Travel, Recreation and the Good Life

Most of us take a vacation in order to relieve stress.  However many get stressed as they prepare for it and sometimes it leads to cancellation of plans.  Preparing for a vacation should be stress free.  Here are ways to do it:

 

1. Have a vacation fund – Charging your vacation expenses to your credit card will only give you more worries and stress later.  Put aside some amount every time you get your pay check.  If you get paid twice a month, set aside at least $50 to $100 dollars.
2. Don’t ask, declare it – There is a maxim: “Better to ask for forgiveness than permission”.  Instead of asking what is the best time to have a vacation, declare a target date and make sure everything is taken care of before you leave.
3. Do not surprise your boss and co-workers – Be nice and let your boss and co-workers know about your plans of having a vacation as early as possible.  It will give time for the management to adjust staffing and workloads.  It will also prevent everyone from piling you up with work.
4. Book flights and hotels early – Most travel companies offer vacation packages at cheaper rates or with big discounts if you book early.  It will also prevent any request for postponement from your boss considering the rebooking charges and everything that comes with it.
5. Go light, pack light – Pack everything into a carry-on as much as possible.  It eliminates the worry of losing a luggage.  You may consider leaving some things that can be bought quickly at a store once you get to your destination.
6. Leave your work gadgets at home – You are on vacation so make the best of it.  Do not bother to bring your laptop and mobile phone for it will only put you on work mode.
7. Don’t plan every minute – If you plan everything to the minute, chances are you will get stressed if you fail to follow your schedule.  Vacation should not be about stress.  A general schedule and a list of what you want to see and do is enough to keep you on track.  Anyway you can always choose to come back on the place next year if you don’t get to see enough of it.
8. Never cut your vacation short – This is another reason why you should not bring your laptop and mobile phone with you.  There is a tendency that work calls and asks you to come home early because of an “emergency”.  Let others handle difficult situations without you.  If you have no choice, negotiate for additional vacation days when you return.   Any additional expenses due to change of flight should be handled by the company as well.

 

Bottom line is, put everything in order first before you leave.  This will prevent “emergencies” and you can always demand for compensation if you were made to cut your vacation short.

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