Even if it is just a weekend getaway, vacations are a great way to get rid of the stress of everyday life. Thinking back over the past 10 years or so, and comparing that to this past year, I realized that I have not been traveling as much as I used to, nor as much as I would like.
Many busy women, especially moms, tend to take care of themselves last and put off taking a vacation. Instead of getting away for two or three days of sun and fun, they take refuge in the 20 minutes they can grab in a tanning bed, or a 40 minute mani-pedi. Some moms have realized they can put the kids to bed early and have an hour to themselves at night, or they’ll turn to herbal supplements that help with stress relief and a good night’s sleep. Trust me on this, I know what it’s like to fall into bed, exhausted, but unable to switch off my brain that is still running 100 mph. And parenting teens can give even the best or parents many sleepless nights, tossing and turning and worrying.
My secret to de-stressing is the water. If I can get to a lake, river or ocean, then I can sit in a lounge chair and stare out at the water and feel my body release all the tension and stress. Whether it is a 4 star resort at the beach or a rustic cabin near a trout stream in the mountains, water is my go-to for escape and relaxation. The challenge is making the time available and getting there.
Making the time means exactly that – not finding the time. Making it. Everyone else in the family gets their special times written on the calendar, so I make a point to add in some getaway dates for me. most of the time the trip involves the entire family, but sometimes I can hand off the kids to family or friends for a couple of nights and I can get away without them.
I’ve been looking to apply for one of many airline credit cards on NerdWallet and plan a getaway. I should have enough points on one of my travel rewards cards to fly to a nice beach resort and soak up some sun before the summer is completely gone.
One thing that helps a lot with affording to get away is the flexibility of having a credit card that I can use for my airfare or hotel expenses. Travel rewards cards are fantastic for racking up points that can be redeemed when you need them. The secret to getting the most out of your travel rewards cards is to know all the terms and conditions, and to watch out for extra fees or blackout dates.
Avoid a rude surprise when checking in at a hotel or picking up a rental car and having your card declined by understanding their policies of blocking. I always ask when booking my rooms what the hotel policy is about blocking my credit card, which means they put a hold on the funds that they expect you to need to pay your bill. This reduces the amount available in your account and can cause problems if you are near your credit limit or have a low balance. If you know in advance you can make preparations, such as bringing a secondary credit card or using a debit card for your meals and activities while on vacation.
The best thing about going to the beach in the early fall is getting off-season rates at many resorts, but the weather is still warm enough for all your favorite water sports and beach activities. And it is less crowded, so you can sit in that lounge chair in stare out at the ocean without the distractions of other people’s kids running by and kicking up the sand while meditating.
Water has always calmed me. Being near the ocean, a lake, a river, or even a little creek soothes my spirit. I even like walking in the rain – water is so basic, it just calls to me. I never slept so well as when I visited Miami Beach and my room faced the ocean, and I could hear the waves all night.
I too love being near any body of water, whether a lake, an ocean a river or even a bubbling stream each seems to help me relax and unwind. I appreciate all your tips about credit cards and asking about the hotel’s policy of blocking credit cards.
I love the water, too. Calming, relaxing. So serene nd beautiful. I wish I lived closer. We watch House Hunters and House Hunters International, and I love the ones near the ocean. Even seeing h water on TV just helps bring peace.