Have you noticed that most of the advertisements for spring break vacations focus only on college students or young families? We think it’s time to bust the myth that spring break vacations are only for those folks! Today we’re going to be unpacking (see what I did there?) the key elements of planning relaxing spring break private vacations for all ages.

Plan Ahead

Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” I know that quote doesn’t exactly make you think relaxing thoughts, right? Think of it this way – the more you plan now, the less you’ll have to plan while you’re on vacation. Now that thought is relaxing! On that note, here is a list of items that you could consider planning before you depart.

  • Lodging: If you are staying at multiple locations on your vacation, do yourself a favor and book ahead of time. Or you could save yourself some stress and find a place that offers lodging and activities all on-site. That would essentially cross multiple items off your to-do list.
  • Packing: Do a quick check online on the weather forecast for the location and time of year that you are planning to vacation. This will help simplify your packing list. For example, if I know I’m planning an outdoor vacation WI style for early April, I’m bringing a heavy coat, pants, a hat and mittens so that I can enjoy myself outside even if the weather doesn’t feel like Spring.
  • Activities: Bring along 2-3 favorite activities in case of a rainy day. These will vary depending on the ages of those attending, but could include your favorite group board game, a fun craft or your favorite book.

This is enough to get your wheels turning. The only other major category is meals. When you book at Edenwood, you have access to a private gourmet chef kitchen and outdoor grill at your lodging site. Plan out your menu to be prepared later with flair and fun!

Create a Relaxing Agenda

Agendas can also be a part of planning ahead. When you are creating your agenda, don’t let yourself forget what the goal of this vacation is – to relax. Often there is a temptation to cram as much activity into a vacation as possible. Don’t give in to that temptation.

So, what does a relaxing agenda look like? Here’s an example of a Saturday relaxation agenda that’s very popular with guests of Edenwood Ranch & Preserve:

  • 8:00-10:00a Cold breakfast as you’re ready (available in the Safari Suite kitchen)
  • 10:00a Nature hike for wildlife photography, birdwatching and reflection. (Meet at Main Lodge)
  • 10:00a-noon Alternate activities available include zip lining, swimming, fishing, boating/canoeing, archery range.
  • Noon-1:00p Lunch (sub sandwiches, chips, pasta salad & cookies available at the Main Lodge)
  • 1:00-3:00p Group Swim: Grab your suit, towel and blow-up water toys for a little fun at the beach!
  • 3:00p Bike ride through the nature preserve. (Meet at Hillside Cabin)
  • 3:00-5:00p Free time: Read, play a board game, rent an ATV, enjoy the hot tub, etc.
  • 5:00-6:30p Meet at the All-American Lodge for taco night & trivia!
  • 6:30-8:30p Free time: swim, paddleboard, fish, hike, geocaching, etc.
  • 9:00p Campfire, s’mores & stargazing
  • 10:30p Late Night Double-Feature: What About Bob & Caddyshack (Meet in Hillside Cabin)

It’s easy to create a relaxing private vacation agenda when you book with Edenwood because you have the whole 500 acres to yourself! You won’t even want to return home.

Leave Room for Spontaneity

It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it: Planned spontaneity? Trust us, though – it works! When you are creating your agenda, be sure to incorporate room for your group to just BE. One of the most relaxing activities we all need more of is to practice living in the present.

You will notice in the sample agenda above that there are multiple “free time” opportunities (along with suggestions) throughout the day as well as formally planned activities. Free time is code for spontaneity. These slices of the day allow for so much more than the suggestions; they leave room for:

  • Relationship-building conversations
  • Connecting with yourself
  • Taking a catnap… or two…
  • Exploring new hobbies with friends and/or family
  • Learning to go-with-the-flow a little more

One more benefit of spontaneity: the more time you spend living in the moment on vacation, the more you will create lasting memories of those moments.

Connect with Nature

Studies show that one of the best ways to unplug from work, stress, depression, anxiety and improve cognitive functioning is by spending time in nature. No matter if it’s the sandy beaches of Florida, a lush forest of the legendary Wisconsin north woods, or the mysterious beauty of Arizona’s desert canyons, you will feel a difference after spending even as little as one hour among it.

At Edenwood, we offer some of the very best outdoor vacations WI has to offer with dozens of ways to relax while connecting with nature. Check out our activities page to see just a sample of our most popular options.

Private Vacations

When you book your spring break vacation with us, you’ll be our sole focus. You’ll never have to worry about sharing space with a crowd or dealing with other vacationers! Come stay at Edenwood Ranch & experience the solitude and tranquility of our 100% private nature preserve.

Call 920-574-4641 to book your vacation today!