There Is NO ONE Who Misses Overseas Extravaganzas As Much As Me!

Holidays overseas have never been something I’ve felt passionately about – except over the last decade.

I’d go as far as to say I have depended heavily on these extravagant holidays in the last few years. They have kept me sane and given me the most incredible and unforgettable breaks. If money could buy a slice of peace, this would be it!

Now COVID-19 is threatening to destroy the only opportunity for harmonious family time that I ever get! And I am panicking to say the least!

The Overseas Holidays Were My Saviour

Every year I was guaranteed at least two overseas vacations plus a few cruises just for good measure. Of course, I had to put in a heck of a lot of behind-the-scenes hard work into making these incredible getaways happen. But all the time and effort I invested was entirely worth it for the few weeks of freedom I would get to experience.

My in-laws don’t know this, but I am the driving force behind the majority of their holidays. I’m the instigator – those beautifully photographed destination brochures don’t just magically turn up randomly at their house! I have them sent there!

The power of suggestion is an incredible driving force. I send the brochures, then mention a while later how much fun my friends who have just returned from that holiday hotspot have had – and POOF, just like that my in-laws are off on their next overseas adventure!

It’s a magical thing. And each time it works I feel incredibly blessed as well as relieved – but how will COVID-19 impact these life changing and completely necessary breaks that I have been oh so fortunate to have from my in-laws?

Drive Me Crazy

They won’t be going anywhere anytime soon….and their persistent meddling already started the very day they arrived back home from their last holiday – it always does.

Can I really go for months on end without a break from them? Will I survive the steady stream of belittling? How will I ever get a moment with my hubby between his work commitments, our kids and his parents all needing his undivided attention?

Imagine a life where you’re married to someone who is obligated to visit his parents prior to coming home after work most days. Their list of needs often exceeds our children’s!

I Needed The Break!

Their hilariously overbearing and interfering nature was tolerable when I was guaranteed a few solid weeks break from them whilst they went on their amazing holiday experiences. But I question if I have the stamina to cope with them for a long period of time… if only they didn’t live just down the road!

My own family only goes on holidays once every ten years it would appear… for two nights… to experience the amazing Dubbo Zoo. Will I have to start saving so that I can afford to take my family on vacations instead of waiting for the opportunity for my in-laws to go on holidays and give me a break?

Damn You, Covid-19!

COVID-19 is going to cost me big time! Emotionally, financially even physically – I mean how pray tell am I supposed to take a tribe of children away on vacation regularly? I’m not that that organised. In fact, my hubby is the one who packs for our children every time we leave home. I’m the type to walk out the door with just my phone, wallet and keys.

I do like my in-laws, really I do, I get a heck of a lot of laughter out of their shenanigans. But everyone has a limit! I mean how much constant criticism can one take without a break? Besides, the old saying ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ most certainly rings true in this scenario.

Is There Another Way?

Maybe it’s time I started palming my little ones on to them to babysit. Not only would it give them something to do other than interfere, but it might help them to appreciate and remember what parenting young children is really like… alternatively, it may just be the gentle push they need to venture back out on holidays!

I better send them some fabulous brochures on taking a long slow trip around Australia – I mean it worked for their journey around the world… wish me luck!

Hmmm…does anyone else have suggestions for me on how to get an in-law break while overseas holidays are out of the question? Tell us in the comments below.

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33 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 11 Oct 2023
    11:30 am
I havent been overseas since covid started but while I was missing it for a while I am now discovering that I am becoming more and more busy with going to new locations in Australia. 2024 is already shaping up to be a busy year of travel for me with 3 trips locked in alread and one in the planning stage

- - celebrity said
  - 11 Aug 2020
    10:10 am
Suggest they tour Oz and stop at 4WD parks they have a lot to offer not just a bed. Suggest other options whilst they holiday like visiting nurseries and seeing the different native plants for each state,

- - jenniw said
  - 02 Aug 2020
    1:10 am
Although maybe not together but you could explore Australia for shorter breaks once restrictions start to be lifted?

- - Mum2archer said
  - 01 Jul 2020
    10:25 pm
I’m not interested in O/S travel, I would much rather prefer to explore out beautiful country and all it has to offer

- - DaffyD said
  - 30 Jun 2020
    10:09 pm
Most restrictions now allow for travel within your own state. Support a bushfire affected community and go for a visit

- - mom111059 said
  - 30 Jun 2020
    1:48 pm
Australia has lots to offer for holidays.

- - tessie said
  - 30 Jun 2020
    11:21 am
I’m lucky my in-laws live 500 km away but they prefer to keep to themselves. I get along with them very well and I’m lucky they’ve never tried to interfere.

- - mom101628 said
  - 30 Jun 2020
    12:00 am
Holiday here in Australia – great places to see and you still get away from your in-laws.
- Ellen replied
  
  30 Jun 2020 , 7:49 am
  Yes I agree. We’re going to hit the road next week.
  And when the in laws are a bit too much and too close, I sure would consider moving away from them.
- - shanika said
  - 29 Jun 2020
    9:59 pm
No plan to do overseas holiday.

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 29 Jun 2020
    8:46 pm
It is ok, life is still great!

- - nadine_hill said
  - 28 Jun 2020
    8:17 pm
I have traveled many times overseas to visit my family, but have had the pleasure of enjoying our own beautiful ‘backyard’ for the last few years – out of choice. I had hoped to visit family in the UK this year or next, but now because of Covid, those plans have been put on hole. I’m not complaining though, I am enjoying rediscovering this wonderful land of ours!

- - Jbuttxx said
  - 28 Jun 2020
    5:15 am
We are definitely going to be supporting local all the way

- - mom466087 said
  - 27 Jun 2020
    11:18 pm
I really like to go overseas as well, but the idea of supporting local is even better!

- - mom264171 said
  - 27 Jun 2020
    1:14 pm
Supporting local and seeing all that our beautiful country has to offer.

- - mom343701 said
  - 27 Jun 2020
    5:14 am
I am looking forward to exploring local

- - Forgetful Mumma said
  - 26 Jun 2020
    7:08 pm
One man’s woe is another person’s silver lining! I totally feel for you. My in-laws actually invite themselves to stay in our house and for as long as they want! They don’t see if we have have made plans ourselves, they just tell us they are coming! They were supposed to be here in March/April for a wedding, where they would be staying with us. Then when we found out we were expecting a baby this month they invited themselves to come and stay again! Saying they would come mid way through the month. We suggested they wait till AFTER the baby was born (wanting our older children to have as much bonding opportunity as possible and well it’s not worked out in the past!) incase the baby was late like the other 2. To which they replied, don’t worry, we are getting an open ticket so we can stay as long as we like…. so as much as I feel for you, the virus is keeping them at bay! As suspected this bub is over due, but at least I don’t have 2 extra people in the house stealing away precious time, stressing me out and needing me to take care of and entertain them!

- - ashna9 said
  - 26 Jun 2020
    5:49 pm
I’m quite happy to travel within Australia for now.

- - mom146810 said
  - 25 Jun 2020
    1:02 pm
Just think about the positive aspects of family kids and husband, you are blessed and living a better life than many others.

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 25 Jun 2020
    10:41 am
As least we are alive!

- - mom418449 said
  - 25 Jun 2020
    10:38 am
That’s really sad that the in-law’s are soo difficult, however I don’t think holidays are the solution to your problem here. Can’t you use COVID-19 as an excuse to distance yourself? The best excuse is to protect them as well as yourselves, so you need to distance a bit more….?
- Ellen replied
  
  26 Jun 2020 , 4:23 am
  Yes I think distance sounds good and would literally take more distance and move away from them