Less is More

MORE Less is

Need a holiday to get over the stress of organising the last one? It could be a sign that it’s time to declutter your holiday, says Kirsty France.

If you’re thinking about your next holiday and starting to feel your stress levels rise, it could be a sign that you need to simplify things. I’ve learned to take a decluttered approach to my holidays and here’s how you can too…

The kids are alright Family holidays are all about getting the quality time that you might struggle to fit in at home. Unfortunately, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you have to plan every activity to within an inch of its life. The truth is you don’t. A bit of planning ahead is great but some of my best holiday memories are things we discovered by accident or did on a whim. Give my kids a bucket and spade and a stretch of sand and they’re happy for hours. Relaxing and keeping things simple could transform your holiday.

Go for a package When you travel in the UK it’s easy to book your travel and accommodation separately, but I used to take the same approach when I travelled overseas as well. We’re heading off on our second foreign holiday with the kids in a couple of months and I had no hesitation in booking a package. If this is already a no-brainer for you, great. You’ve already reduced your stress levels. On the other hand, if you think all-inclusive dining is for wimps, think again. It eliminates the nightly trawl of the local tourist trap restaurants. What’s more, if there’s a buffet the kids can even choose for themselves.

Embrace organised fun I know, you probably think that organised tourist excursions are incredibly cheesy. You’re probably right. They’re also designed to relieve you of as much money as possible. During my honeymoon, we went on a trip that included a stop off at a local stall that sold ‘authentic Mayan calendars’ for any special date you might want to remember. To me, that’s the perfect marketing opportunity for a tiny local business.

The thing is our cheesy excursions have included taking in Mayan ruins and snorkelling in beautiful blue waters. They can be loads of fun and a great way to declutter your holiday.

You just get on a minibus and go.

Keep packing simple Have you ever unpacked and put a heap of unworn clothing straight back in the drawer? Me too. Then I realised that no-one needs a completely new outfit for every day. Changes of clothes for my under 10s are more likely to be needed because they’re encrusted with filth from another muddy adventure. I loved decluttering my packing because it meant making two lists (and I love lists). One of potential holiday activities (nothing too detailed, just beach/pool/ sightseeing etc.) and what clothes we’d need. Then make another list of clothes you’ll actually wear, plus a few extra if your children are mud magnets like mine.

If you’re already thinking about your next holiday or if you’ve already booked, have a great (and relaxing) time!