It’s all a matter or perspective, what do you see when you look at the photo above? Do you see a weed, or do you see a wish?
Travel can be the same way, it’s all about your perspective and your mindset. For some, if the smallest thing goes wrong it can set the tone for their entire trip. However, if you shift your mindset and have the expertise of a travel professional to fall back on, it’s not a disaster if your flight becomes delayed.
Last week, we had a family traveling home from Jamaica who were delayed for several hours and ultimately had their flight diverted. They finally returned to their home airport at almost 3am. This certainly could have ruined the entire trip for many travelers. This family, however, rolled with everything and didn’t miss a beat. They enjoyed the VIP lounge that we had pre arranged for the journey home, complete with hot and cold snacks, an open bar, and plenty to keep their 7 year old entertained. I’m certain when they look at the photo above a wish is what they see.
Certainly, there are things that you can do while preparing for your trip to make sure it goes more smoothly. Here are some of my suggestions to help take the stress our of your vacation. While there are always unknowns that can arise, the more prepared you are, the better, in my opinion.
#1 – Picking the location that best meets your travel style and the needs of your family is a huge step.
#2 – Secondly, you can seek out the expertise of a professional to make sure that the vacation that was perfect for your retired neighbors is the right fit for your family of 4. Often we are approached by a client who wants to do the same vacation that their friends or neighbors did, because they had a great time. However, upon further collaboration we are able to come up with a vacation that better fits their travel style.
#3 – Have a schedule, but also a back up plan. For instance, if you have a week to explore Paris, plan both inside and outside activities that are flexible. If the weather is beautiful, visit the local outdoor market, or picnic in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Should the forecast call for a cool or rainy day, spend that time strolling through the Rodin museum or participating in a french cooking class.
#4 – Always buy the insurance! We do all the right preparations and expect only the best, but obviously there are always things out of our control. Who remembers the volcano that erupted several years ago in Iceland and grounded a huge portion of the air traffic in Europe? Sure, it ruined the vacations of many travelers, but those with an open mind were able to extend their vacations and have a wonderful time during those few extra days.
#5 – Keep an open mind – if you are expecting things to go wrong there’s a good chance that they will! I’m a firm believer that you get what you ask for. If you have gotten this far and the suggestions above resonate with you, you’re on the right track to experiencing the vacation of your dreams.
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