If you think vacationing is waste of time, think again. Vacationing can be the key to renewing yourself. It helps you to recharge. Despite these compelling reasons, many people simply do not take vacations.
For most people, the main barrier to taking a vacation is being too busy at work. Often they are unaware that their sometimes intense personality and often unpleasant demeanor is directly associated with fatigue, stress and some physical challenges. A short vacation can be the cure to many of these challenges.
When you take some time off you create more professional perspective and often you expand your career possibilities by being free to think beyond mere tasks at work. Some of the greatest discoveries and ideas are conceived when you are able to simply relax. This disconnection from your work serves as a refresher strategy and comes with many unexpected rewards beyond what is listed above. Recognize that vacationing benefits you, your family and friends and your co-workers.
Benefits of Vacationing
Taking one or two vacations a year can really yield huge benefits on your quality of life, both mentally and physically. In fact, most doctors who treat patients for stress related illnesses advise their patients to take more frequent vacations. Doctors have found that those who take vacations become less tense, are more satisfied with their jobs and enjoy their marriages more.
Though many people find it difficult to take a vacation at all, taking just one vacation a year can go a long way. Some of the primary benefits of taking just one include:
- Rest and relaxation
- Experiencing new adventures and sights
- Meeting new people
- Building family and friendship bonds
- Adventure and excitement
- Learning new things
- Building fond memories
- Extreme joy
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Saving Money for Vacations
Vacations can vary in cost depending on where and when you go. You should look for ways to reduce costs associated with any vacation, no matter the destination. Taking these steps cannot only save you money; they may allow you to take more than one vacation during any given year.
Here are some things you can do to start saving on your vacations.
- Book domestic flights at least two-weeks in advance. This will usually get you the best prices for domestic flights. However, it is still recommended to call airlines directly before booking online to confirm there are no other specials.
- Book international flights at least two-months in advance. In addition, it would be wise to begin shopping for prices as much as three or four months in advance.
- Pick rental cars up from the airport. You will likely get a cheaper rate when you pick rental cars up from the airport where there are multiple other rental car providers. Non-airport rental agencies have less direct competition and tend to be more expensive.
- Eat breakfast at the hotel. Many family oriented hotels now offer free breakfast to their guests. Not having to pay for three meals a day will save you tremendously.
- Get a room with a refrigerator. Loading up on some grocery items will allow you to save money on lunch or dinner each day. Doing so can cut your outside meals down to one a day, which will significantly reduce the cost of your overall vacation.
- Rent a car. Between shuttles, taxis and tips you may pay more than if you rent a car. The key to saving here is if the hotel offers free parking. Determine if you will need a shuttle to and from the hotel and taxis in between, then price out a rental car. Go with whichever option meets your needs and saves you money.
- Go to restaurants where kids eat free. If you have kids under the age of five, always look for restaurants where you can save on your kid's meals.
- In addition to looking for deals online, call the hotel directly. Often, the best deals are made at the hotel level. Before you book your room online, call the hotel and ask if they can offer a better rate. Be sure to ask for discounts based upon memberships and affiliations.
- Book your own reservations. This saves you money and the hotel money by not having to pay third party booking fees. Often, if you see one price on a third party website you can call the hotel directly and get an immediate discount because they do not have to pay booking fees.
- Use coupons and other promotional offers. Hotels, airlines and general attractions are in the business of making money. The vast majority of their revenues come from discounted rates and specials.
- Refill your water bottles. Today, bottled water has a 1000 percent markup. You are able to save money by simply refilling your own water bottle. After all, many water manufacturers are doing the same thing!
- Buy multi-day passes at the attractions. These are really good when you can come back whenever you would like. In some cases, you can go to multiple parks as well.