Holidays should be fun and relaxing. So why do so many people come back just as stressed as before they left? If you’re hoping to go on a relaxing holiday, this post is for you. Read on to learn how you can take the stress out of travel and come back feeling refreshed.

Remove the pressure

Some people just don’t take enough holidays. And that means that when they plan their holiday there’s too much pressure to make it a “once in a lifetime” trip. It turns out that quantity is better than quality. It’s better to take more quick trips each year than to take a one-month trip every couple of years.

Outsource the chores

If you’re taking kids, you’re guaranteed to have a more stressful holiday- that’s just how kids work. But it’s not going to be all that relaxing if you’re doing the same amount of cooking and cleaning as you would at home. Sure, childcare and housekeeping are inevitable, but make sure you work in some downtime for the adults. Shout grandma a trip in return for a few nights of babysitting or pay for a hotel babysitter to watch the kids so you can have a date or two.

Manage your work

Many of us take our work away with us on holiday and then wonder why we still feel burnt out when we return. As you plan your holiday, start planning how you can take time away from work. Talk to your colleagues and boss and arrange for someone to take over as much work as possible. Set boundaries around when you’ll check your email and whether you can be contacted. The less time you spend thinking about work, the more focused you’ll be once you get back to the office.

Plan for relaxation

If you want to relax, this needs to be built into your holiday plans. Consider taking a spa break in Yorkshire, where you’ll enjoy nothing but pampering while you’re away. Think about what types of activities you like to do when you relax. Maybe you love reading and you haven’t had a chance to do this for awhile so plan a day lying on the beach and reading a trashy novel. Perhaps you love taking long walks but never get the chance- choose a location where you can roam to your heart’s content.