7 Boundaries Therapists Say You Should Set Before A Family Vacation

Even the most unbelievable experiences in picturesque places can crumble in the face of family discord.

How can you enjoy a sunny day on the beach when you’re trying to dodge your parents’ intrusive questions? Or a visit to an ancient historical site, when you have to broker peace between your adult siblings? You could argue that all vacations come with their own forms of stress, but there’s something about traveling with family members that can be especially challenging.

That said, establishing boundaries can help.

“Setting boundaries on vacation with family is crucial because it helps manage and align expectations, ensuring that each person’s needs and desires are considered,” said Rachel Goldberg, founder of Rachel Goldberg Therapy in Los Angeles.

It may seem like an intense step for just a simple vacation, but Goldberg says boundaries “help maintain respect for individual preferences, prevent resentment, and promote a harmonious atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the experience.” In other words, it can actually be the recipe for a perfect getaway.

Maximize your happy memories by setting clear boundaries for personal space, budgets, and other expectations before traveling with your loved ones. This will help ensure everyone gets what they want out of the trip in a way that’s loving and respectful. Here’s how to do it:

Before Traveling

Talk about money.

It may be uncomfortable at first, but agreeing on a budget should happen before you make any reservations. If you’re splitting the cost of a rental house or deciding on a hotel, it needs to fit in everyone’s price range. Same goes for restaurant reservations, amusement park tickets, and any other planned events.

Discussing the budget in advance “can prevent