Disclosure: I was selected by Hampton by Hilton as an Ultimate Seekender to share my travel experiences. The opinions expressed belong to me and are not indicative of the Hampton by Hilton or their partners.
I am a huge believer in working hard and playing hard. That is the main reason why I started my blog, The Cubicle Chick. I wanted a space on the web that was devoted to helping working parents get the most out of their lives personally and professionally. Traveling is a huge part of enjoying the fruits of your labor while making memories. It allows you to getaway for a moment or two so you can recharge. When you get back, you are ready to conquer anything.
I have enjoyed being a Hampton by Hilton Seekender because I am able to share my travel experiences with my readers while partnering with a brand that is all about taking time to explore new destinations. During my Seekender stint, I’ve been able to do some pretty amazing things while encouraging professionals to take a break.
Many of you have commented on my blog or social media that you aren’t able to take time to travel because of your busy schedule. That, my friends, is something we can work on together. Most Americans fail to utilize their vacation time at work, and as a result, are overworked and overstressed.
I want to share with you 5 tips to help you vacation better in 2017, so that you can truly get the most out of your time off. I want you to head into 2017 with a plan to not only vacation better, but travel to destinations that you’ve never been.
Tip #1: Travel with a Partner in Crime
Traveling with a buddy who gets you, is not only fun, but can make visiting a new place feel familiar. During both of my Seekender excursions, I was able to bring a friend along with me, and we got to partake in wonderful activities that we still talk about. Traveling with a partner in crime can help you relax and unwind, and can be just what the doctor ordered.
Tip #2: Make a Travel Wish List
Vacation better in 2017 by writing down a Travel Wish List or Bucket List of places you’d like to visit that you haven’t yet. Having a visual record and a list that you can refer to can help encourage you to use those vacation days. Take it a step further by making a Travel Board on Pinterest or joining a travel group on Facebook.
Tip #3: Choose Reliability
When traveling to a new place, you may want the familiar feel of a brand that you know and trust. Select lodging that has worldwide locations and that has a good reputation. This can take the guess work out of where to stay and give you peace of mind when heading to a new city or country.
Hampton by Hilton is a brand that I trust. With over 2,000 locations across the world including the UK, Europe, and Asia, you can get the comfort of home while you are abroad.
Tip #4: Be a Tourist
Many hip and trendy travel writers warn against this, but I disagree. Being a tourist in a new destination is not only fine, but appropriate, especially when seeing something totally new. Take in the scene, visit popular landmarks, and go ahead and take that selfie in front of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s perfectly fine!
Tip #5: Plan Now
As a working professional, you probably get a selected amount of days to use for vacation purposes. Don’t wait until you are ready to take your trip—plan now! Mark off the days you want to use for the year and get them approved. This will be your insurance policy to actually use your time off. Time that you deserve.
Make it your mission to vacation better in 2017. I am counting on you to make a commitment to be an Ultimate Seekender while seeing new places and sights.
Where would you like to visit next?
I’m definitely looking to travel to San Fran in 2017.
These are incredible tips, I absolutely agree! Bookmarking this for later.
Seekender sounds great! It would certainly make planning much easier. Thanks for the heads up on this.
These are such great tips! I love getting out and about with the family, and these tips will certainly help us plan better. Thanks!
I have been working on my 2017 travel wish list. New Zealand is at the top of my list. It is always fun to travel with a friend.
I would love to be able to take a small trip next year. IT all depends on what happens in the next few months on if we can plan a surprise trip.
Planning ahead is the only way I feel sane about traveling. I have so many travel plans for 2017! It’s exciting!
I love these tips!! Perfect timing, because I’m starting to plan some fun trips for 2017! I can’t wait! Planning ahead is SO important!
I could not have said it better! It’s always nice to have someone with you when you travel especially when you’re going to a place for the first time. These tips will definitely help you travel better!
Such a good tips, We are planning to have a vacation, Thank you so much for the advice and for the better place for Christmas
These tips are more than helpful, Danyelle! Thanks for proving such great advice.