As a travel consultant, one of the most difficult tasks for me is to plan itineraries for the Type A personalities. Everyone travels for different reasons. I certainly understand that. For many, travel is a means to escape from the everyday stress of life. But it isn’t always as simple as hopping on a plane and leaving your troubles at home.
Most Americans want to stay connected so they bring their work and home with them. This will also bring the same pace and demands of life. For those Type A personalities who need to be in control and like things “just so”, stress likes to jump in the backseat and come along for the ride.
Here are just a few tips to try and leave stress behind. You can fill in the explanations. If you follow these you will survive, I promise you. And you will feel very different upon your returning home.
– Get lost.
– Be flexible and open minded.
– Keep it simple.
– Pack lightly.
– Ditch the diet.
– Make a connection with someone.
– Remember the world is bigger than you are.
Here is how one of my clients, Paula, experienced such freedoms…
“A few months ago, I read Harriet’s newsletter that talked about “actually being in the place” when you travel. I thought I understood what that meant when I read the newsletter. But I really didn’t until I truly experienced being in the place. My husband and I went on our 25th anniversary trip to St. Lucia in June. I was looking forward to the fact that there was no TV and no phone in our room. We didn’t use any computers and decided to turn our cell phones off when we boarded the plane heading to St. Lucia. We didn’t turn our phones back on until we landed in Miami a week later. Without all of the distractions, it was incredible how much of St. Lucia I truly experienced during our trip! What was even more incredible was the fact that I didn’t fully realize how relaxed I was able to become on our trip until we arrived home and I wasat total and complete peace. I have never been more relaxed in my life! I have also never been on a vacation where I made the conscious decision to be “electronic distraction” free and what a great decision it was. I plan on doing that on all of my vacations in the future what a gift to give yourself, and your family or friends with whom you are traveling. Thank you for the best advice ever, Harriet!
AlwaysHarriet 