When it comes to my family’s vacation getaways, I feel zero shame when I say that no one deserves it more than I do. Before you declare me selfish, consider the following:
I’m the one who spends countless hours ensuring that everyone has clothes that fit, that bags are packed, that the correct currency is in our wallets, that we all have updated passports and a that a dog-sitter has been arranged.
Sound familiar?
No wonder moms need a holiday; just getting out the door is exhausting.
The best way to reward ourselves for all our hard work is to truly relax when we arrive at our vacation destination. If you’re a little rusty when it comes to making yourself a priority, let me lead the way with these helpful tips:
Considering all it takes to just get out the door with a family, no wonder moms just want to hand the reins over to someone else once they start their vacation. All-inclusive resorts like Royalton and Memories Resorts exclusive to Sunwing.ca, offer something for absolutely everyone in your family. This means you can worry about what you need for a change without sacrificing anybody else’s needs. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all-inclusive our lives?
Your vacation starts at the airport. Save yourself hassle at the airport and ensure your flight is on time by checking in via the web, and also pre-selecting your seats. I recently had the opportunity to fly with Sunwing to Cancun, Mexico. All guests experience its award-winning Champagne Service with complimentary sparkling wine to toast the start of your holiday, Hot and Fresh Bistro Meals, wine and beer with lunch or dinner, first-run movies, and hot towel service. Consider upgrading to their Elite Plus service for the ultimate flight experience. By doing so you'll receive express check-in, advance seat selection, priority boarding, priority luggage handling, and a generous 30kg baggage allowance. I can honestly say, I can’t remember the last time I landed at my destination so relaxed.
Whatever you left behind at the office will be waiting for you when you get back. From the moment you set your auto-reply on your email until the moment you return, vow that not only will you not look but you won’t even think about work. Instead focus on soaking up every joyful minute with your family.
Crowdsource great beach reads from your Facebook friends. Avoid deep, educational reads as much as possible (unless you're into that sort of thing). Ultimately, you’re looking to give your mind a much deserved holiday too, so go for the brain candy. I once read the entire Twilight series on a one-week trip to Jamaica. It didn’t make me any smarter, but boy it was fun.
If you’ve spent even one night tossing and turning due to uncomfortable pillows or beds at a resort, then you know how important comfortable sleeping arrangements are when you’re on vacation. Make sure your resort offers the best when it comes to beds, sheets and pillows like Royalton's DreamBed and 250-thread-count sheets. Once you’re sure where you lay your head will be dreamy, get some much needed rest by listening to your body. Go for a nap midday if that’s what calls out to you, sleep in, or go to bed early. Rejuvenate from the inside out.
I can’t emphasize this one enough. Spas were not put on this earth to be ignored. In fact, you are doing your hard working sisters at home a disservice by forgoing that facial. Take one for the team and book yourself at least one spa treatment while away. The Royal Spa at the Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, aside from offering a wide-array of spa treatments, boasts a jaw-dropping hydrotherapy circuit that will revive you from head to toe. You may even want to consider inviting your husband along for a couples massage (but I won't judge you if you don't).
Check your guilt mama and trust me when I say, your kids will be delighted to hit the kids club. Great kids clubs like the ones at Royalton Luxury Resorts and Memories Resorts keep kids busy and happy so you can go focus on your needs for a change. Everyone wins.
Leave the calorie counting for when you get home and don’t hold back when it comes to dining at your all-inclusive.
Personally, I love all-inclusives that don’t restrict how many times I can dine at a certain restaurant. Royalton Riviera Cancun lets guests decide where their stomachs will lead them every night. Try one of eight different restaurants each night or choose to eat at the same one every night. It’s your vacation, so dine however you’d like to with no restrictions. And it's worth noting that the food at the Royalton Riviera Cancun is, bar none, one of the best all-inclusive dining experiences I've ever had.
You should definitely work out when you're on vacation but not because you're eating every delicious thing you set your eyes. No, you should work out because it makes you feel good, plain and simple. Who knows, maybe the workouts you start on vacation will continue at home. Check out daily water aerobics in the pool for exercise, with a fun social side. Pick up a new sport like paddleboarding, windsurfing or even scuba diving if you're feeling adventurous. Finally, if you prefer some time to be alone with your thoughts, then do check out the gym at your resort.
Let go of all your hang-ups and put on a bathing suit without giving it a second thought. My mother joined me on my most recent trip to the Royalton Riviera Cancun and didn’t bring a swimsuit because she felt her swimsuit days were over. Pish posh. Real women wear swimsuits and we found her the most spectacular swimsuit in the resort shop. As my children said, “Nanny looks hot.” You can’t argue with that.
Mini-bars are made to be opened and when you're at a resort like the luxury all-included Royaltons, you have no reason to hold back. My last room came complete with chips and red wine! Sure, there was other stuff like water and soda, but who cares? It was like they knew me before I even got there. To top it all off, while my kids were sleeping, I took advantage of room service while I caught up on social media through Royalton's All-In Connectivity. Heaven.
For the ultimate in spoiling yourself, consider upgrading your vacation. At Royalton luxury Resorts you can upgrade to the Diamond Club with exclusive amenities like butler service and a pillow menu. A PILLOW MENU!!! Oh Mama, you know this is just what you need.
Finally I know I've been talking all about how you can really relax on your next vacation, but let's focus for a second on your partner. Sure, he didn't pack or run around preparing but let's just assume for a second he really needs this too. Plan some time playing golf with him, or when visiting a Memories Resort, hitting a casino. Dads also love the Sports Event Guarantee available exclusively at Royalton Luxury Resorts and Memories Resorts – promising that they’ll always catch their favourite game, whatever it may be.
Ultimately, when booking our family vacations, we want to make sure that everyone has an amazing time. Don't make yourself an afterthought, this is your holiday too mummy, Live. It. Up.
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