When work gets tough and other sources of stress start to get to you, dreaming about a vacation can help you get through the day. It also helps if we actually take that vacation.

Too many Americans leave paid vacation days on the table, thus giving money back to their employers. On average, employees who get paid vacation only take ="https://www. marketwatch. com/story/55-of-american-workers-dont-take-all-their-paid-vacation-2016-06-15" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. marketwatch. com/story/55-of-american-workers-dont-take-all-their-paid-vacation-2016-06-15', 'about half']);" target="_blank">about half of what they’re entitled to. Consider how much money you get paid per day and how many vacation days you don’t take — that adds up to the amount of money you’re paying your employer.

So take that vacation, already! There’s no reason not to. If the idea of spending thousands of dollars on a trip seems daunting, find a cheaper option. The internet is full of ="https://www. travelchannel. com/interests/budget/articles/best-discount-travel-sites" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. travelchannel. com/interests/budget/articles/best-discount-travel-sites', 'budget travel sites']);" target="_blank">budget travel sites just waiting to be used.

Stress-Reducing Travel Tips

Though some people can thoroughly relax while on vacation, many find that going on a trip can be even more stressful than staying at home. Learning to travel without stress is a challenge, but it can be done successfully. Read on for tips to help you relax and make the most of your time off.

Plan ahead. If your trip is planned and paid for beforehand, you’re less likely to spend precious vacation time deciding what to do next. Don’t plan too much. Don’t plan every waking moment of your trip. Trying to squeeze everything into one week can drive you crazy. Knowing what you can reasonably fit into each day is key. Leave some room for ="https://www. smartertravel. com/12-ways-spontaneous-travel/" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. smartertravel. com/12-ways-spontaneous-travel/', 'spontaneity']);" target="_blank">spontaneity. Build in a day of rest. Don’t arrive home Sunday evening and plan to go to work Monday morning. You’ll be exhausted and possibly jet-lagged. Come home a day early, or add another vacation day so that you have a day to do laundry, unpack, and take a nap if needed. That way, when it’s time to go back to work, you’ll be refreshed and ready to share your experiences with your co-workers. Relax. Spend some of your vacation time doing ="https://www. sandals. com/blog/how-to-relax-on-vacation/" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. sandals. com/blog/how-to-relax-on-vacation/', 'something restful']);" target="_blank">something restful. Lying on the beach, visiting a spa, and taking in a theater production can give you rest. These will help you recharge rather than wear you out. Build in time. If you don’t schedule a good buffer at the airport, you’re more likely to miss a flight, adding a heaping pile of stress to your trip. Make sure layovers are reasonable with plenty of time for delays, or long enough to let you explore a city. Bring entertainment. Books, tablets, cell phones, and crossword puzzles will ="https://www. travelpulse. com/opinions/column/5-must-haves-for-traveling-on-a-plane. html" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. travelpulse. com/opinions/column/5-must-haves-for-traveling-on-a-plane. html', 'keep your mind occupied']);" target="_blank">keep your mind occupied during the boring parts of travel. Sources of entertainment are especially important if you’re traveling with children. Flights are often long and tedious, and you’ll find yourself bored and unable to sleep. Having enough to do will ease this boredom. Calm your anxiety. If you’re afraid to fly, this can make traveling even more stressful. Try taking ="https://www. verywellhealth. com/cbd-oil-for-anxiety-4176279" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. verywellhealth. com/cbd-oil-for-anxiety-4176279', 'CBD oil']);" target="_blank">CBD oil, which has been shown to help promote calmness. Ask your doctor if you can take CBD, then ="https://www. remedyreview. com/about-cbd/best-cbd-oils/" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. remedyreview. com/about-cbd/best-cbd-oils/', 'read a comparison list']);" target="_blank">read a comparison list online to find the best one for you.

Before You Go

While you’re away, you don’t want to ="https://www. statefarm. com/simple-insights/residence/13-ways-to-protect-your-home-when-you-travel" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. statefarm. com/simple-insights/residence/13-ways-to-protect-your-home-when-you-travel', 'worry about']);" target="_blank">worry about your home. Make sure you have a good security system in place, including an alarm with monitoring. Most systems today have smartphone apps so that you can ensure ="https://www. highsecurityhome. org/find-home-security-near-you/" onclick="_gaq. push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'https://www. highsecurityhome. org/find-home-security-near-you/', 'you’ll be alerted']);" target="_blank">you’ll be alerted the moment something happens. This will stop you from worrying that your home could be burgled or damaged. Also, make sure that you stop the mail and newspapers, so that your home doesn’t appear to be empty. Putting some of your lights on timers will also give the appearance that you’re home.

The most important tip for enjoying your vacation is to live in the moment. Don’t worry about what’s going on at work, at home, at school, or when you have to catch the next train—sit and savor the view, the company, and the experience. These are the moments you’ll remember when you’re back at work in a boring meeting. Now get planning!

Xoxo,

="http://www. candicenikeia. com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/signature_image-e1470071715656.gif">

="https://blockads. fivefilters. org">Let's block ads! ="https://blockads. fivefilters. org/acceptable. html">(Why?)