I regret

Photo by: Tim Bindner

Last weekend while having dinner with friends the subject of vacations and planning those vacations came up. Anyone who knows me knows I plan things out, especially vacations, and often very early. I have, however, changed my method and the purpose behind the change.

I used to plan every detail as soon as possible about our trips, though often the planned itinerary didn’t come to fruition. I wanted to know when and where we were doing things. My planning has changed. Obviously, I still must plan flights, lodging, location, and sometimes rental cars, but places to visit are not so stringent with me. I make a list of places to go, but now when and if we don’t make it, that is okay with me. The list is a guide.

So back to our discussion about planning vacations. My friend Mark once told me to plan things to look forward to. I take that to heart. I try to plan one or two trips a year and a few smaller weekend trips as well. It does so much for my psyche and helps me get through the mundane workdays. I do the same when ‘looking forward’ to hikes on the weekends.

Last weekend our friend pointed out that they do not plan vacations, and even stated recently after a vacation got canceled because of an airline snafu, that “I look so forward to vacations that I hate being disappointed when they are canceled.” My initial thought was would you look back and be disappointed because you went nowhere, or take a chance that maybe 5% or less of the trips get canceled?

Delays and cancelations will happen, but being worried about something you have no control over, in my opinion is no reason to not still try to go on vacation. Again, having things to look forward to can really help you in everyday life.

Now I know some people hate to travel, and that is okay, but in this conversation, I saw and heard the regret that this couple rarely goes anywhere on vacation, and when they do it is last-minute planning that sometimes leads to delays or cancelations. That is why I plan.

Our upcoming trip to Colorado I began planning about 10 months before it will take place. I booked an Airbnb, booked a rental car and one hotel room. We also booked flights. These are all paid for as well, except the rental car. The Airbnb lodging is booked solid a few weeks before and months after our stay. If I had not planned, we would not be staying at what they describe as “On 14 acres of wide-open space, the recreation opportunities are endless. Beautiful views, close access to Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management areas, and in great proximity to ski resorts and other fun, exciting, outdoor experiences!!” and “This spacious apartment with 360-degree views of the mountains is the perfect starting point for any adventure. Activities nearby include one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences, skiing, soaking/spa treatments in natural hot springs, horseback riding, hiking, biking, dog sledding, fly-fishing, and Arkansas River rafting, just to name a few. Explore Ghost Town, feed chipmunks, and experience a whole new type of vacation! “

Our last night in the state we are staying at a hotel close to the airport. By booking early, we saved $70 for the night (difference between when we booked and the current price). Also, last time we went to this area, there were no rental cars. Booking early ensured we will have one and again much cheaper than booking them now.

Our trips are not life changing or epic, but they energize me, excite me with possibilities and, as mentions give me things to look forward to. I spent many years not going on vacation because I didn’t want to leave Kota. I know others that work themselves to death expecting to go on vacation ‘after they retire’. Life is not guaranteed, and when you retire, you may be unable to afford a vacation, or physically have the vacation you set in your mind.

Vacations or trips do not have to be epic, just memorable. They can be a long weekend somewhere or two weeks overseas, but dreaming about them and actually taking them are totally different. We all only have one life. Do you want to look back and say I wish I had …

Until next time.

Tim

P.S. I mean heck if I had not gone on vacation I would not have seen or taken the shot above!