Family vacationing can be tiring -- read about this travelers' survey to learn where the fatigue comes from.

According to a 2002 survey by the Gallup Organization of 1,000 American adults, more than 54% of those who vacationed in the past year returned home feeling "very tired" or "exhausted."

Poor planning, later bedtimes on vacation, and unfamiliar or uncomfortable accommodations were most often cited for the fatigue. 

Interviews showed planning (or lack thereof) was critical to making a vacation exhausting, because tired vacationers usually wore themselves out getting prepared to relax.

Important interview findings: 

• 56% of travelers packed the night before their trip
• 54% woke up early the day of departure
• 36% reported having to work late to catch up
• 26% reported sleep problems due to work anxiety.

Tips to Stay Relaxed on Vacation

To avoid post-holiday fatigue, clinical professor of psychiatry at Penn State University, Dr. Richard Cadieux, recommends that travelers pack and get a good night's sleep several days before departure.

While on the road, he says, choose comfortable, quiet accommodations, eat and drink moderately, and plan on full nights of sleep.

Dr. Cadieux stresses the importance of choosing a relaxing destination; survey respondents who visited family were most likely to return from their trip "exhausted," while cruise-takers were three times more likely to return "relaxed."