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  Home Page » Features » Columnists » Creating Community » Plan Ahead To Avoid Burnout Before Vacation

Plan ahead to avoid burnout before vacation

by Linda Lute
Summer is here. Snow on the passes, weird afternoon "Junesoons" and thoughts of vacation dance in many people's heads. Whether you are planning a camping trip close to home or a road trip to see the country, vacation is a coveted goal of many people. The anticipation is almost as exciting as the vacation itself.

What about the stress and strain of vacation preparation? Will I be too tired to enjoy my vacation? Will I remember something undone when I am 500 miles from home? How can I navigate the treacherous waters of vacation preparation with my sanity intact, conserving enough energy to enjoy my time off? Sorting through hundreds of "helpful" Internet hints for vacation planning and safety was almost enough to drive me straight to bed for the duration of my time off.

Despite the cost of gasoline, road trips remain a popular vacation adventure. If you are planning a road trip, run, don't walk, to make sure your vehicle is in good shape.

The most critical areas to check before going on a driving trip are engine fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires and brakes. No one wants to spend money fixing their car during a vacation.

AAA Colorado offers the following guidelines for a vacation road trip:•Keep your doors locked, safety belts buckled and children safe and secure in properly installed safety seats.

•Don't let your gas tank fall below 1/3 tank, stay on main roads and highways, and don't forget your maps.

•Pack a flashlight, blanket and first-aid kit. If you are going on a long trip, pack an emergency supply of water and nonperishable food items such as nuts, dried fruit or energy bars.

•If you are headed to the high country, bring warm clothes and be prepared for stormy weather.

When you vacation with children, you might consider adding the following to your vacation supplies:•A working thermometer, acetaminophen, sunscreen, bug spray and Benadryl for allergic reactions and/or itching.

•If you have traveled any distance with children, you already know it is critical to include books, small toys, snacks and games to keep them occupied. Otherwise the dreaded "Are we there yet?" will be echoing through your head.

Planning ahead is important to avoid last-minute preparation burnout.

If your vacation is devoted to pleasure, rest or relaxation, then don't leave everything on your "to do" list for the night before you leave. Clean up loose ends at work the week before leaving, not your last day of work.

Do laundry and pack needed items throughout the week. Start a list of purchases needed from the store two weeks ahead, and remember to take the list when you go shopping.

Be prepared to forget a few last-minute items, and allow enough flexibility for changes in your plans.

Enjoy the adventure.

Linda Lute LAC MAC is executive vice president of Specialty Behavioral Health at Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center Inc.