What is the secret that allows me to work a full time (8am to 7pm) job, manage my family, execute my responsibilities and still be able to create space in my life to indulge my passion for travel? How do you do that exactly? I always get this question and despite the motivation behind it, because let’s face it, the question does not always originate from a positive space, it’s essentially the same question – how can you fit all that in successfully while jetting off on holiday regularly??? Don’t you care what others would think if you’re always leaving on a jet plane 3 or 4 times per year? What if there is an emergency at home, with your son, with your family members, what if…what if…what if! I can go on and on but believe me I’ve heard it all!!!! Now there are several minefields in those questions. I’ve previously addressed the expenses dilemma in some of my other articles…. check out my website yellowwigtravelgurus.com, but now I will concentrate on sharing how I balance my life with all its competing interests so I can actually live the life that I love!
Whether or not you are in a managerial or junior position at your regular job, I use the following tactics to make it through MY life. I am big on lists and although this one is short and sweet; it is long on wisdom so indulge me….
- Remember S.M.A.R.T.? This acronym is a process used for setting goals. It involves being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. So let’s just say I use SMART vacation days. I look at the year’s calendar, identify all the public vacation days and in the Caribbean, most islands have plenty of these!!! I also identify any long weekends and plan my vacations around them. It’s a way of adding on additional days to your year’s allocation. So, for 2021 in Trinidad, I’ve already done the work for you! We have 14 public holidays and of those 6 are long weekends that you can potentially add on to your vacation allotment. I am supremely grateful!!!! AND you’re welcome!
2. To leverage travelling costs, one must be flexible. Be able to go anywhere. Be flexible with your destinations and also open to leaving on Fridays after work and returning on the next working day to go straight to work. This tactic works extremely well with long weekend trips to nearby destinations. The 1st day back would be very intense; you will be tired, so plan these weekend trips to return in a not-so-busy work season. BIG hint here…. look at hopefully experiencing some Caribbean carnivals later this year…lollll
3. Extend your business trips, if ever we return to these post COVID, even if you are going somewhere you’ve been to many times before. There will always be something new to experience there. Stay an extra day and go to a new beach or see a new historical site. With the new normal and working from “home”, extend your stay and work in a new “home location” for a few days. You can always experience something new after business hours!
So I hope these tactics help in this new year. Stay determined and motivated!!! Time is valuable so be strategic.
