{"id":17951,"date":"2022-05-02T06:30:33","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T05:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/?p=17951"},"modified":"2022-05-07T18:14:40","modified_gmt":"2022-05-07T17:14:40","slug":"getting-divorced-summer-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emmaheptonstall.com\/divorce-coaching\/getting-divorced-summer-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting divorced? Start making summer holidays plans NOW!"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we enter the bank holiday season, warmer days and longer nights, it\u2019s time to start thinking about summer holiday plans. Especially if you have children. But even if you don\u2019t, it\u2019s important to factor in a break. And this year it\u2019s especially important, with costs rising and covid still affecting some travel arrangements. In this blog I share how you can get prepared for the holiday season, so it actually feels like a break. If you\u2019re getting divorced you definitely need to start thinking about your summer now.<\/p>\n

<\/span>It\u2019s okay to make summer holiday plans<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many of my clients have already decided not to take a holiday this year. With uncertainty about costs, uncertainty about covid and uncertainty about global stability, it seemed easier not too. Plus, they were feeling guilty about even thinking about holidays. The situation in Ukraine has shaken us all, and spending time thinking about how to take a break just felt like a self-indulgent luxury.<\/p>\n

I understand all that. I\u2019m also here to tell you that it\u2019s okay to make summer holiday plans and take a holiday. One that works for you. Yes, all of us living in relative stability, with a roof over our heads, can count our blessings. But that doesn\u2019t mean we don\u2019t need to rest, or have a change of routine. You don\u2019t need to feel guilty for needing a rest.<\/p>\n

A holiday doesn\u2019t have to mean a week in The Maldives. It can be whatever works for you. But please don\u2019t think you don\u2019t need or deserve a break.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Sort your dates now<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you have school-aged children you are going to be limited to the six-week break – and both UK and overseas holidays book up quickly. You\u2019ll also need to book the time off work, and August weeks can be a scramble for annual leave!<\/p>\n

So now\u2019s the time to get organised. Make summer holiday plans while you have the headspace. Have you and your ex-spouse agreed when each of you will have the children? If not, get that conversation started. Get an agreement in writing, so you are both clear on what\u2019s been organised. A family mediator can help with this (you can find a trained mediator<\/a> here). If your ex-spouse will not cooperate you may need to go to the court for a child arrangement order, and it\u2019s even more important that you start the ball rolling now.<\/p>\n

Once you have the dates you can start to plan breaks both with and without them. Because if they are with their other parent for a week or two, it\u2019s important to make the most of that time! And I don\u2019t mean by doing housework, or divorce admin!<\/p>\n

<\/span>You can still make it special<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even if your holiday doesn\u2019t involve going away this year, you can still make it special. And when money\u2019s tight special can sometimes involve a little more planning. So start thinking now what you want and need from a break. Ask your children too – if your resources are limited it makes sense to prioritise the things you really want to do. Be realistic with them: a trip to Disneyland may be out of the question, but what is it about Disneyland they\u2019re excited about? Could you get to a funfair for a day?<\/p>\n

If your first choice is out of reach, what can you do that offers something similar? You might love to go on a forest holiday with the children, but can\u2019t afford the August prices. If it\u2019s time in the woods doing activities that you\u2019re interested in, can you find other ways of doing that instead? Would camping or glamping be a more affordable option?<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t have children it can be tempting to sit the holiday season out. And it certainly makes sense to book trips during low season, as you\u2019ll get better rates. But you don\u2019t want to waste the best UK weather of the year either. See if you can plan walks with friends (off the beaten track so you won\u2019t be crowded by families) or other fun experiences so you can make the most of summer. Reach out to friends now – people can get booked up and they will most likely be glad of an organised friend!<\/p>\n

<\/span>Ten money-saving ideas for family holiday planning<\/span><\/h2>\n

If money is tight, there are ways to save costs. Here are ten things to consider to help you plan a cost-effective holiday:<\/p>\n