Traveling to that which you have not seen from a place you have yet to fully discover is an exercise in artistic time management. Attempting to get the most out of a vacation without turning it into a race is being mindful of the art of balance and living in the moment.
Any vacation revolves around that which you can do within the time allotted. Part of this process is to determine what the most important aspect of the recreational respite is and what true relaxation feels like. Of course when you’re retired it’s a whole new ballgame.
To vacation when you’re retired is simply going from one vacation to another. It feels like a beautiful bubble that is floating above the earth to land in any place you desire. When you land you realize that this might be the last time you see that venue, park, hotel, restuarant, winery, garden, etc.
This realization gives the trip a sense of urgency underneath the current of relaxation and personal growth. The plan becomes an operation of specific time lines in between reflection of that which you are experiencing. As you get older the breath of appreciation grows to add another dimension.
The dimension I speak of is the immersion into the picture you’ve planned for which evolves into a memory you will never forget. Domestic or international the planning is key to the success of the trip.
Each time line has to take into account the reflection of the place you’ve targeted, the distance of travel to that place, and the time to enjoy it. These are all very important considerations. Not trying to do too many things but choosing those particulars that enhance lifes journey into the unknown.
Anytime we see something for the first time we have to realize it will never be like that again. That’s why you have to make it count. Research into the top ten things to do, the top restaurants for that which you desire, and the all important reviews that solidify your choices. This time well spent will give you a greater opportunity for success.
Planning the vacation is an art unto itself. Like any event that you orchestrate it has to feel natural and not contrived. The beauty of the exhaustive practice which involves many hours of outlining, calling, and other communications through text and email adds value to the discoveries that will be revealed.
Basically, as you get older (in the back of your mind) you have an internal dialogue that says, “I’ve got one shot at this, so let’s make it count.”
The prophetic panoramic vision I see through the practicality of “having lived a little” becomes a mantra for viewing each aspect of the journey. I have never felt that basing your vacation soley on price will be prudent for the memory you wish to store in places only meant for you.
Having said that I do look at the price point of all things related to the trip to determine value. If I believe something that costs $500.00 is a good value then I will pull the trigger on that room, tour, meal, transportation, concert, or whatever it is.
However, if the price doesn’t reflect that which enhances the moment then I will forgo the “tourist trap” and look for other encounters with the environment that will be epic.
When you live in a park like setting there is time to think about the places you’ve always wanted to see. Other countries, people, art, and monuments that provide a unique look at history only available close-up and in-person. Each time I live in the experience I see an added value of understanding that unveils a compassionate undercurrent of connection to the humanity we all seek.