It’s that time of year when everyone is goal setting and making changes to improve different aspects of their lives. Don’t forget about your vacation goals. I’m not talking about the goal of taking a vacation (although that’s very important too), but the goal to make sure you’re getting the most of your vacation when you do take one.
We all dream of a vacation that is perfectly planned, goes as planned, no issues before or during travel and all the experiences were perfect. But what if the key to having the best vacations has as much to do with how you approach traveling as it does with where you go and what you experience?
Here are 5 travel’s goals you can have to make the most of your upcoming travels:
1. Take responsibility for enjoying your vacation
We all hope our vacations go without any issues, but what if that flight gets delayed, your luggage gets lost, or your passport gets stolen? What if you get sick?
If you resolve to be the one who decides if you enjoy your time, then you get to decide how you’re going to respond to each situation and what you’re going to make of it. Is it going to be a catastrophe that ruins your trip — or the topic for an exciting story at your next dinner party?
2. Take yourself less seriously
Traveling is an act of vulnerability, especially if you’re headed someplace where the language, food, and culture are vastly different from your own. You don’t have to be an expert; you don’t even really have to know what’s going on. If you make a mistake, the world will not end. The more easily you can laugh at yourself, the more fun you’ll have.
3. Stay curious and humble
The world is full of surprises. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be amazed by what you discover. Ever wonder why it’s so much fun to see regular everyday “boring” things through the eyes of a kid? They don’t know that they’re supposed to be “cool” and avoid looking silly in front of others — they just experience everything as if it’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened. And you know what? They’re almost always having way more fun than those of us over 30.
4. Trust more and be generous
Anyone who loves to travel will tell you this: there are good-hearted people who will extend help and hospitality when and if you need it. While it’s always wise to be aware and educated on potential scams and dangers — the truth is, most people will gladly help you out of jam and will go out of their way to show you the best spirit of their culture.
Open up a little and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find. And inevitably, you’ll have experiences and make real connections that will stay with you for years to come.
5. Let go of your attachment to "The Plan"
When you're traveling, you need to be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan — and wonderful things can happen as a result. Think of the “wrong” turn you took that brought you to the most breathtaking beach you’d ever seen. Or the cancelled day trip that led to a day of wondering through local shops and having the best curry of your life. Or the delayed train that allowed you to have late-afternoon tea with a charming shop owner in a crowded bazaar.
Just like life in general, the most valuable and memorable parts of traveling aren't always planned. That's one of the best things of deciding to take a new adventure.
A common thread among these goals is the ability to let go of anxiety, relax and enjoy yourself. Let me take all the stress out one of the most stressful parts of travel - the planning. Click the link below and contact me today!
Comments