How to Take a Self-Care Getaway on a Budget
Small business owners experience a lot of stress — and the last year has been particularly overwhelming. But did you know that taking a vacation may be just the ticket to combating entrepreneurial anxiety? When you’re running a company, it can be hard to get away, but studies show that taking time off to explore a new place offers an array of health benefits.
Of course, it costs money to take a trip — but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Wherever you’re planning to travel, if you get familiar with a few tips and tricks of the travel world, your journey doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider this great advice from My Unbounded Life.
Make time to take a break
Little is more miserable than planning a break from the day-to-day details of running a business and spending the entire time in front of a computer. Instead of setting yourself up for a working vacation, set yourself up for a true vacation with time-saving, productivity-focused strategies. There are plenty of little things you can do to reduce the amount of time you spend on everyday tasks, and as a result, you can savor the time you spend away from the office.
Your annual report is a great example. All California businesses need to file one, but just because it’s something you’re required to file doesn’t mean you need to be the one doing all the work. Partnering with an online service like ZenBusiness is a great way to cut down on the amount of time and energy this obligation requires. They will set up a personalized dashboard for your company where your information is gathered and organized. Then, when the time comes, they will file the report on your behalf. It’s just one of the many tools and services you can lean on to make your work life easier and more efficient, so you can snag a well-deserved getaway now and then.
Travel on the right flights
One of the best strategies for scoring affordable flights is to simply choose the least popular trips. A red-eye flight can save hundreds of dollars, and if you look into frequent flyer miles, you can reap even more savings. Choosing a flight that may be less comfortable and convenient will also pay off big for your pocketbook. And if you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can stretch those dollars even further.
On the road
Travel can be stressful, but the last thing you need to worry about is your trip’s impact on your budget. Start your travels off in the right direction with a little advanced planning. When your trip requires ground transportation, a car rental company like Enterprise is your one-stop shop for car rental services. You can get the lowest prices on a vast selection of vehicles that will get you where you need to go in style.
Where to stay
For accommodations, you’ll likely find comparable rates between short-term rentals and hotels in many destinations. When making your choice, ask yourself a few questions. First, consider the nature of your trip and what’s most important for your stay. Is it the novelty of sleeping in a secluded tiny house nestled by a quiet river, or is it the reliability of guaranteed service in the heart of the city? Are you traveling with children or flying solo? Whether you require a single room or an entire home, you can save cash by having clarity about your accommodation needs. One option is to look for hotel deals on sites like Groupon and Priceline.
If you decide to book a hotel, pick one outside of the center of town. You’ll pay more for the convenience. Or, if you go with a vacation rental, you can save money on food by cooking meals in a fully stocked kitchen.
Talk with the locals
When you’re feeling adventurous, you can collect valuable advice from local residents and ask for info on things to do in town, where to eat, where to shop, and even where to stay. This could lead down an interesting path that you wouldn’t have otherwise followed while saving big. Many people are happy to share local tips if you just ask politely.
Discover free activities and events
There’s a wealth of free and low-cost activities and events available year-round in virtually any place you’d want to go. City Parks Departments offer beautifully tended green spaces with events like concerts, movie screenings (pack a picnic in a travel-friendly cooler for an inexpensive meal), and other fun entertainment for the whole family. Find playgrounds to delight the kiddos or sit and people-watch. Even just taking a quiet stroll through a park that’s new to you can be an uplifting activity full of discovery. If the weather isn’t agreeable to an outdoor trip, look for a library or museum to visit. Find free days at the art museum and enjoy the dose of culture and creativity.
It’s important to take time away from your small business, but in both your professional and personal lives, saving money is always a welcome endeavor. Plan your trip with the above tips for an unforgettable experience.
For more great advice on living a life without limits, keep up with the My Unbounded Life blog.
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