Quick Tips for the Hip Trip: Getting Started

Tip from Negrilaholic

I have learned one that might be helpful for others to remember. First of all, let your vacation begin the minute you leave, and stay in that mode throughout. To me, 'vacation mode' is just as simple as slowing down and not letting things get to you as much..I am on vacation, and while the minutes are precious, that is all the more reason to enjoy the time as much as I can. On the drive to the airport, I pop in music to fit where I am going, like bluegrass on the way to a bluegrass festival, or reggae when on the way to Jamaica. Or if the traffic is slow, will put on some of my favorite relaxing songs.
 
I also look forward to when I get to the airport instead of dreading it, because when I get there, it only means that I am that much closer to my destination. I have learned that a good mood can be just as infectious to others as a bad one.
 
When I am at my destination, I try to remember that the hospitality staff, like restaurant workers, maids, janitors, gardeners, etc are human beings just like me, and that anyone can have a bad day..that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone will. Almost without exception, I will find that while one person may be surly or distant, if I keep a good attitude, that same person will most likely give me a smile in return to mine. And if they forget
something, instead of letting it give me a resentment, will just gently remind someone.
 
And when I get home, try to remember my 'vacation mode', and keep it as long as I can. And when the last of my 'vacation mode' memories fade..then it is time to start planning the next vacation."

Well spoken, Negrilaholic