Studies have shown that taking a vacation can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Time off reduces stress, improves family relationships and makes you more productive when you return home or go back to your job. But according to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, more than 4 in 10 workers say they take less time off than their employer allows.
National Plan for Vacation Day is marked on the last Tuesday in January — Jan. 30 this year. It’s a good reminder to schedule your time off for the year at the beginning of the year, and to meet with your Travel Leaders Network travel advisor to get started on your plans for 2024. By planning early, you’ll have more options and better chance of securing the best deals.
Here are some things to think about before meeting with your travel advisor.
First, where do you want to go? If you have a destination in mind, that’s great. But if you’re unsure, give your travel advisor a sense of what you’re looking for: a beach, an outdoor adventure, a romantic honeymoon destination, a big city to explore or an all-inclusive resort Make a list of dream vacation spots. Your advisor will have plenty of suggestions and can help you narrow down your options.
Have an idea about when you’d like to travel. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see Paris in the spring, or take a fall foliage tour of New England. Maybe you don’t have a specific destination but you know that you want to go away in the summer. If you’re planning a trip this year to mark a special occasion, like a wedding anniversary, milestone birthday or a retirement, those details will be essential to the planning process. Also, consider visiting popular destinations off season, when there’ll be fewer crowds and you’ll have a better chance of saving money.
Be realistic about how much money you want to spend, so that your travel advisor will have a figure to work with while planning your trip. Remember that the size of your travel party will affect the cost. Let your advisor know how many people will be going with you, whether it’s a solo getaway, a trip for two or a big multigenerational family vacation. Your travel advisor has expertise in planning for every group size and price range, from budget to luxury.
Finally, think about your personal style. Your travel advisor is your ally in planning the perfect vacation, but he or she needs to know how involved you want to be in all the details. Do you enjoy collaborating with an expert on ideas, or are you more hands-off and want someone to lay it all out for you? Of course, you may prefer a combination of approaches, but communicating that at the start will help establish a smooth working relationship.
For help navigating any travel plans, contact us.
Journeys Travel Group 