A few summers ago, my kids presented me with what they
called a Summer Bucket list. Some things were easily attainable - get snow balls,
go swimming, see a blockbuster movie. Some things were a little more
challenging - go zip lining, sell 100 cups of lemonade, make homemade ice
cream. Finally, there were the big guns - snorkel, find a sand dollar, catch a
hamper of crabs.
Aside from showing me that we'd be quite busy that summer,
their list made me realize that
No longer is there just one bucket list - that short list of
lofty must-dos before you, well, kick the buckets. Now, there are lists
that mark milestone anniversaries, when kids graduate from high school, 21st,
30th and 40th birthdays, and countless other occasions that are worthy of
celebrating and saving via time and money.
I admit, I'm a dreamer and a planner. I am never without a
trip that I’m planning for myself, and I love living vicariously through the
trips my clients take. But I also truly believe that having a bucket list is
not only healthy, giving you something to look forward to, but it's also wise.
Creating a dream vacation list gives you the planning space you need. Most
bucket list items aren't like the first tier on my kids' summer list. I don't
typically see weekend trips close to home listed as something clients have
always wanted to do. Instead, they are to far away, exotic or magical places
that require time for planning and a decent budget to make it a reality. That
is what makes the list itself so important. The first step into making what is
on that list a reality, is to draw up the list itself. Then, a travel planner
like me can help you figure out how to lift it off of the page and bring that
dream to life.
So I'm curious, what's on your Bucket list? Have you ever
wanted to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? That happens to be one of my
personal Travel Bucket List items. Or maybe its see the Changing of the Guard
at Buckingham Palace? Help care for an elephant in Thailand? Stay in an
over-water bungalow in Bora Bora? Go deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean? Find
hidden waterfalls in the mountains of Colorado?
What are your travel goals in the next year, the next 3-5
years and beyond? Maybe a Mediterranean Cruise, an all-inclusive resort or a
week in Provence? In the next 1-2 years, experiencing which destinations would
make your heart race? In the next 3-5 years, experiencing which destinations
would make your dream(s) come true? In the next 5-10 years, what experiences
and where would have the strongest impact on your happiness?
With a bit of dreaming, some careful planning and help
from an agent like me, you just may be surprised how much you can get checked
off. But first, you need a list! Take the poll below and let's see what's on
yours.
