How to Survive Vacations With In-Laws

Vacation with in-laws is first of all about family bonding. You spend time together and it's good for your relations. And in case you're offended with something, think about your spouse. They love that you and their parents can spend a lot of time together, so if you don't want to ruin all your plans, just stay calm.

Before you go on vacation, choose some activities that are perfect for you. Mind the age of participants. For instance you and your spouse might want spend time by participating active games, while your in-laws would like to lie in the sun. Find also some activities involving all of you, but don't let them prevail your own time.

Discuss monetary issues. There are many things to be paid for during the vacation: hotel, transportation, meals and activities. Never let your in-laws pay for everything. Every party has to contribute, otherwise you will feel awkward all the time. In case your in-laws really mean that they will pay for everything, then treat them a couple of dinners.

Spending time on your own, without in-laws, is what will make your vacation great. You and your spouse do whatever you want to and you're happy. When you catch up with your in-laws for dinner, your in-laws are happy. This way you can survive the whole vacation. But what should you do if you have a baby? Don't let it mess everything and use the following tips.

Divide the labor between you and your in-laws. Your in-laws would love doing anything they like to, including spending some happy hours with their grandchildren. “Happy” means that they play with children, while you change diapers. Unfortunately, it can't work this way, and everyone has to understand their arrangements. The sooner it will happen, the happier everyone will be.

Ask for help and make sure that your in-laws have the same vision of what you're asking for. Be very clear with your requests. Whenever you ask for help, make sure that you tell exactly what you need. Your in-laws may think that helping is feeding your baby while you have your dinner, and your version of help is somewhat more extended.

Think about a vacation after vacation. No matter how much you love spending time together with your family, you might be tired of constant noise. So plan your own vacation after vacation. Have an excuse to leave a couple of days earlier, for instance, because you have to come back to office. The days that you spend without your spouse, kids and in-laws, when there's nothing else but peace and quiet around you, will be the most relaxing days of you vacation.