The warning signs that it’s time to rest and recharge, and have a vacation:

~  Feeling overwhelmed

~  On-going stress

~  Fatigue

~  Lack of focus

~  Difficulty completing your usual tasks

~  Missing more deadlines

~  Increase in conflicts at home and at work

When is a good time to take a vacation?

~  You find yourself working overtime and not making room for exercise, hobbies and other interests

~  You are emotionally drained from a break-up

~  You are emotionally drained from having to take long-term care of a family member (elder or disabled)

~  You are ready to jump-start a health kick. Going to a retreat for healthy eating and exercise is much easier and more fun with support than trying it on your own at home.

~  Feeling like your brain is over stimulated: lack of focus, insomnia. Consider a silent retreat. Learn how to meditate and enjoy complete silence and tranquility.

~  Your marriage is in a rut.  If you are feeling that your relationship is neglected, then it’s time to plan a vacation together. Couples retreats and spa weekends allow time to reflect on life, express your love, and allow relaxation time so you can focus your attention on each other without distractions!

~  Feeling unmotivated and stuck in a rut. When we are stagnant, we are not challenged or mentally stimulated. We all need something new and exciting to learn or do.  Pick up a new hobby! Take a vacation that includes activities like paddle boarding, surfing, salsa dancing, drawing, cooking or even writing that book you always wanted to write. Find a getaway that suits your needs!

Vacation on a budget

Don’t let the economy keep you from getting the rest and rejuvenation that you need and deserve! If you are on a tight budget, think about more economical options for taking your vacation. Keep in mind that a certain environment creates a specific state of mind. Ask yourself what kind of environment you and your family are yearning for and research places that are similar. Instead of flying to Hawaii, you can travel locally. The Florida Panhandle, Tampa Bay area, Long Boat Key, and numerous places in South Florida have a similar environment that offers the same state of mind that Hawaii offers…palm trees, sand in your toes, fishing, golfing, and swimming with dolphins.

Ways to save

 ~ Plan ahead to give you time to compare deals

~  Schedule your trip in the off-season. Airlines are usually cheaper from September through November and March through May.

~  Airline tickets are cheaper if you fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday

~  Understand travel trends for the location you want to go. Certain times of the year are more economical than others.

~  Register with airlines and travel companies to earn points and receive emails. Many of them offer discounts and coupons that can save you money!

~  Check out offers on Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com

~  Always ask airlines, hotels, travel agencies, etc. about any available upgrades, discounts or freebies. This could also improve the quality of your experience.

~  Book your airfare or hotel online (Orbitz, Kayak and Travelocity just to name a few)

~  Plan a vacation locally or regionally.

Stay-cations: Enjoy local venues and events!

 There are many fun and relaxing getaways in and around the Jacksonville area. Research the history of your city and do some site seeing after. Did you know that Humphrey Bogart and Al Capone frequently visited the Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach? St. Augustine is full of war stories and ghost tours. Hannah Park, the Jetties, Fernandina Beach, and Amelia Island are all locations that have an interesting history and a plethora of fun things to do.

Enjoy your own home while on vacation!

 ~  Theme/Costume dinner party

~   Girl’s night in

~  Picnic

~  Camping

~  Have a spa day with girlfriends or family in the comfort of your home

~  Biking on the trails

~  Beach Party/Picnic

~  Movie night in. Project a movie on the side of your house for a “drive-in theatre”

~  Have a Field Day competition in your backyard

~  Have an “Around the World” party: guests bring a dish from a different country

~  Have a cook-off, bake-off party

~  Scavenger Hunt

~  Geocaching: real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

Are you convinced you need a vacation, stay-cation or otherwise?  If not, please read this article on the many other benefits time-off can provide for you.  If you are even pondering the thought of time-away, chances are it’s time… https://www.businessinsider.com/benefits-reasons-for-taking-a-vacation-right-now-2011-11?op=1#ixzz2TkHzHkmq

What do you think now?