Flexibility in Vacation & Everyday Life

When “Go With the Flow” Becomes the Most Important Item on the Itinerary

We’d been planning this family trip for over three years. My immediate family of four is no stranger to travel — we’ve got our routines, our carry-on strategies, and even our “time to rest for65 jet lag crash day” contingency plan. But this trip was different. This time, extended family members were joining us, and they had never traveled with us before.

Before we left, my best advice to everyone — myself included — was simple: Go with the flow.

Easier said than done. Especially for two parents who lead busy, highly structured work lives.

A Trip That Almost Didn’t Happen

The trip almost derailed before it began. One family member thought she wouldn’t be able to come at all, and for three months we weren’t sure if her seat on the plane would stay empty. We didn’t get confirmation she was coming until four days before departure.

Then, when our extended family members finally set out to join us, airline delays threw everything off. The first two days of the trip were filled with uncertainty — part vacation, part logistical triage — as we worried they might not arrive at all.

And once they did, more adjustments were needed. Some tours were booked incorrectly. Others were rearranged to help everyone manage inevitable jet lag. The weather had its own plans, canceling the “perfect” days we’d carefully chosen for exploring. And then there were the human factors — not everyone shares the same interests, energy level, or tolerance for a jam-packed itinerary.

By day three, I found myself reflecting: this trip was reminding me of something I already knew to be true about my schedule in general.

Over-Scheduling Steals the Joy

When I schedule my days down to the exact minute — whether on vacation or in my everyday life — I’m never happy.

On paper, a tightly packed schedule looks efficient. In reality, it leaves no space for the unplanned — the moments that are often the most meaningful. It also leaves no buffer for the inevitable mishaps: delayed flights, last-minute tour changes, or simply needing to stop for a coffee and watch the world go by.

In healthcare, this lesson applies daily. If every minute of your workday is booked without breathing room, you’re at higher risk of burnout. And it’s not just about professional life — when we over-pack our personal time, even our vacations can start to feel like work.

Build in Space for Things to Go Wrong

Even the rainy days could be beautiful

When you leave room for the unexpected, setbacks don’t hit as hard.

On this trip, the delays, cancellations, and weather changes still happened — but because we hadn’t booked every moment, we had more flexibility to adjust. We could swap activities, take an unplanned rest day, or follow a local’s suggestion for something better.

In your day-to-day life, this might mean intentionally scheduling fewer meetings, setting aside unscheduled blocks of time, or resisting the urge to say “yes” to every invitation. Think of it as creating shock absorbers for your schedule — they don’t stop the bumps from coming, but they make the ride much smoother.

Rest Is Not Wasted Time

Even on vacation, recovery matters. Without it, you can’t enjoy as much.

One of my biggest travel lessons (and life lessons) is that you don’t have to be doing something all the time to make the most of your days. Our best moments on this trip weren’t always the headline activities — they were the quiet ones: sitting with a cup of coffee, watching my kids try a new food, or laughing over a shared travel mishap. Even the moments my children were laughing about something I did that they found embarrassing.

At work, rest looks like taking your actual lunch break. On weekends, it might mean allowing yourself a full day with no obligations. On vacation, it might be sleeping in instead of rushing to make the first tour bus.

When Others Are Part of the Schedule, Their Needs Matter Too

Traveling with extended family meant learning to factor in not only my immediate family's preferences but also those of others. Some people in our group moved more slowly in the mornings. Others needed more downtime. Some weren’t interested in certain attractions.

In the workplace, this lesson translates to collaboration. You may prefer a faster pace, a certain way of problem-solving, or a more ambitious timeline — but if you’re working with others, you have to create space for their preferences, energy levels, and strengths. Otherwise, frustration builds on all sides.

The Big Picture Takeaways

This trip reminded me — and maybe it will remind you — that flexibility is a skill worth practicing in all areas of life. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a demanding clinical schedule, or finally taking that long-awaited vacation, a little less structure can actually lead to more joy.

Here’s what I’m carrying forward:

1. Don’t over schedule — leave room for magic and for mishaps.

2. Expect the unexpected — and plan for flexibility, not perfection.

3. Prioritize recovery — rest is not “doing nothing,” it’s making everything better.

4. Consider others’ needs — shared schedules require shared decision-making.

Because sometimes, the best memories come from the moments you didn’t plan.

Want More Simple Ways to Create Space in a Busy Life?

If this idea of building in flexibility and recovery time resonates with you, you’ll love my free on-demand webinar: Simple Practices to Create Calm in a Demanding Career.

In less than an hour, I’ll walk you through practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce stress, make space in your schedule, and bring more balance into your work and life — no matter how packed your calendar is.

🎯 Watch the free on-demand webinar here: https://burnouttobalanced.my.canva.site/simplepractices