Disadvantages of staying with family on vacation

Most people have a family. Most people love their family. Staying with family on vacation can be a big saving. However, as we all know, family always comes with some strings attached and you need weigh very carefully if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of staying with family on vacation.

Accommodations

Let’s face it unless your family runs a bed and breakfast the accommodations may not be quite up to what you would get at a hotel. Chances are you are not going to have your own private bathroom, you may or may not have TV in your room and the bed size may not be what you are used to. You may even have to sleep on a pull out sofa in the den and this can result in a total lack of privacy. 

If you are a light sleeper this may cause issues. If you are a germaphobe, you may want to bring along a small spray can of Lysol so that you can sanitize the shared bathroom before you shower. Remember, you are a guest and this isn’t a hotel so you may have to sacrifice some privacy to be able to have a vacation.

Things we have come across, too soft mattress, double beds, woolen blankets (I'm allergic ) and water that has a sulfur smell.

Dining

Again, when you are a guest of family they are likely going to provide some meals. You have to let them know in advance if you are not a breakfast eater or if you have foods that you are allergic to. Going with the flow is the best way to make these kinds of vacations work for everyone involved.

You can always bring along some of the foods you enjoy and offer to cook a meal for everyone. If you are very fussy, this might not be the kind of vacation that will work for you.

We have found that some families just don't feed us enough and we have taken to going for a ride in the evening and getting pizza or a burger. We never have told the family that we are doing this, we just say we are going for a ride to enjoy the scenery.

Scheduling

Keep in mind that you need to adjust your vacation to the schedule of the family you are staying with. If they are early birds while you are staying with them you will need to go to bed at a similar time. You can always read in your room or use your electronic devices quietly of course. It may be difficult to get on their schedule but it really is the polite thing to do.

Our family rarely had a TV in our room and even when we could watch TV, we were in a foreign country and my husband did not understand the language. Books are a lifesaver.

Entertainment

It is always a good idea to discuss your plans with the family. If you plan to be out all day visiting friends in the area or hiking, let your hosts know in advance. Your family may have already made some plans to entertain you and you need to be gracious and try to mesh what you want with what they have planned.

It is your vacation after all and if you would rather sleep in than go hiking with your cousins, you need to make this clear from the beginning. However, if you want to be invited back, it might be wise to go along with some at least of their plans.

Staying with family on vacation can be a wonderful experience or it can be a nightmare. The last thing you want to do is cause major disagreements in your family. Make sure that you respect your host or hostess home and be sure to thank them with a meal out or a nice gift. Sending a thank you note is also a good way to be invited back again in the future.

We have stayed with a variety of family members over the years and have always been welcomed back. There is no better way to bond with family than spending time together and be sure to let them know that they are welcome at your home as well. The disadvantages don't need to keep you from having a wonderful and affordable vacation.