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Lifestyle Coach Shares Secrets To A Stress Free Family Vacation

BELMAR, N.J. (CBSNewYork) --Summer vacations are generally awesome, but they're not always easy or relaxing.

As CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reported, getting to the salt air and sound of the surf, and tight accommodations when you arrive can test your patience.

Patience is a virtue that gets tested often when you take a three week family vacation with five kids, and four adults spanning three generations.

"Being in close quarters for almost three weeks is trying,"  Shannon Williams said, "Thank god for DVD players and video games."

Bill Babuschak has a secret to a stress free vacation with family and friends.

"We have breakfast cocktails, so it sets the mood for the day," he said.

"I definitely suggest going away with friends when you have kids. If they partner up with somebody it's the best vacation ever," Rita Carrier added.

She said separate living quarters are a must.

"Everyone needs a little me time," she said.

But Aidan Cahill said me time can be hard to come by when you're forced to bunk with your little brother.

"I couldn't go to sleep because he was always complaining," Cahill said.

It seems neither were satisfied with the sleeping arrangements.

"My brother keeps calling me a midget," little brother Colin said.

Lifestyle Coach Karl Romain said no matter who you're going with it is possible to have a stress free vacation.

"Plan ahead," he said.

He believes discipline and organization are key, and urged vacationers to do their due diligence before leaving home.

Creating a checklist of items that you need and want to have, then making sure they are packed can be a big help.

"Make sure you plan ahead on how you're going to spend your time. Don't try to get everything in one day, and then you're burnt out the rest of the time," he said.

If you're little brother, or maybe the entire family get on your nerves.

"Remember, when you feel that stress -breathe," he said.

After all, you are on vacation.

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