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Life is full of unexpected twists, which is the understatement of the year! while we know this, it can become difficult to feel you can plan a trip/vacation/gateway, especially if you don’t know what’s coming around the corner. That said, research has consistently shown that traveling has many health benefits. Planning a trip has also been shown to contribute to reduction in stress. Even in the best of times, it can be hard to recognize and acknowledge the benefits of travel, give yourself permission to take advantage of those benefits, and find a way to do so responsibly. However, it can be done, and you will be glad you considered doing so!
Here are Five Tips for How to Successfully Maximize a Short (7 Days or Less) International Trip:
- Paging Global (re)Entry- Before you even think about travel, check your passport expiration date. Make sure it will be valid for 6 months beyond your date of travel, which is the requirements of most countries that you visit. Also, consider getting Global Entry, which will allow you to get through U.S Customs a lot more quickly. It has the added benefit of TSA Pre-Check enrollment, which can be used for Domestic travel.
- “Signs Point to ‘Yes’!”- Now that you are ready to start planning, it’s important to figure out where you want to go. While I’m a firm believer that you can go anywhere for 7 days or less, its important to know what your own capacity is for travel. Choosing a location that is on your “wish list” that best reflects your ability to truly enjoy your time there, would be ideal.
- When They go Low, we go…During the Shoulder Season- Shoulder season is that period of time, right before or right after high season (which is the time period when a location has the most visitors). Shoulder travel is what I deem to be the “sweet spot” of travel periods. It allows you to access nice(r) weather, smaller crowds, and reduced travel prices (i.e., lower priced airfare and lodging). Once you know where you want to go, identify when their shoulder season is and start packing!
- Get Ready to Set that OOO Message!- Once you identify your dates of travel, ask for time off as soon as you can. Knowing what time of year you want to travel will help you know how much time you can spend away. Putting in an early request can also help ensure that you can get the time off.
- Avoiding Needing a Vacation after your Vacation- Having an objective for your trip (even if it is just to lay on a beach) will help you narrow down your timing and your location. Building in recovery time (e.g., returning home on a Saturday so you can rest on Sunday) can help give you time to decompress from the travel experience, and can help you reset and prepare to resume “life as you know it.” Do your best to give yourself at least a one day cushion before you return to your regular schedule, and give yourself more time if you struggle with jet leg.
In this five strategies for taking a short international trip on your terms if you’re curious about how to make short travel more intentional and accessible for your lifestyle, consider working with a certified travel coach who can support your goals. Safe travels!
Empowering Voices: Guest Spotlight Lisa P., The Travel Docta LLC
Lisa P is a Certified Travel Coach with a passion for helping Black professional women set powerful intentions for international travel. With years of travel experience and a deep understanding of transformative travel, Lisa is committed to guiding women to reclaim joy, rest, and adventure through thoughtfully planned getaways.
This article was written by a special guest whose voice carries the powerful essence of being BAF—bold, ambitious, and fierce. Celebrate the incredible women making waves in their fields, and let their words motivate you to live your best life! At The Gal Project, we believe in the magic that happens when women come together to share their journeys, insights, and expertise.