Why I'll stop wasting my vacation days working

We took a real vacation meaning no phones, no internet...absolutely no work for the entire time.  It felt so refreshing that it's hard to admit we have not done that in a very long time!  The annual Vacation Deprivation study shows we're in good company.  Americans are increasingly seeing vacation as a luxury instead of a right.  Among those who receive paid vacations only 10 out of 14 are being used.  Why when we receive much less in paid vacation than countries like France who have 30 are we not even taking advantage of them?
The time we spent together just having fun enjoying the little moments really is priceless as cliche as that sounds. I would probably never have chosen a Disney cruise, but I actually enjoyed myself way more than I anticipated.  It's been my son's dream for a long time and the magic definitely got to him.  Watching his face light up during the shows was well worth it.  

I guess this pose was just pure excitement waiting to explode!

 In my home, we are guilty of feeling like our jobs cannot function without us.  Also substituting business trips for genuine r&R.  Since both of our jobs require travel we do get to take the entire family on lots of trips that we've fooled ourselves into thinking were an actual vacation.  It took my son insisting on no electronics this vacation to make me realize that.  (We're talking about an average boy who would probably stay up all night every night playing games if he could.  Once he says we're on the phone and computer too much there must be a serious problem!  )  Science backs up the need for regular down time.  

Clinical psychologist Deborah Mulhern found that people who don't take enough time to relax may find it harder to relax in the future according to US News & World Report.

"Without time and opportunity to do this, the neural connections that produce feelings of calm and peacefulness become weaker, making it actually more difficult to shift into less-stressed modes," Mulhern said. "What neuroscience is showing is that we require down time in order for our bodies to go through the process of restoration. It is only when we are safe from external stresses that our bodies can relax enough to activate restoration."

Us on the Aqua Duck coaster while docked at Castaway Cay

I did stop worrying about website traffic, social media posts and the like after a couple of days. When I came back I realized that as long as you have a good plan in place the world will not fall apart while you're gone.  Sure, others probably will not do things just like you would, but part of the process is learning that trying to control everything is not healthy anyway...even when you are sitting at your desk.

Watching One Ocean at Sea World Orlando

The best packing list to lighten your vacation load

Do you find yourself bring a slew of outfits on trips?  Business trips can be tricky because you need professional and casual clothing.  The weather on vacation can vary and you definitely want to look great in those pics.for your friends and family.  
Could you travel for 7 weeks with one carry on? Here's a great packing list for women that can help you do just that!  Air travel is already such a hassle, why add extra stress of lost luggage, not to mention the cost of checked bags.  We almost never need 3 outfits in one day, so although it may look cute in pictures most of us could lighten up a bit!