Whether it’s to a bed-and-breakfast inn an hour away or to another country, a short vacation can be stacked high with benefits. Experts say shorter vacation stays provide the recharge needed without the expense of longer trips, making these pocket-sized getaways perfect for a quick recharge.
Tips for frequent traveling
Since mini-vacations are so inexpensive and easy to plan, you may find yourself becoming a more frequent traveler. If you’re heading to a summer home on the weekend or to parts unknown, here are some tips to make tiny trips by plane easier.
Invest in a virtual mailbox
No more asking your neighbors or office mates to pick up your mail while you’re away from home and work. On long vacations or short getaways, you can monitor mail with a virtual mailbox. You’ll be able to see correspondence using your phone and act upon anything urgent no matter where you are.
Don’t panic at long TSA lines
It’s always a wise idea to arrive at the airport in plenty of time for TSA screening, but don’t judge the line by its length. Instead, pay attention to how fast the line is moving. The last thing you want is to miss your boarding window because you assumed a short line meant a short wait.
Make a list and check it twice
Santa Claus isn’t the only one who double-checks the big list. Make your packing list, then cross through each item as you pack it in your suitcase. Then load the list itself. That way, you can recheck the list when packing to return home, making sure you don’t leave anything behind in the hotel room.
Get water after security screenings
Once you’re past the TSA counter, pick up a bottle of water at the airport gift shop. Flying can dehydrate your skin and body, so drinking water while traveling is vital to feeling your best.
Remember your parking spot
Nothing is worse than forgetting where you left your car once you’re back at your home airport. When you park your car, take a cell phone picture of the signs for your parking level. This image will jog your memory when you’re travel-tired and ready to go home.
Now that you know how to travel successfully, here are some ways taking a little trip can be more beneficial than a more extended vacation.
Less anxiety about being away
If you panic at the thought of being away from your emails, voicemails, and letters, a shorter vacation might put your mind at ease. Protect your peace by only checking your email at specific times (if you check it at all) and then putting away phones and laptops to enjoy your time out of the office.
Easier to disconnect
Inc.com reports that workers find it easier to disconnect from the office if they’re only away for a few days. More extended vacations can leave workers concerned about projects and work duties when they’re supposed to be relaxing. Mini vacations can offer a break from checking emails for a few days without the unmanageable avalanche of shored-up responsibilities when you return.
Less expense
Travel can be costly. Longer trips add more extended hotel stays, more restaurant meals, and endless car rentals. A lengthy vacation can add to your stress if it means high credit card bills next month. Mini vacations can save you money based on duration and depending on the dates you choose. Midweek vacation rentals can be as much as thirty percent less than traditional week-long rentals.
More opportunities to relax all year
Psychology Today notes that the relaxation benefits of vacation wane within a few days after work. The good news is that if you take mini-vacations, you can get that relaxation more often than if you used all your leave on a more extended vacation. Multiple mini-trips can be more relaxing than one supercharged vacation.
Greater anticipation
Much of the fun of taking a vacation is looking forward to rest, relaxation, and spending more time with loved ones. Taking more mini-vacations gives you more to look forward to without the stress of being away from duties at home and work, preparation, and expense. This anticipation can fuel greater productivity.
Less preparation
Mini vacations of only a few days require less preparation at work and home. Longer breaks may mean completing work ahead of time or talking a coworker into handling your duties at work. Weeks-long vacations can also mean making sure you have a long-term pet sitter and arrangements for lawn care while you’re away.
Easier to schedule
Coordinating work and personal schedules is critical if you’re planning a family vacation or a couple’s getaway. It’s much easier to find times when everyone’s free time overlaps if you only need to account for a few days.
Mini vacations, many benefits
Taking more frequent but shorter vacations has proven to be more relaxing. Mini holidays bring workers more rest, greater productivity, and a more sustainable work-life balance. These tiny trips are easier to schedule, plan and afford, too. Next time you’re looking to cash in on your PTO, consider taking a bite-sized chunk out of work stress with a mini vacation.
