Are we there yet??

You now should have the "How" and "Where". Let's talk about "When?" If in the last post, you decided to center your trip around an event. You already have the When. Why are you even reading this section?! Move on!

If you haven't decided on a specific event, let's identify any limitations you might have:

1. Do you need to take time off work? If you are a currently employed individual, the answer is yes. If you have now confirmed you are indeed employed, how many vacation days do you have and can you use them all at once?? Okay, maybe you should save some vacation days in case the travel bug takes a strong hold and you desperately need to get away again later this year. You should also check with your manager to figure out how many days you can take at one time. The min of the two numbers is a good place to start to determine the duration of your trip. Your boss will probably also tell you when you can take the time off. Or you could be like me and have to coordinate it with current projects, expected projects, co-worker's schedules, boss’ schedules, and any other possible event that requires my attention at an uncertain time in the future. If I can find time to travel through all of that, so can you!

2. Are you in school? Do you have a break coming up? If not, just how many classes can you skip?? Just kidding - stay in school kids. Although, I'm sure you've all done that specific calculation...

3. Do you have kids? Then, I hope your idea of vacationing includes taking van rides back and forth to Disney World every year, because you might be doing that for the next decade. Oh wait, that's what my family did, and it was AWESOME! We watched First Kid on VHS on a very small TV in the van over and over and over, for 12 hours, there and back. I'm certain that my parents appreciated that. Seriously though, I'm a SINK (see the About Me section) and I have absolutely no input to this subject other than I know it's pretty restricting.

To determine the actual dates, take those limitations & number of days and compare them to your existing calendar. If you can't find the "right time" any time soon, work on prioritizing some of your upcoming events. Perhaps you can skip that lunch with your Aunt Mildred that you committed to doing every week for the rest of your life. Maybe your co-worker can cover that status meeting that you are ALWAYS required to attend.

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I really do hope that when you can get away, you are able to really leave the current stresses in your life at home. I recently went to Aruba for 10 days. It has been three years since my last lengthy, tropical vacation because of work and that global pandemic. The weird thing is that on Day 3 of the vacation, I thought I was good and should go back to work because there was SOOOOO much to do. I obviously came to my senses and stayed the remainder of my planned time, which flew by, and I didn’t want to leave.

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Don’t let the workaholic win. Take out your calendar now and circle some dates. Don't forget to put in that vacation request!

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But how much will this all cost?