Every year my family takes a four day trip to the Smoky Mountains. We typically go during Memorial Day, but my nephew and his fiancé wanted to get married there. So, over the New Year’s weekend, we were in Pigeon Forge with the rest of the country enjoying the Christmas decorations and snow. It was the best trip yet.
How can a family who only spends the occasional dinner together get along for four days in a drafty cabin with no closet space or food storage? The hot tub might be partly to blame, but that can’t be all of it. We love each other and get along well but even with these factors, some general rules must be observed if you are to enjoy a trip with your family over an extended period of time. The following is what I have learned during our ten year tradition.
1. Assign tasks before you go. My sister loves to prepare breakfast. She buys the food and ensures that all eleven of us get fed. Don’t force someone into a job. They should enjoy doing it a little bit, but it must also be understood that it is up to everyone to make sure that a good time is had by all. Everyone needs to pull their respective weight.
2. Food can be one of the trickier issues because tastes and price vary so much. It’s a good idea to have a general idea of what is going to be done while on the trip. Plan to eat fast food two of the nights and go to a nice place the last night. Some type of plan for breakfast and lunch are also good.
3. If you want it, you better bring it, or don’t complain that it’s not there. Planning who brings what can and must be done, but don’t assume that your mother-in-law knows that you like Cherry Vanilla Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper in 8oz cans.
4. 4. If you plan on staying, plan on paying. Cabins and anything that holds large groups can be very expensive, but as it is divided up, the cost per family is not much more than a normal hotel stay. Resentment will permeate the trip if Aunt “Whats Her Face” goes free of charge and has the money to chip in.
5. 5. Go solo for part of the trip. Especially in places like the Smoky Mountains, there’s a lot to do, but maybe grandma doesn’t want to play Lazer Tag. Talk to everyone and have a certain day or time that people can do what they want. This makes sure that there’s plenty of time to come back together. My niece and I went skiing while we were there because when and where will we have the chance again?
6. 6. Try something different. Humans are generally reluctant to try anything new. Especially when they are in a different place, they work to hold on to the familiar. However, by trying something new, you get to know one another better through the experience and maybe you develop a new interest.
7. 7. Don’t complain. Nothing can ruin a trip more than someone who has a bad time and ensures that everyone else does too with their Eeyore mentality. Being out of your normal routine takes some talent in adaptation. You’re in a different place so accept it and deal with it. If you forget something, there’s sure to be a Wal-Mart in the area. Flexibility is crucial.
8. 8. Compromise on group stuff. If you don’t get to go to your favorite restaurant the first night, suggest that you all go later because they have the best pizza or whatever it is that draws you there. Make sure there’s variety though. Don’t go to a seafood restaurant without ensuring that there are some non-seafood alternatives. I know it’s strange, but not everyone likes seafood.
Over time, these trips will get easier and easier. They have for us. This year we may spend a week on the coast. What’s after that? Maybe a cross-country RV trip . . . maybe.
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