It is the start of a new year, the time when many of us stop and reflect – maybe this is partly due to the fact we finally have the time to pause (for 2 seconds) in our crazy, active and busy lives, allowing ourselves to pull away from the daily toil of ‘life with children’. Of course, it is a new year, and we all love the idea of starting anew. Having a fresh perspective, with new dreams and goals can do wonders to how you start your year, but there are a few keys to setting yourself up for a win, rather than a fail. Many of us would love that dream holiday in that incredible destination we see in magazines. Yet quite often we see others take that holiday we have been dreaming about for years. They infiltrate our social media pages with their poolside profiles, glamorous hotels and exotic cuisine. So how can we be that person, and reach that holiday dream? I can’t magically give it to you, unfortunately, but I can point you in the right direction.

Write It Down

Sounds too simple? Many successful businesses and expeditions start with a plan, so why not use the same tools for your next vacation? Recently I attended a seminar where a very well known designer and celebrity was guest speaking. I will never forget one of the things she said that evening. She explained that she loved to create a visual diary, often with pictures cut out of magazines when she had a dream of something in particular she wanted. On many occasions, she would look back, years after she had carefully created a particular visual diary only to find she had experienced or owned what she had once only dared to dream. You may not be the type that sits down with paint and a blank canvas to create a vibrant, detailed vision board. It could be just writing something down on a piece of paper or in a journal, regardless of what it initially looks like making a plan and outline of what you want to do can be the start of something great. I am currently writing a bucket list with my children, which I will post very soon!

Finance It and Save

Ok, so this is a hard one. Money ain’t going to just fall from a tree for that ridiculously luxurious holiday you just dreamt up, sorry people. But that doesn’t mean giving up on it. Sometimes saving means a lifestyle change in certain areas. For many, it is simply opening a separate bank account and actively putting money away regularly. It may only start with very little, but soon you will have something wonderful growing – this is called saving. Sound like I am mocking? Well, I am, but only because I too find it incredibly hard to do as well. Just making that initial step to open that account can be a big step. Sometimes it’s good to look at it like this. If we all put $5 into an account every week for five years what would we have today? Around $1300. Now that isn’t going to get you your dream holiday unless it is close to home, but $5 is not going to be missed by many and is at least a start. $20 every week for 5 years is $5200. Yes, 5 years is a long time. But that 5 years is coming whether you save or not, so probably best to start. It may take a few years, or it may only take a few months. Money is the hard part, but you won’t regret putting that little bit away each month when you and your family are in that dream destination.

Budget

Next to Finance sits the budget. Work out how much you want to save, and how much you can afford to realistically put away every week or every month. When you have a budget in mind it is far easier to plan that time away. It may also determine your destination and the amount of time you will have away.

Sign Up For Travel Newsletters

Travel Agents send out emails whenever they have great sales on. This is great for two reasons. If you haven’t chosen a destination yet, then being guided by what comes up on sale is a great way to start (make sure you look at accommodation costs before booking). Being sent travel deals is also great if you have a destination in mind as you will know when those particular flights become available on the cheap. This is much easier than trying to do it on your own. The downside? More emails hanging out in your mailbox.

Don’t Despise Small Beginnings

Your dream destination may well be on the other side of the world, but it also may be sitting in your backyard (not literally). Whatever Country you live in, be it small or large, there is most likely an amazing destination within driving distance. It may be a day worth of driving, or it may only be an hour away. Make sure you research what is available close to home as this can save you loads of dollars, but still get you that vacation you desperately need. Taking the family away doesn’t have to be glamorous and cost you millions. No vacation should ever put you in debt either, credit card overhaul is never something I suggest or encourage. Start with the small but aim for big. You may be surprised by what lies only a few hours from you.

Time It Well

There are a number of factors that can hinder your time away if you do not time it right. If you are flexible and do not have school age children, then travelling in an off-peak season will benefit you hugely with the dollars you can save. If you cannot take the kids out of school then travelling in the first week or the last week of the summer break is the least expensive. Do research your destination for any festivals or events they may have on. Flights and accommodation can go sky high when a major event is taking place.

Ain’t No Sunshine

Once you have a destination in mind, and a budget, make sure you research the weather. Even in the hotter countries, there are months or seasons when it isn’t going to be suitable for a family vacation. Some destinations are far too hot to travel to in the peak of summer with littlies- unless you are making your way to a luxurious hotel with multiple pools, and hanging out in the water is all you have in mind. This is also the case if you are pregnant. In saying that, we did travel to Morocco when I was pregnant, though we did hang out by the pool most of the day. For many tropical destinations, you have to be wary of the rainy seasons. Some travel agents won’t mention it, but just because it is going to be an average of 28 degrees, doesn’t mean it will be pleasant in perpetual rain. Monsoons, hurricanes, if it is a tropical destination it can be likely.

Of The Utmost Importance

The only way to finally go away on holiday is by making it a priority. This may mean sitting down with the family and looking at the right time to go away over the next year. Simply making a time can be a huge hurdle in itself. If money is holding you back then start saving today. Whatever the hindrance start working on it straight away and be purposeful. Your holiday is only a plan away.