PUTTING PEN TO PAPER
BY Pallavi Pinakin
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned list when it comes to planning vacations and turning your globe-trotting fantasies into reality. So use the power of lists to revolutionise the way you travel.
MAP YOUR YEARS Do you plan your destination or simply let the current take you somewhere? There’s nothing wrong with being impulsive sometimes but without any planning at all, you could end up wasting precious time in destinations that don’t inspire you or let all your long weekends go by unutilised.
Writing things down leads to clarity and purpose, and sets your dreams in motion. According to a study, you’re 33 percent more likely to achieve a goal when you put pen to paper. So start by making a travel bucket list that’s focussed on the places you’re most excited about – including once in a lifetime vacations.
Follow this up with a travel list for the next six to 12 months. Identify your long weekends and remaining leave, then shortlist potential international and/or domestic destinations you wish to visit. Is it possible to aim for a bucket list item this year or the next? Which nearby spots would be perfect for micro-vacations?
HOLIDAY BUDGET Great vacations do not come cheap. Once you’ve created your upcoming travel list, shift the focus to finances and work on a budget – then check the gap with your current savings.
Then it’s time for another list! What are you willing to give up for the next six months to make that big vacation or series of long weekends happen?
Identify all the items you’re willing to cut back on and keep the list where you can see it every day. This way, you have the tools and motivation to start working towards your financial goal. Of course, this is a personal choice – some people prefer to sacrifice daily luxuries for memorable holidays while others like to spend their money on everyday experiences and travel on a limited budget.
PACK LIKE A PRO! A solid packing list is invaluable for travellers from first-timers to veterans and solo adventurers to families with kids. Seasoned travellers often develop personalised lists based on prior experiences while others prefer the convenience of a readymade checklist.
Check out The Ultimate Packing List by Smarter Travel, which can be used as is or modified. Another option is the PackPoint app where you enter details such as destination, reason for trip and length of stay, and generate a customised packing list.