**This blog is part 3 of a 5-part series on common reasons why people don't travel, as well as ways to combat those excuses**
Trip-Killer Excuse #3
"Vacation Time"
Maybe you've saved up some money. Maybe you're ready to get in the car or on that plane to your destination.
But that j-o-b is just getting in the way.
Or school.
Welp, time to work around it. In grad school, I barely had time to breath. Let alone sleep or have a resemblance of a normal social life. I still had the time to take trips several times throughout each semester. For those of you in school - adulting allows you a little more a routine that you will get used to (in time). Take advantage of this!
As discussed in part 2 of this series, it can be easy to be "too busy" to travel. Work can get hectic. Obligations can get to be overwhelming. That is where you have to get creative!
If you are fortunate enough, maybe you have the option to accrue vacation time at work. Save 'em up and use them strategically! In my 10 months of working, I haven't used a single vacation day, yet I have been on half-a-dozen vacations.
All-Out Vacation
Ok, so you're going for it. Make it count! I say go for at least a full week. That gives you plenty of time to take in a place and check the items off your bucket list (especially if you're flying). If this is your style of vacation, then you will probably get one a year. This is one that you will really want to plan for (and something to really look forward to).
Weekend Trips
My vacations of choice are ones that are within a decent driving range (5-6 hours). I'll spend the week on Google Maps getting my destination figured out. Thursday night, I'll pack up. On Friday, I'll leave right after work and arrive on Friday evening in my place. A full day on Saturday and half a day on Sunday allows for 2 jam-packed days of exploring and getting to know an area. (This also gives me an excuse to get back).
BONUS WEEKEND TRIP
Wanna get the best experience + not use up all of your vacation time? Get creative with holidays. Think Labor day. What better way to celebrate relaxation than a mini-vacation? A 3-day weekend? Nah. How about a FOUR day weekend? Take the Friday off, or even the following Tuesday. This is a good way to get a 4 day trip with only using 1 day of vacation. (please note: the only down side to this route is that hotels may increase rates due to holiday prices.)
Backyard Exploring
This is a good method if you don't get much vacation time, or if you are building up your time. If you are new to an area, this is the best! Allow yourself to get lost in the new city with a stay-cation. Learn about the culture and talk of the town. Try something you don't normally do - go to an art festival, listen to some talent at an open mic night, try unique food at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. These are the things that connect you with new ideas, places, and people!
If you've been living in the same area for a while, do the same! There is always that place that you have heard things about, or an event you've never made it to. Wake up on a Saturday and drive an hour up the road to a neighboring city to see what it is about. It you want to make it extra fun, don't have any plans! Just go with it. Who knows, maybe your new favorite bar or restaurant is right around the corner.
But what if you don't have anyone to go with? Stop back next week to see the life-changing benefits of solo tripping.
-MT