It's just about time for the great escape...Summer vacation! But all too often, we come back from our break, needing a break.

Eric Randolph's family loves to get away, but sometimes just planning their great escape jump-starts the stress.

"We create it, a lot of times in planning the budgets, fighting over budgets, choosing destinations, and do we fly or drive," Randolph admits.

Then, once they get there, the stress seems to come along for the ride.

"Fighting over restaurants, do we go here do we go there, do we dress up, do we go to the beach today, do we just go to the pool what about this afternoon, do we go to the water park? Do we go to the zoo?" Randolph exclaims.

Think about it--vacation can be nerve-racking! You're out of your routine, you're somewhere you're not familiar with, and you're dealing with other issues.

Sarah Kantrowitz of Travel and Leisure Magazine knows the usual issues: "Long lines, bad weather, restaurants that are booked, museums that are closed."

But she says you don't have to pack tension and anxiety with you.

"There's a lot you can do when planning a vacation to avoid this stressed out sort of feeling. One is to plan, but not over schedule. Another is to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the airport," Kantrowitz suggests.

Get others involved in the planning--that way they know what to expect. Organize a trip you can afford so you don't spend the entire time worrying about how you'll pay for it when you get back. If you're one of those people who always needs a vacation after a vacation, schedule in some downtime during the trip. Immediately when you return, give yourself a day to unpack and unwind.

Eric sees the wisdom in that, and says through the stress he keeps his eye on the main goal--building wonderful memories.

With all of the grounded flights recently, be sure to bring things along to help keep you entertained at the airport…whether it's a portable DVD player, book, or magazine.