Saturday, October 25, 2014

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Plan that epic trip

1. Define YOUR epic.  Is it walk the Abbey Road crosswalk like the Beatles did? Is it have a beer in Ireland on St. Patrick's Day? See the Superbowl? Go to the Kentucky Derby? See the fountains of Bellagio with 10 friends from the rail, like they did in Ocean's 11?  Swim with Dolphins? Learn to surf in Hawaii? Climb Pike's Peak in Colorado? Or see the original Starbucks at Pike Place, Seattle?

2. Find someone who supports your dream. Is there a friend or family member who shares your enthusiasm? If not, find a forum or chat group or on-line blog that can fuel your fire.  Borrow books from the library that inspire you and relate to your dream. Even if your goal is Pike's Peak, you will find benefit from reading books about climbing Mt. Everest.

3. Research the cost. What is a realistic cost for airfare, hotel, and activities? Now you can start your budget planning and find ways to start saving. So if "Drink beer on St. Patrick's Day in Ireland" is your goal, and you estimate $1600 for the trip and you can save $100 per month, then you know you have a realistic chance of fulfilling this dream March 2016.

4. Plan milestone rewards. If your goal is to climb Pike's Peak in Colorado, reward yourself with hiking boots or new gear when you reach your exercise and training milestones.

5. Make the commitment.  Book the time off work. Colour the dates on the calendar. Add a countdown APP to your phone. Anything that makes it visual and inspirational. Even if it seems far off into the future, you CAN and WILL get there, one day at a time.

Once you achieve your goal, share it. Inspire others. Then set a new goal for yourself. I know that I feel happier and more purposeful when I have a goal to work towards or something specific to look forward to.

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