehand.

I don’t at all, I write a massive list and cross things off one by one. I think the more you travel the easier it is.