Growing up on a farm instilled in me a strong work ethic. As a child, my parents allowed me to enjoy childhood activities while understanding the importance of responsibilities. Not completing my tasks led to a domino effect of catching up. This work ethic has carried into my adult life, teaching me valuable lessons. However, I’ve realized the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout. That’s why Donald and I prioritize our 9-5 jobs (more realistically, 5am-8pm) and eagerly look forward to our vacations.
Balancing Work and Leisure
Having something to anticipate helps us balance our demanding schedules. We make sure to enjoy our weekends and holidays as downtime, striking a balance between work and leisure. The key is to keep it simple, as the saying goes: K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid). We’ve designated November, the month we got married, as our travel month since it’s typically a slower period at work and travel costs are lower.
Planning Our Next Destination
During the holidays, we plan our next year’s destination, often inspired by fellow travelers we meet along the way. Alternating who chooses the destination each year has worked well for us, allowing us to explore new places while considering each other’s preferences.
Researching and Anticipating Travel
Once we select a destination, whether local or international, we dive into researching places to visit, historical sites, tours, activities, and of course, food. We don’t just research the country or state we’re going to; we also utilize Pinterest, other traveler blogs, and vlogs. This planning process helps us spread out the cost, makes the time go by faster, and keeps us eagerly anticipating our vacation.