Vacation Time Is Essential Time

Each day is a new chance for an adventure. But even with some effort, it may be difficult to find adventure in your typical workday or as you’re running to the places you need to be. That’s why vacation and personal days are the perfect opportunity to carve out time to explore something new, recharge our minds and do something we enjoy. If vacation days are so appealing, why do so many go unused?

If you’re a travel agent, you may find yourself in the trap of being always available to your clients. And even when you set your out of office notification, if you are still checking email or messages, are you truly away? Despite the instant response mindset many have, good customer service includes replies that are prompt, not immediate. It’s time to reduce (or better yet, eliminate) the guilt of not working around the clock, and start prioritizing yourself.

Taking time off isn’t just valuable for you. It also benefits the people around you and those you serve as a business owner. A better, healthier you means you’ll be at your best with your travel agent duties.

Here are a few reasons why taking time to travel “off the clock” is good for your well-being.

Travel Boosts Your Mood

Nothing compares to the feeling when you step on board or sit down on your poolside-lounge chair. Even the planning and anticipation part can give you feelings of joy and excitement. Start the new year by adding a trip to your calendar so you can look forward to it for months and days leading up to it.

Travel Calms the Chaos

Bring the focus on yourself and the people and experiences that you find most meaningful in your life. When you’re bouncing from errand to appointment, it’s easy to stress your body and mind without realizing it. Spas, massages and quiet time listening to the sound of the ocean can take you from clouded thoughts to balance and serenity. These experiences are also great to share with clients when you return.

Travel Expands Your Perspective

Embracing new cultures and stepping outside your comfort zone can do wonders for strengthening your skills. It teaches you about others and what you’re capable of accomplishing. Learning how to adapt, even if it’s just to a different place to sleep for a few days, makes us more emotionally flexible. With your enhanced resiliency, you’ll be able to tackle client situations and unexpected issues that arise.

Travel Exercises Your Mind

Not only are we more physically active when we travel, but our minds are more engaged. If you think about your daily routine, you probably complete a lot of it by relying on muscle memory. On vacation, routines are fresh, and we’re constantly exposed to new people and environments. If you’re looking for inspiration for creative marketing ideas to try, look no further than your next great getaway to start thinking outside the box.

If you’re looking at the calendar wondering where the year went, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the rut of feeling overworked. Set yourself a goal to use your vacation time, even if you end up staying close to home. A rested, happy mind makes for a truly outstanding travel agent.