Vacation, Vacation, Vacation
When I graduated from William & Mary waaaaaayyy back in 1987 (yikes!), I immediately went to the Cape for the summer to work and save up for the big graduation trip I was planning for myself. Astonishingly, I saved $7,000 that summer and bought an airline pass to travel to the south Pacific and Southeast Asia. Two of my best friends joined me for this fabulous trip…best thing I ever did!
I continue to love to travel and feel it is so important! Not only do you get to see amazing sights around the world, but you meet fantastic people from all walks of life and cultures. I have learned a few lessons over the years and summer is the perfect time to share a few words of wisdom. And I certainly hope you enjoy pictures from my trip of a lifetime!
Vacation Rule #1: Take it.
I took my own independent poll and discovered most people in this very driven metropolitan area do not take vacations. I understand this (I’m guilty) but I bet we all agree…this is crazy. If you have earned vacation days…take them! It is akin to getting paid to stay away from work. Who would turn that offer down? Take your vacation days!
Vacation Rule #2: Unplug.
Going off the grid can be impossible for some of us so give yourself realistic goals. We all want to post vacay pics…that is a good use of online vacation time. If you can’t unplug completely set limits. Call work and/or check emails only once a day, ban all alerts, and leave your phone in the hotel safe.
Vacation Rule #3: Vary your normal routine.
Indulge…if you normally hit the gym at 5:30am try 8:30am or skip the gym all together. Use your location to your advantage. Walk the beach, take nature hikes, bike the vineyards…see the sights in an active way. And, by the way, simply lifting a daiquiri counts, too.
Last but most important…know when you need a vacation!
If you are at work imagining yourself in the fetal position that is a massive HINT! Plan a vacation immediately. You won’t regret it!
