At Glare Guard, we think everyone should take more vacations. Going on trips opens your eyes to just how big this world is and the multitude of opportunities it actually holds. Studies have shown that taking more vacations makes you happier, less stressed, and even more productive at work. When you travel with friends and family, you improve your bond when you get to know each other in unfamiliar environments. Furthermore, it’s just plain fun! Meeting people and trying new things is what life is all about. That is why we developed these travel planning tips!
If you have a vacation coming up, you may be feeling a lot of anxiety, especially if you’re a small business owner. When you hit the road, it does leave some space available for things to go wrong– and chances are, something will go wrong. That’s totally okay. It’s all an exercise in learning how to be more adaptable… another benefit of travel!
But if you want to reduce the chances of this slipping up when your out-of-office message is on, you can help by preparing ahead of time for your best trip possible.
Create a Strategy for Work
When you’re a high-level manager or if you own your own business, it’s crucial to have a strategy for when you’ll be out for vacation. And as hard as it is for SMBOs to pull themselves away, time off is crucial to recharge and rejuvenate. You can ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible by having a plan in place. This should include training staff for tasks to handle while you’re gone, alerting your clients, avoiding any significant company changes until you return, and, of course, setting boundaries for yourself.
Know Your Airline’s Fine Print
Before buying an airline ticket, make sure you read all the fine print so you won’t be surprised for extra charges that may pop up. Often, those budget flights end up not saving you so much when you factor in baggage fees. It may be worth it for you to go ahead and pay an extra $50 for an airline that lets you bring a carry-on for free. If you’ve already bought your ticket, it still helps to read the fine print so you know what to expect.
Pack Smart
Not everyone has a hard time when it comes to picking out what they will wear while away from home, but for many of us, it’s a paradox of choice situation. We often have so many options to choose from that we become paralyzed when it’s time to narrow down what we can fit in the suitcase. When packing for a vacation, your best bet is to curate a capsule wardrobe that covers you from day to night. Stick with neutral colors and pack pieces that you can wear multiple times in different ways.
Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that you feel comfortable walking in for an extended amount of time. Traveling often involves getting lost, and there’s nothing worse than being lost in uncomfortable shoes. Be sure to also pack a pair of polarized shades, a collapsible umbrella, charging devices and items like bug spray and sunscreen. Finally, whatever you pack, be sure to roll your garments when placing them in your luggage.
Prepare Your Camera
Vacations are when all of our inner shutterbugs come out. Whether you prefer film or digital, make sure you have everything you need before it’s time to hit the road. Bring batteries, extra rolls of film, memory cards, an extra lens cap, and a cleaning kit to ensure it stays in working order for the duration of the trip.
More tips for traveling with cameras include:
- Pack your camera in a padded case.
- Use a shoulder strap to keep your camera close at hand.
- Carry your camera in your hand luggage– not what you check.
- Hide or remove any branding.
- Clean your camera daily.
- Invest in an insurance plan for your camera.
Secure Your Home
Knowing your home is safe and secure cuts down on a lot of the anxiety you may experience when away. If you have a friend or family member in the area, make an arrangement with them to come by the house on a regular basis to pick up mail and check on everything. You may even want to hire a housesitter that is there the whole time you are gone and can make sure your property is in good condition. People with pets can either hire a pet sitter or check them into a boarding facility, where they’ll be watched by pet professionals.
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Traveling and taking vacations makes people happier, less stressed, and more productive. If you have a big trip coming up, prevent surprises by reading the fine print on your airline tickets so you are in the know when it comes to things like baggage fees. Pack smart with a capsule wardrobe that gives you multiple looks with minimal items. Make sure you protect your camera with a padded case and bring extra supplies like batteries, film, or memory cards. Finally, reduce anxiety about leaving your home behind by finding a housesitter you trust.