Oddly enough, the phrase “there’s no time like the present” dates back about five hundred years. It makes sense that the Renaissance period, the era of human enlightenment, would birth the notion that we should seize the moments we get. We are only here for a limited time, after all. Even if we only look at the first few decades of this century so far, we’ve collectively endured so very much. Therefore, it’s important to remember that you need to replenish your soul every so often by breathing in new air. And so, let’s take some time out to explore our options for making the most of our days. In order to do that, you’ll need to get out there and nourish your hungry eyeballs. It’s time to get away from it all, my friends.
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you.”
Anthony Bourdain
What do we need in order to get away from home? Money, of course. No matter how far you plan to go or what type of accommodations you seek, you should set aside enough so that you are released from financial worry during the time you are away. The last thing you want to be concerned with is whether you can afford that dinner or that sightseeing tour. The longer and farther you go, the more money you’ll need. Set aside some of your funds from each pay period. Skip the coffee line. Invite people over for a potluck instead of out to eat. Take long walks in lieu of your gym membership. Before you know it, you’ll have your little adventure nest egg.
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign”
Robert Louis Stevenson
Now it’s time to take a look at the calendar. Examine how much time off you can accrue by a certain future date. Once you’ve decided on a destination, find out more about the weather in that location. Rome may be your dream destination, but it would make even the devil sweat in July. You also need to consider whether it’s a good time of year for your company. You don’t want to disappear during the busiest season for your business. If you’re a tax professional, for example, jetting off to Mexico at the beginning of April would be a nightmare choice. Christmastime in retail is non-negotiable. Timing is everything to you and to your employer.
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Another thing that you can and should do is sign up for travel alerts. Whether you’ve chosen your destination in advance or have yet to settle on a choice, getting a daily reminder in your inbox is a fun way to explore your options. There are all sorts of websites that cater to those who are seeking travel tips and package deals. Find a few of them, like Scott’s Cheap Flights, and let them do all the work for you. Solo travel can be an incredible experience, but if you bristle at the idea of traveling alone, you always have the option of inviting a close friend or family member to join you. Your options are quite literally endless. No matter what, remember that this is your time to rejuvenate. And when you come back, start planning your next trip, of course.
Timesheets.com is an online time and expense tracking software for employees and contractors. Need to track attendance, projects, time off, and more? Start a FREE trial to see how it works!
