If it’s been a while since you’ve had a real vacation, you might be feeling signs of burnout. Getting some time away from your ordinary life to relax isn’t just an indulgence. It’s an important element of self-care, and it can be just the thing that revitalizes you for the next few months or the year ahead. Unfortunately, if you’re really burned out, the thought of planning it can also be overwhelming. Follow the tips below to carefully work through the process.
Have a Budget
Having a budget can help you plan where to go and let you know exactly how much money you can spend so that you don’t come back to the shock and stress of a big credit card bill. What if you need a break but you don’t have much money saved up? A personal loan from a private lender can be a good way to fund your trip because compared to credit cards, interest rates are usually lower. With a ballpark idea of what you can spend, you can move ahead with your planning.
Prioritize
Knowing how much money you have won’t tell you as much about where you can afford to go and for how long as making a list of your priorities can. If flying first-class is a must for you, that’s where most of your money will go. Maybe you care a lot about a luxurious hotel stay or dining out at top restaurants. Maybe none of that matters as much as a unique experience, avoiding the world, and getting someplace that’s far away and interesting. Once you have a sense of your priorities, you can narrow down your options.
If you can spare several weeks for your trip but you’re a low-budget traveler, New York City, Iceland, or Japan might not be your best options. Your money might go a lot farther someplace like Thailand or Mexico or on a camping trip in a national park. This is a good time to think about your other options as well, including whether you want your vacation to be domestic or international, in the city or the country, and if you’d rather have an active or relaxing vacation. Yet another question to consider is whether you want to book something all-inclusive, such as a resort.
Research and Act
Make research fun. Think of it as the next best thing to taking your trip. Look for groups on social media, follow travel bloggers, and read articles or watch videos online about the destinations you’re considering. If you’re going to fly, start tracking prices. If at any stage you start to feel anxious and overwhelmed, take a step back.
Remember that you don’t have to do this alone. You can always call a travel agent or book with a tour if the planning is stressing you out. Be sure to research details, such as what your options are for getting a refund if you have to cancel and whether you need any kind of supplemental health insurance. Finally, promise yourself that you’re really going to take a break from things, whether that means leaving your phone off for the entire time you’re away or just taking a break from looking at work-related emails.