Many nurses with busy careers know that they need a vacation, but planning one can be stressful if you’re considering a destination, how to get there, and what to do once you’re there.
Organizing a trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking small steps to achieve the relaxation you’ve been craving for a while can help you prepare to go sightseeing with minimal anxiety. For a helpful guide, consider the following tips for step-by-step assistance to help you take the first steps toward some much-needed rest.
Choose a Destination
When you’re planning a vacation, picking a place that you want to visit can motivate you to become excited about your trip.
If you can’t decide where to go, think about what types of locations you prefer. Is it beaches, or are you more of a mountain person? Maybe you’re neither and would like to explore cities more. Think broadly about the scenery you like, then get specific about where you want to go.
It could be that your dream destination is your number one location, but maybe that’s not possible right now due to travel costs or other reasons. In that case, consider going somewhere closer, like a local museum or a botanical park in another state.
Plane tickets can be costly if they’re not booked months in advance, so if you’re planning an impromptu vacation and want to save some money, a road trip can be the answer. You can take your time and stop by tourist traps that catch your eye. (Buc-ee’s anyone?)
Each state in the U.S. has many hidden spots for tourists if you know where to look. Read reviews on your Maps app for unique locations, or download a travel app such as AllTrails to discover where to take your next scenic hike.
Decide What You Want to Do and Who to Bring
After you’ve chosen your destination, think about who you want to bring with you on your trip. You can also go on a solo trip if you’re craving time or want to enjoy the freedom of choosing your own adventure.
It’s also helpful to think about what types of activities you want to do on your trip. One suggestion is to make three lists of tourist destinations in the area, one with “must-see” locations, another with “maybe” for places to visit, and the last for the ones you’d rather skip.
Not everyone prefers to make a list, but it’s good to have a place to document where you want to go and where you want to see. Google Maps has a feature where you can save locations to a customized list if that’s easier, or you can use a notes app to keep track of what locations to go to and check off as you go.
A good rule to follow is to plan for at least one or two activities each day. You’ll likely spend more time than you realize at one destination, so avoid overloading yourself with back-to-back activities.
Another tip is to prioritize the attractions you want to see and be prepared to sidetrack activities in case things go wrong due to obstacles out of your control, like rainy weather or roadblocks.
Pack for Your Trip by Activities
Let’s say you’ve chosen a travel destination and invited a couple of your closest friends on a road trip with you. Now, all you need to do is pack for your trip.
Packing can seem intimidating, but you can start by noting what travel activities you have planned. If you’re going to a beach, go ahead and pack sunscreen and a bathing suit.
It’s wise to make a list of all that you’ll need so that when you head out the door, you can check to see if you’re not missing anything. Make a list of “essential items” like your phone charger or keys so you don’t avoid returning to your trip to pick up a much-needed item.
Have a Day to Do Whatever You Want
Planning what to do for a vacation can feel like a job. In that case, have one day where you and anyone with you can do whatever you like. This can be anything waking up late, swimming at the hotel pool, or eating at the restaurant you noticed looked nice on your drive there.
Having a flexible vacation day allows you to explore places that weren’t on your mind before and takes the pressure off of having a rigid plan.
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