Treat Yourself: Your perfect day away on vacation awaits you

Do you take time off, or are you constantly on the run and feeling stressed? You may have many things on your mind and not be relaxed. Treat yourself to take time off to relax for your health and well-being. What about your plans to take time off to get away? It’s necessary for your health, a time to relax and unwind. Life has many demands. Resisting taking time away from your responsibilities and obligations is normal, but it’s not a good idea.

My husband, Neil, and I recently returned from a vacation. Only a few months ago, life changed quickly. We weren’t sure it would be possible for us to go away after finding out that open heart surgery would be necessary for my husband. Thankfully, Neil’s recovery is going great, and we went on a cruise, Royal Caribbean’s new, nearly 1,200-foot-long, 20-deck ship, Icon of the Seas. The cruise was indeed something to behold. We had a wonderful experience, being part of the ship’s naming on January 23, 2024, and much more.

You will find plenty of choices onboard the Icon of the Seas to keep you occupied. Between guests and crew, the ship holds about 10,000 people. Many attractions catered to families, including the largest water park, swimming pool, and ice arena. No skating or rides for us this time. However, we enjoyed the ice show. We loved the 18 years and up area (The Hideaway), which had an incredible ocean view, jacuzzi, pool, and a quiet spot to relax in the lounge chair, soaking up the sunshine. Of course, there were plenty of restaurants, bars, and lounges. It was fun to start one day with yoga, and later, we both had massages.

We enjoyed the quality of the shows, especially “The Wizard of Oz.” One of our favorite times was experiencing the dueling piano bar. Both pianists were energetic and talented, and the crowd’s song requests were phenomenal. Our time away was well worth it, and we shared many happy memories together. Stop waiting for the perfect time to invest in your well-being, and book your getaway now. If you want to know more, contact me, and I’ll be happy to share more. I can also put you in contact with Neil, a travel agent, to guide you.

Time away from my family is something I treasure. All work and no play isn’t fun or suitable for your well-being. Time away from the office benefits your well-being, mind, and body. Don’t put off much-needed downtime because you have so much to do. Well-timed breaks have a tremendous impact on your productivity and your creativity. Taking time off for vacation lowers stress, refreshes your mind, and helps your overall well-being, adding to your everyday happiness. Even a few days off could make a big difference. Once you create the time, you will discover that time off will make a big difference to you.

To ensure your trip is worry-free, start planning early to cover all the bases before you go on vacation. Find someone you can trust who will support you while you are gone. Use the following tips to help you create the time off you deserve:

• Prepare in advance. Make a list of what is most important to get done before you go. The rest will wait until you get back.
• Create a checklist/packing list. You can write it or create a file on the computer, so you don’t need to rewrite it. Include clothes (avoid overpacking), health and medical items, toiletries, documents, money, electronics, and miscellaneous items. Get started early and avoid waiting until the last minute.
• Create a backup plan. If something comes up, take phone numbers, passwords, and a flash drive with the necessary files. With the Internet and apps available, communicating while away is easy.
• Call your clients to review essential matters before your vacation. Your clients appreciate you being in touch with them.
• Permit yourself to take a break to clear your mind. You are worth more to your clients, employees, and yourself when you rejuvenate, refresh, relax, and have fun.

Treat yourself and take time off for your overall well-being. Before you depart, decide and commit to the idea that you deserve to take time off and step away from your daily habits and routines. Take the time off to rejuvenate your brain, rest your body, and enjoy new experiences. Have fun. Life is short, so make your overall health and well-being your top priority, invest in yourself, and act now to book your vacation. You won’t regret it.

Check out our amazing view from the deck of the Icon of the Sea

Bonnie S. Gortler

Bonnie Gortler, a Consultant, Coach, and Author, is a Wealth & Well-Being expert with over 35 years of experience in managing multi-million-dollar client portfolios at a top-rated investment firm. As the author of Journey to Wealth, Bonnie is dedicated to teaching the importance of risk management and achieving true financial well-being by integrating both the technical and mental aspects of investing. With an M.B.A. and certification as a life coach, Bonnie combines her passion for coaching, consulting, and blogging to inspire people globally. Her powerful techniques and winning mindset help others experience personal growth and financial success. Explore wealth-building tips, personal development strategies, and more at BonnieGortler.com, and discover how you can enhance your wealth and well-being.  


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