One Thing Every Great Trip Has in Common

People often ask me what makes a trip unforgettable. Is it the five-star hotel? The perfect weather? Flying first class? Honestly, I don't think it's any of those things.

For me it's the anticipation.

There's something special about that moment when a trip goes from "maybe someday" to "we're really doing this!" Suddenly you're looking up restaurants, what excursions to do, wondering which shoes to pack, saving photos of cities I will be visiting, and counting down the days.

The vacation has already begun.

Some of my favorite memories actually started long before I boarded a plane. Researching and preplanning the sites that my sister and I wanted to visit on my last trip to Japan. Learning which season brings the biggest waves to Portugal (I will be heading there in September). Finding that popular but lesser known restaurant, bakery or wine shop.

The planning is part of the adventure. I suggest to my clients not to rush through the planning. Dream a little. Wander through photos, view available excursions, read about local traditions, study a little of the language. And my favorite, make a list of foods you want to try. I love experiencing foods from the regions I travel to.

When I have a trip planned, whether its a two day trip or a two week trip, it makes day to day living even better. Having something to look forward to is part of the vacation. The joy of having something wonderful to look forward to.

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Having something to look forward to is part of the vacation.