We enjoyed a fun and argument free holiday with family recently. Alex, Erin and I joined Alex’ parents for a five day break at centre parcs. The reaction I had from people when they found out I was holidaying with my in-laws ranged from surprise to shock, from sympathy (for me?) to downright trepidation.

I’ve always got on well with my in-laws but five solid days together…this was new, unknown territory. Could I possibly quell my need to organise everyone and everything, would I manage with very little ‘alone’ time, I value my alone time. Do the benefits of sharing your holiday outweigh the advantages of having a cosy holiday alone?

Pros

Extended family get to spend an intensive amount of time with grandchildren/neices/nephews which you never really achieve when you’re at home.

The ‘work’ part of childcare can be shared amongt more people, resulting in more of a break for you.

An endless supply of ultra safe and free babysitting, surely a big pro in the current climate.

The cost of a holiday can reduce dramatically, financially and environmentally. For example we shared a car and a log cabin.

You may find yourself with an improved relationship with extended family particularly in laws once you’ve spent some quality ‘away from the hum drum’ time with them.

Cons

Private time is considerably diminished.

If you don’t get on with the relations in question, everything could become a battleground.

Even the best of relations could be tested by intensive time together.

My Top Tips for a Fun and Argument Free Holiday

1. Don’t go if you can’t stand the sight of the people you are supposed to be going with.

2. Go somewhere that suits everyone, I found that an action packed holiday was good as we were always kept busy. Boredom can lead to arguments.

3. Be laid back, if you are usually the leader (which I usually am) remember that there may be another natural leader present (which there was), take a back seat and be prepared to go with the flow.

4. Give and take, be ready to compromise.

5. If you start to feel crowded take some time out, you don’t have to spend every waking moment together.

6. Don’t argue with your partner in front of the other guests, it makes for an awkward and embarassing atmosphere.

7. If you are the extended family, do not interfere with the family’s rules ie don’t be scared to help with child care but under no circumstances should you criticise the parents actions (publicly at least). That’s just asking for trouble.

8. Pack a sense of humour and a bit of patience and you should be fine!