Winning Strategies

Vacation Dreaming

Every now and again, when work, kids, bills, and the monotony of life send me into a doldrum, I begin vaccation dreaming.  In my mind, I begin to dream up the next far away destination that I could run off to, leaving my bills (and my kids and job) far behind.

The excercise itself is refreshing.  Watching a travel video, travel show, or even reading about a journey can bring me out of my mental state and help me prepare for another day.  I do plan to take a vacation, as often as life allows.  My next destination of choice is Machu Picchu.  I'm dreaming of running away to Peru to see the ancient ruins of old.  The pictures seem simply amazing, and one wonders if in fact it is THAT amazing in person.

I enjoy hiking, and the thought of a long hike (actually, I have no idea how long the hike is) to the top of an ancient ruin with an amazing view holds MUCH appeal to my deadened senses and overworked and under relaxed body and mind.

I mentally think about the steps to move towards the goal.  Start with 1) order book on Machu Picchu (that should be easy with Amazon my trusted online order friend.  2) watch a travel video on it.  Searching the DVR now to see if Machu Picchu or Peru brings up any shows, yup, press red record button for upcoming show on Peru (it is on, of course, during working hours, so I'll have to record for later viewing).

Well, 2 steps in a process is a good start.  I'll keep you posted.

Dreaming Vacation Realities

I received a phone call tonight from a dear friend of mine. He was elated over a recent vacation to Cancun. He and his wife had a fabulous and relaxing time. They enjoyed the weather, the resort, the all-inclusive package, their time together and the experience. He said that he often use to dream of taking vacations and didn't realize that it was feasible and as inexpensive as it turned out to be. He didn't realize that he could be one of 'those' people that vacationed every year. He had over estimated the cost of vacation, and that had kept him home. Some of his in-US trips had been more costly than his Mexico vacation.

How many times do you believe that you can't do something or believe that something isn't feasible? How many times do you 'write an idea off' before you research the possibilities? I once believed that I couldn't afford the time or the money to get an education. I was a single mom, working a full time cirporate job. Guess what? I could. I believed that I couldn't before. Even did the research.

Research your dreams. Cost out the possibilities. Educate yourself on life's options. You may be able to do more than you've ever realized that you can do.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

A Plan to See the World

Lots of people ask me how we've been able to visit locations all around the globe. Having a traveling job with IDX/GE definitely helped (nothing like those miles and points for free airfare and hotels). But it also takes a decision, a lifestyle and a conscious effort to do it.
I realize this more now since in the last few years I have have not had the luxury of miles or points.

DREAMING
Where would you like to go? It is time to sit down and dream.  What regions interest you? What world monuments or wonders of the world are you dying to see? Make a long list. In effect, you could use this list for the rest of your life, slowly checking off locales as you accomplish them on your life journey.

PLANNING
When you needed a car, you sat down and planned how you would get it, what the make and model would be and then you searched. It was an effort combined with plan and patience. You probably did the same thing if you are a homeowner. Traveling is the same way. It is an effort combined with plan and patience. Different trips are available based on the budget you wish to spend and the amount of things that you decide to go without in order to travel there.

BUDGETING
You may decide to forego a new car, not buy that bigger house, not spend as much on clothes, and cancel some of your eating out trips. That will create budget for travel.

CATEGORIZING
Next- segment your locations into budget categories. Would it take a little or medium or large amount of budget dollars to get you there. This may take a little research. Go to www.expedia.com or american airlines vacations and price out a few of the locations. Use trip packages to give you a 'packaged price' idea. You will end up with dream destinations in 3 budget categories. You now have your menu.

SETTING ASIDE MONEY
Setting aside money for travel is next. Now that you have a vision and a menu, you can budget for the travel into bi-monthly payments where you can 'pay into' your vacation savings account. This will give you the spending money tosee the world.

SCHEDULING/BOOKING
Now comes the fun part. Early in the year- you will blazingly pick dates and book yor trip. You will not cancel it no matter what! There will always be something at the office or some reason to 'put it off'- but you will not. You will rank life and relationships higher on your priority list than your job.

I look forward to your questions.