How to Break Out of a Travel Slump

Building off my last post, I'm currently in between exciting trips, and I'm feeling a bit uninspired. Typically, I would recommend begin planning your next adventure, but we recently got some exciting news that means our time and effort will temporarily go towards a different kind of adventure - travel is on hold for just a little while. We do have a little family beach trip planned, but it's no where exotic (still relaxing and exciting though!). I know we will absolutely travel and go on big adventures soon, but just not in the immediate future. So that puts me officially in a travel slump. Here's what I'm doing to combat the between trip blues.

Get Inspiration from Pinterest

There are SO many places I want to visit. Honestly, there are dozens of countries I plan to visit in my lifetime. So far, I've made it to 5 continents (just need South America and Antarctica) so obviously those are on my list, but beyond that I want to explore as many countries as I can. Sometimes it can be hard to start whittling down my dream destinations and decide where to go next. So far, I'm leaning towards Banff, Canada or somewhere in Iceland. I've been finding a ton of absolutely beautiful countries on Pinterest and other social media. Dive in and get inspired! Then you can start planning and saving.           

Make Mini Adventures

I've mentioned this in the past, but in between grand adventures, I do my best to find mini adventures. Just recently I took a ferry to a nearby island and explored an old mansion there. It was a blast! There are also tons of areas to go hiking, kayaking and exploring nearby my house. Every weekend, I've been making a point to get out and try a new restaurant or visit a new area. There's a lot to do in your town, too. I guarantee it!


Revel in Being Home

Finally, soak in the feeling of being home. How wonderful is a lazy Saturday spent on the couch with your best friend? That's not something that is easily done while abroad, so take the time to appreciate it now! I also enjoy a good Netflix binge or a day spent on a hammock.

If you're in between adventures like me, I'd love to help you figure out your next great trip (even if that is a while down the road!) Check out my website at MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com.

The Final Countdown: How to Stay Motivated in the Days Leading Up to Your Big Trip

It's the final countdown!! (I bet you just sang the theme in your head, didn't you?)

We all know the excitement and the agony of those final weeks and days before the trip of a lifetime. I myself am currently in that purgatory as I type. I am mere weeks away from a two-week jaunt across Australia and New Zealand, and I can not wait!! I know it's going to be a blast, but I need to stay motivated in my normal life for a little while longer.

Stay Busy

Keeping yourself occupied is key to making the days fly by. You know how those busy days at work always seem much shorter than the ones where you have nothing to do? At least that's the case for me. Leading up to a big trip, I make it a point to stay active. I go to the gym a little more frequently (never hurts if you are working on that beach bod for your upcoming trip!) and set work goals. I need to make sure I can get everything done for my regular work before going on vacation.

Let The Excitement Build

Staying busy will help keep the days from dragging by, but that doesn't mean you should forget about your trip entirely. Let that excitement and anticipation build! It's okay to be a little anxious to get going, but turn that anxiety into excitement. Print out pictures of your future destination at keep those handy at work for inspiration. Heck, I even have a countdown of days stuck on the bottom of my computer monitor. It's ok to have something to look forward to! Embrace it!

Don't Stop Preparing

Keeping the trip fresh in your mind by googling some last minute pit stops you'd like to see. At this point, you probably have all your big ticket items booked (hotels, attractions, flights etc.) but don't hesitate to keep searching out the best local restaurants or some fun places to visit - like local book and yarn stores (sometimes I think I am actually 90 years old). This will make you feel like you are still actively moving towards the trip, instead of just waiting around in agony.

I know waiting it never easy, but it's a part of life - so make the most of it! If you need some help getting your trip ready, check out my website MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com. I'd love to help!

Australia and New Zealand Planning - Starting Out

Big trips take big planning. That's why we are starting the process nice and early for our trip to Australia and New Zealand. We are thinking of going February or March of 2019, but we've already started narrowing down the places that we might want to visit. 

Let's start with Australia. There are so many places I want to go! Sydney,  Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide! I want to see them all! Unfortunately, with a two-week time frame, we probably will not be able to hit them all. That said, I know we will see Sydney. I want to see the Opera House and do the bridge walk specifically. They look so incredibly fun!

The second Australian city we'll visit will probably be either Melbourne or Gold Coast. We'll just have to see! Both look absolutely beautiful and are (relatively) near our route.

As for New Zealand, there are too many places to list! We will probably try to visit Auckland and/or Christ Church. And we probably will visit Hobbiton! Because how cool would that be? That's up near Auckland so I could see us using that as a jumping off point. So many things to consider! 

The other big attraction that looks amazing is the world's largest bungee jump swing, A J Hackett Bungy New Zealand Nevis Swing. We've already done the World's Largest Bridge bungee jump in South Africa, so why not hit another big one? 

                                          

I mean, just look at how beautiful that is!!! I absolutely can NOT wait to go visit these gorgeous places
for myself. If you have any recommendations, I would LOVE to hear them!

If you want help planning your own adventure, visit MilesIntoMemoriesTravel.com.

PS These pictures are from Pixabay. I typically use pictures I've personally taken on this blog, but alas I don't have any Aussie pics... yet!