With summer around the corner, families are beginning to make plans for summer vacation.
Planning a vacation can be a time-consuming task.
Not only does it take time to decide where to go, but booking lodging and transportation requires exploring various options.
Once everything is booked, you shift to planning activities and packing.
You also have to wrap up loose ends at work before taking time off.
Planning a summer vacation can be an exhausting process … so exhausting that you’ll be ready for your vacation when it arrives!
As you make plans, keep in mind what you’re really trying to accomplish with this vacation.
It’s easy to set the bar high for a vacation and expect it to be “perfect.”
But we all know “perfect” rarely exists.
Don’t be let down by your summer vacation. Manage your expectations upfront.
Here are some items to think about as you plan your vacation.
Do you want your summer vacation to be a …
do-nothing get away from the daily grind
celebration – whether it’s for the end of another school year or a milestone event
new family tradition – maybe you’re thinking about buying a second home at that location
history lesson by visiting landmark sites and museums
family reunion
way for your kids to learn about planning and budgeting
volunteer experience for the entire family
cross-cultural experience
hiking exploration
food fest – trying different types of food or visiting well-known eating venues
Add to this list any other ways you see your vacation. Then select which item is the most important one.
You may find more than one item, but the key is to focus on one item. This way, it’s easier to accomplish one thing instead of trying to do it all.
By managing your expectations upfront for your summer vacation, you can stay focused on enjoying the moment.
Instead of trying to fit everything into your schedule, you can have some downtime to relax or adjust when a meltdown happens (whether it’s your meltdown, your spouse’s, or your kids’).
No matter your vacation plan, it’ll be a memorable experience to cherish in the future.
It’ll build a stronger bond between you and your family. And isn’t that why we go on summer vacation?
(Update to original post from May 21, 2018)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC (TransitionPG®). She believes life is more than accumulating money – it’s about living the lifestyle you envision and can afford. Niv incorporates all aspects of life when discussing money. She developed the 5 P’s of Life (Personal Relationships, Personal Finance, Profession, Peace of Mind, and Physical Health) to help clients define what they want from life. Once she understands their vision, she helps them achieve their lifestyle or adjust their expectations based on their finances. Niv actively gives back to the community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, exploring the world, and laughing often—even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’” Click here to read where she’s been quoted in the media.