I recently returned home from a 27-day trip that included visiting several cities in England, a 2-night cruise to Le Havre, France, a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, and a few days in Dublin to see my favorite rock star in concert. Most of my travel is considered a working vacation. Yes, I see the sights, but I also travel with a laptop and spend time working, not to mention being available 24/7 to calls/texts/emails that may need immediate attention. I see and do a lot, but am largely “on call” the entire time. I’m not complaining; just stating facts. I consider it a blessing to be able to work from anywhere in the world! I have had the privilege of working while on a yacht, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea; answering client texts while watching the Northern Lights in Iceland; eating tapas in Spain while answering client travel questions; touring Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace and texting clients, and on and on. Although the term is overused, I really am blessed and very grateful for these opportunities.
BUT…after eight years of working as a travel advisor (and most days until 9:00pm or later), it’s time to evaluate what I want my life to look like as I inch toward retirement. I never want to reach the point of true Burn Out, so I know it’s time to add some non-work interests to my life and set some time management boundaries.
I can’t imagine NOT having a hand in sending clients on adventures, but it’s time to focus on the areas and types of travel that I am most passionate about. I also plan to continue to escort one group trip per year. This has been the heart of my business and I love experiencing new places with my clients and friends. It also helps me check some places off of my bucket list.
I will continue to specialize in creating travel itineraries to the British Isles; river cruises; 7+ night cruises; Viking River/Ocean/Expedition cruises; escorted group travel (Globus, Trafalgar, Collette, etc.); and the occasional “other” trip.
Please continue to reach out with your travel needs and refer your friends and family. When I can help, it is my absolute honor to partner with you. If my workload is too heavy, I would ask that you trust me and work with a hand-picked colleague who specializes in your request.
As for burnout during travel, consider the most important items on your list and fit those in first. Avoid the temptation to fill every single free moment. You want time to stop at a local market, enjoy a cappuccino and people watch, and so much more. If you pack every moment with tours and activities, you’ll exhaust yourself and might miss out on a gem.
Now, how do YOU avoid Travel Burn Out? Don’t just grab every trip that is within your grasp. Travel can be exhausting! Instead, prioritize the places you wish to visit and start making a plan to get you there. We never know what life holds and if you have the time and budget, what are you waiting for?
heywannago 