Hello All!!

I hope your week was awesome. On this fun day, I would be writing about time off – whether its a vacation or a staycation which I must say is becoming the new norm.

Now, we all know how excited we get when have an extra day off work or a holiday week of PTO. The closer it gets, we somehow become happier, more cheerful, we feel pumped up with positive energy and we just – can’t –  wait.

With the cost of travelling being so high, most people opt for a cheaper alternative – a staycation; and then save up for the longer holiday.  In my experience, a staycation is definitely easier on your wallet, you literally spend the most part of your day not too far from your couch, you have your laptop and phone charger plugged in, a constant supply of snacks, TV, surfing the web in your favorite snuggie or that old pair of yoga pants you need to get rid of while catching up on those long overdue calls….sound like you? Well, you’re not alone. We are all guilty as charged (wink)!

But I must say that the times I do get to go on a real vacation, I always have to have a list (and yes I happen to be a ‘list-person’). Lists are AMAZING!! And they help you focus on the important tasks at hand which save you money in the long run. I’m sharing a few checklist items that have worked for me and I hope they work for you too:

*Remember to check the weather forecast at your vacation spot/destination before you leave.

*Find out what activities you would be participating in and pack accordingly. If you would be doing a lot of walking or sightseeing, you might want to consider more flat or athletic shoes. If its going to be hot and sunny, you might want to pack a pair or two of covered shoes to avoid sun burn streaks on your feet (trust me, I’ve had one too many incidents). The goal is to be as comfortable as possible.

*Lay your outfits and accessories out prior to your trip,  you get a better visual perspective of what items match.

*Make sure all bills coming due during your time away are paid so you can just focus on your trip already 🙂

*Confirm your flight info and remember….travel size! travel size! travel size, for all hand luggage carry on items.

*And don’t forget to make arrangements for your pets/plants while you’re gone.

The plus points of a vacation are definitely high; such as waking up in a different location, getting out of your daily routine which is such a refresher not just on your body but it also does amazing things for your mental focus. Spending time with friends and family and getting to do touristy things is so much fun! But one of the most important things about a trip is you’re outside your comfort zone and exploring a little bit more of the world around you so go – for – it! Whether its exploring a little bit more of your city or travelling to that exotic location you’ve dreamed of forever…. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Let me know your most recent vacation or stay-cation experiences and what checklist items work best for you.

Ciao until next time!

Periwinkle Starr