Returning to our daily routines after a long holiday break is always tough. However, there is always something that I look forward to each January. After reconnecting with colleagues I have not seen for weeks, I settle into my chair with a calendar in hand, and map out my personal travel plan for the upcoming year.
In terms of how I tackle this process, the first thing I do is make note of all our Company holidays. Then I block out Thanksgiving week in November and two weeks for December. Next, I take a look at what countries I will be traveling to for work in the next few months and decide on two- or three-day getaways near those locations. Being conservative, I try to leave five days left over to allow for impromptu weekends away or visits with family or friends.
I find that one of the big benefits of mapping out travel plans so early in the year is that it provides an opportunity to watch the Internet for airfare and/or hotel deals that may pop up in the destinations you are interested in. It also allows you to reach out and confirm vacations with travel companions in advance. This tends to provide them with excitement and inspiration for the year ahead as well.
This has been an annual tradition for me as long as I can remember, and going through this process never fails to make me feel like the year is getting off to an organized start. I also have adventures to look forward to as I flip the pages on my calendar each month. I hope you will give it a try.
As always, I wish you all the happiest of travels!
