Treat Yo Self this New Year: Take More Vacations
Let’s review some common, and some uncommon, resolutions and how to properly treat yo self to make sure you accomplish them
The holidays have come and gone. Time spent with family, friends and maybe a hangover or two. It’s a new year, you’re feeling fresh and somewhat ready to take on 2018. You’re armed with a few sweaters and other gifts, but you’re thinking more about your resolutions for the new year and how you’ll accomplish them.
Not everyone can ball out like Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford, so for today, we’ll look at a budget and a TREAT YO SELF (investment) option for everything we talk about.
So you want to use more of those PTO days, huh? First off, let’s be smart and not get too ahead of ourselves. Don’t blow them all in the spring and forget how nice it is to take those extra days off around the holidays.
Let’s take a look at a few things you’ll need to have a successful trip
A Proper Travel Bag
Whether driving or flying you’ll need a good bag that you can bring with you anywhere. I avidly hate checking bags,
Budget
The weekender bag by Goodfellow Co. is an easy Target run away. I’ve used it for a litany of trips and it holds up to almost everything, and for the insanely low price tag, it’s 110% worth it.
TREAT YO SELF
I got the Away Bigger Carry-On Luggage as a Christmas gift, and it’s been my favorite gift so far. It’s got everything and more in a carry-on hard shell piece of luggage. The outer shell has flex to allow for you to pack those few extra items that don’t exactly fit. The charging port saved me when every outlet at my terminal was taken. It includes ways to compress clothing, a smaller bag to store dirty clothes and the best organization of any piece of luggage I’ve ever seen.
They seriously thought of everything when making this bag, I could go on all day long about how great it is. Absolutely worth the investment price tag.
Absolutely worth the $245 investment price tag.
A Sturdy Dopp kit
Budget
Your Dopp kit at it’s most basic function needs to hold your toiletries and be waterproof/resistant. This one from Herschel supply does both. It doesn’t need to be too fancy since you’ll be the only one using it or seeing it.
TREAT YO SELF
I don’t even like that I’m suggesting this option for the sole fact that I don’t think it’s a great investment. But if you’re really feeling like balling out on a Dopp kit, then look into Jack Spade. Their products are supremely well-made and will last a lifetime.
Quick Tip: If you don’t want to make the dreaded trip to your local pharmacy to pick up your toiletry essentials, snag this kit from J. Crew. It’s got everything you need for any trip you make.
A Protective Passport Sleeve/Cover
Budget
The best way to distinguish your passport from anyone else’s without opening it is with a cover or sleeve. It also adds a decent layer of protection for scratches or rips. This prevents any holdups when going through customs at any airport. This leather case from J. Crew Factory checks all the boxes and adds a sleek look at a very reasonable price.
TREAT YO SELF
This passport sleeve screams Wolf of Wall Street and I love it for that very reason. You’re really paying for the brand name and crocodile material, but it’s essentially the same as the case listed above but definitely puts you in the Big Baller category when you whip it out at the airport.
Headphones to Drown Out that Crying Baby
Budget
No one believes me on this one, but I swear that the Skull Candy Method Earbuds are some of the best noise canceling headphones I’ve ever bought. I wear them at work for nearly two years. They sound is as good as when I first bought them and I can’t hear a thing when coworkers say anything to me. It doesn’t quite cut out an airplane engine, but for roughly $30 that’s a solid pair of headphones to block out the noise.
TREAT YO SELF
Bose is the end all be all of the high quality headphones. They’ve set the standard for the best noise canceling and highest quality sound. I’ve never trusted Bluetooth enough on a flight, so stick with the corded option so you’re not stuck with some amazing headphones that run out of battery halfway through your flight.
My Thoughts on the Best Travel Outfit
GQ recently posted this story, and I have to say I strongly I disagree with their decisions… I don’t mean to bash them too much, but this is a hype beasts’ pipe dream of an airport outfit. A denim and leather jacket?! Why would anyone in their right mind think that’s a smart layering idea? I don’t have an answer to that, but I’ve got my own idea of a comfier outfit that keeps its style.
So hears my suggestion for the perfect to and from airport or road trip outfit.
A Light Puffy Vest
Or…
The Light Top layer
Or…
Long Sleeve Tee or Henley
Or…
Jeans with Some Stretch or Joggers
Or…
Shoes that are easy to take off at security and their comfy
Wear with jeans:
Or wear with joggers:
Final Pieces of Advice
Valet Mag put out this great piece on saving time and money when traveling. Not only do they have sound advice on the topic, we 100% agree on the Away Travel Luggage.
Seriously look into the credit card deals as well. In the past year, I’ve covered five plus round-trip flights with miles earned from two credit cards. Look out for the deals and referrals, and you’re basically getting borderline free flights from spending money on what you buy every month.
Whether you’re treating yourself or saving your cash for that plane ticket, make the most of your trips in 2018. I know I’m going to try and travel more. So get out of your normal routine, take that Friday off and explore that city you’ve always wanted to see. That experience is always worth it.
