Many of us hope to turn the calendar page from 2019 to 2020 with the plan to do live better in one way or another. What is on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Did you know that people who choose to focus on experiences tend to be happier than those who opt for material things? This year, consider TRAVEL as part of your 2020 Resolutions. Don’t allow this to be another resolution that comes and goes without fulfillment. Here are some things to consider to make this resolution more attainable.
Overcoming Time Constraints
If your life is as busy as mine, you are juggling work, a household, teenage schedules, in-laws and many, many other priorities. When could you possibly take time for travel?
In 2018 a total of 768 million vacation days went unused in the United States, a 9% increase from 2017. 55% of workers reported they did not use all their vacation days according to research from the U.S. Travel Association, Oxford Exconomics and Ipsos. Vacation time is typically part of one’s compensation package so don’t be afraid to use it. Plan a big vacation or just take some long weekends to enjoy some time away.
You can always start with a long weekend, experiencing the unparalleled beauty of locations not far from your home. Just get in the car a drive. Find a vacation rental for the weekend or take time to check out interesting landmarks close to your own backyard.
Holiday breaks might give you a chance to hop on a plane and catch a few days further away. Unfortunately holiday travel will often cost more but taking advantage of school breaks might be the best option for your schedule.
Do you have to travel for work? If so, try to take the opportunity for a “workation.” Take a few extra days around your work schedule to do some site seeing.
Use the excuse to plan a family reunion or get-together. We never have enough time to speak with extended family. Kill two birds with one stone by planning this gathering with a destination new to all so everyone can enjoy the travel experience.
Where, oh Where?
Next, you need to decide where to go. The best way to start is to create a wishlist. Create a bucket list of places you want to see in this life and then ask yourself where do you absolutely want to go this year. If you need help you can always browse photos and videos to get some inspiration.
You may want to think about the experience you want, rather than the place. Do you like hiking or relaxing beaches? Are you interested in history or architecture? Do you like the energy of a crowd or the feeling of seclusion? You may want to take the opportunity to learn something new or to experience a different culture. Add these descriptions to your bucket list and pick from there.
More Money, More Money
Once you decide on an experience and location, you likely need to find a way to pay for this little resolution. Planning ahead and looking for deals is a great option. Here are some other strategies that might help.
- Set up a separate interest-bearing saving account that is solely dedicated to financing your travel goals
- Save your change
- Sign up for an awards credit card that provides travel perks
- Travel off peak season when airfare is lower and destination have higher discounts
- Consider a vacation rental instead of hotel
Just Enjoy
Many times we stress while planning and forget to sit back and enjoy the experience. This was about a resolution to better your life, right? Be careful not to overbook your vacation by forcing yourself to adhere to a strict daily schedule. Have some solid logistics while still leaving room for spontaneity. If your family is indecisive, have a checklist of “must dos” and “might dos” that you can turn to. This strategy will allow for you to be sure to do things of greatest priority and allow for the stress free flexibility of your vacation.
Don’t get overly stressed about packing. I hate to pack. I will stand in front of my closet for hours trying to think about what I MIGHT need while on vacation. Do you always try to cram everything into a carryon in effort to never check a bag? Take a breath and do what is comfortable. If you want an outfit for every possible occasion, pack it. But always know, you can always buy new clothes at your destination. Or, if you are heading to the beach, do you really need anything more than a swim suit and coverup? It is vacation and you will never see these people again anyway.
According to an article in The U.S. News & Travel Report, traveling is truly good for your health. It recharges us emotionally and allows for increased empathy. It often helps us get back into shape with the activities you experience away from your desk. It allows for you to engage in your surroundings and eliminate stress. It will give you the opportunity to catch up on much needed sleep. TRAVEL is a resolution worth keeping and it will be one you will want to make year after year.
Happy New Year to All!
From Jennifer Hallatt and Big Rivers Rentals, LLC
