Vacation is the perfect escape from the monotony of daily life—a chance to relax, explore new places, and make unforgettable memories. However, the journey from the idea of a vacation to the post-vacation blues can be an emotional rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Let’s explore three common experiences of vacation stress that don’t make it to the highlight reel—and how to avoid them for the best vacation ever.
PRE-VACATION: “Pre-Trip Jitters”
Those pre-vacation jitters are just that: little signals in your brain reminding you that there’s a checklist of things to get done and sorted before you ride off into the sunset. And while it can be stressful to stay on top of your to-do list, luckily, you have KAYAK and Taskrabbit on your side.
To make sure your trip is planned to a T, KAYAK has all the tools you need to land a great deal on your travel. You can compare options and choose for yourself where you want to book – whether it’s directly with the airline (for that sweet, sweet customer service) or with another travel site (for that sweet discount).
Then, to make sure you’re not feeling the pinch – as most travelers do before a trip – let a Tasker swoop in to water the plants, dog sit, or tackle chores while you’re away. Your peace of mind is worth it.
TASK SPOTLIGHT
“Need help watering outdoor plants while we are on vacation. Two window boxes and one large pot in the front yard, one raised bed (monitor that sprinkler is sufficiently watering), and about 10 pots on the back porch. Watering can and hose would be available on the exterior of the house.“
ON VACATION: “Do All The Things”
If you’re the planning type, vacations may be less relaxing and more go-go-go so you can soak the most out of a new city. But sometimes, you may feel a bit overbooked. Luckily, we can help with that too. From shopping for a souvenir to holding your spot in a coveted brunch line, Taskrabbit can help you overcome trip challenges to keep the good times rolling.
TASK SPOTLIGHT
NASHVILLE “We need someone to stand in line at The Blue Bird. There are around 10 extra tickets available. We are on vacation and would like to use our time wisely. Since there are two of us, do we need two people to stand in line?”
NEW YORK CITY “Purchase a shirt at the Nintendo store and deliver to an office. My family was just in NYC for vacation and visited the Nintendo store. My son got a hoodie as a souvenir, but it was lost on the plane coming home. I’d like to buy another one, so I need someone to buy it and take it to the local office of my husband’s company.”
CHICAGO “This might be a strange request, but I am planning my friend’s bachelorette party in Chicago, and on Saturday afternoon, we are going to play games/relay race-type events. I’m hoping to do so at Milton Lee Olive Park. I’m looking for someone to get there a bit early, claim a space, and set up the planned relay races. Maybe set up some blankets and water (I’ll provide all the supplies).”
POST-VACATION: “Take Me Back”
Known as the mourning phase, coming back to reality from vacation can feel like a bit of a bummer. But we’re here to tell you: just because you’re home doesn’t mean your vacation has to end. End your trip on your terms by setting yourself up for success – here are a few ways KAYAK and Taskrabbit can help keep those vacation vibes going.
One, you can extend your vacation into a staycation by getting a Tasker to handle your most dreaded tasks, like this one:
TASK SPOTLIGHT
“Disclaimer: Just got back from a vacation and saw a centipede; literally can’t bring myself to clean out of fear I might move something and see it again. If you can help with this cleaning, you’d be saving my life!”
And two, you can bring back all the good feelings simply by planning your next vacation! Vacation anticipation is a real thing, and research shows that planning your next trip can make you just as happy as going on vacation. KAYAK is the easiest way to start planning your next getaway from the couch and keep the excitement going.
To prove we’re serious about your everlasting vacation bliss, we teamed up with KAYAK for a giveaway. Enter here for the chance to win a $500 travel credit from KAYAK and $500 Taskrabbit credit to take any pre or post-to-dos off your plate.
