"Vacation First: The Art of Prioritising Your Getaways"

Are you someone who feels like you never have time to have a break? Or you don't have the budget to actually take a holiday? Let me encourage you that it is possible, no matter what your budget!

Do you ever get to July or maybe even August and realise you haven't taken a break? I'd be feeling pretty burnt out and disconnected by that point!

Years ago, our friends gave us some incredible wisdom to make sure that we lived a fulfilling & purpose-filled life. They said 'PLAN YOUR ROCKS'. This means discussing the things that are important and setting aside time for them. We all know how full & busy life can be. Without a vision or a plan for your life, it just goes by. One of the things we prioritise in our family is... HOLIDAYS!

At the beginning of every year, we set aside time to schedule & block out quality time together. We brainstorm the types of holidays we'd like to take, places we want to see, adventures we can expose our kids to and we reminisce on old favourites.

Then we go ahead and block out dates in our calendars. We schedule in family vacations, trips away with friends & time out for us as a married couple.

Have fun with your family, date your spouse and prioritise fun with these top 'rock' planning tips!

BRAINSTORM & RESEAERCH

Reimagine your holidays. Where do you want to go? When would you like to go? What types of accommodation would you like to stay in? Research your ideas & work out an approximate budget. We like to mix it up with a country, beach & city escape. Always including a mix of adventure & chill.

BUDGET

Work these holidays into your monthly budget. Make sure you can pay for your holidays at the time of booking or at least before they arrive. DON'T USE CREDIT. I might ruffle some feathers with this one but we've always found that paying on credit usually means you'll overspend on a holiday that you actually can't afford. Don't allow your future self to keep paying for a holiday weeks or months after you return. You don't want what should have been a blessing to turn into a burden.

GET CREATIVE!

If you are struggling to wonder how on earth you'll afford a holiday (hello inflated prices!), consider these ideas;

1. HOUSE SWAP - It doesn't have to be like the reality tv show where you swap with strangers, unless you're into that! Do you have friends that live near desirable locations? You don't necessarily need friends with huge beach mansions, maybe they have a suburban house like you, but in a totally different town that would be fun for you to explore. You never know, maybe your friend living in a swanky city pad would love to swap for a house with a pool by the bay, close to the islands. Imagine if as a community, we learnt to share more of what we have.

1. HOUSE SIT - There are websites where you can become a registered house sitter. And there are some AMAZING homes that people need looked after. Sure you might have to walk a dog, take the bins out or feed the horse but that's a pretty cool price to pay for a holiday!

1. GO MID-WEEK - Lots of places offer special rates for midweek stays.

1. MAKE BOOKING.COM YOUR FRIEND - booking.com often allows unpaid bookings which means you can make a reservation but don't pay for until a date closer to your stay. This gives you time to save but the peace of mind that your break is booked. Just make sure you actually budget it in and can pay on time!

1. DON'T BE AFRAID TO CAMP - Seriously, some camp grounds these days have nicer bathroom fit outs than our own home! You don't have to sleep in a tent, check out the cabin options or consider hiring a caravan from camplify!

Live a fun, purpose filled life. Spend time with the ones you love. Take adventures & prioritise fun in your life!

Pop your holiday destinations or saving tips in the comments below! I'm ready to plan our next adventure!

Dani x