Have you been mulling over whether you should travel or not lately? For some people, booking a flight and filing that leave are easy decisions. But if travelling is still up for debate, you have to weigh the pros and cons, because whether you like it or not, sometimes the consequences overshadow everything else.
Many of us are guilty of turning a blind eye on the unspoken signs that clearly indicate that we shouldn’t be travelling at all. You convince yourself that for the love of travel, certain sacrifices are worth it in the long run. But disguising your selfish desires in the form of love isn’t exactly love is it? As cliché as it sounds, if you truly loved travelling, then you’d be willing to wait it out — until these obvious signs that you shouldn’t be travelling at all are finally out of the picture.
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1. You can’t afford it
The most important sign, if we’re all honest with ourselves. You may have the passport, visa, and even lodging, but as long as you can’t fund your own trip because you have bills or tuitions to pay, and daily expenses to cover, you should think twice. There may be a better time to have a vacation out of town. Just because there’s a flight promo doesn’t mean you should take it. Remember, you still have to pay for the whole trip anyway. It’s best to start setting aside travel money starting now if you really want to afford future trips regardless if you’ve availed of a promo or not.
2. You can’t balance your time
Are you starting to feel guilty about being away from your loved ones due to more out of town trips? Or are you struggling to arrange dates with your friends because you’re not around long enough to see them back home? On top of that, your family’s been telling you that you’ve been missing too many reunions. And your significant other…is he or she still even there?
Kidding aside, don’t be in a rush to schedule travel plans just because of excitement. Travel requires a lot of planning and part of that is being strategic in dividing your time for other significant things in your life, especially if you want to live a life of travel. Make time for everyone and everything, even if that means you have to temporarily cancel your trips abroad. Your destination will always be there, but people close to you won’t.
3. No one can cover for you at work
Speaking of people you leave behind for travel, give your officemates a thought too. You have responsibilities at work that you should never leave unattended. Give hand-over notes properly for when they have to cover for you and be completely transparent on the things they’ll have to manage while you’re gone. If there’s no way that your duties can be covered while you’re away, then perhaps it’s best to schedule your trip a different time. Or better yet, finish your major requirements ahead of time so that everybody wins.
4. You’re not feeling well days leading up to your trip
Let’s say you had a stroke of bad luck and got sick a few days before your trip. Go straight to your doctor to see what’s wrong. If you’re lucky, you only have to strictly take the prescribed medicine during your trip. But if the doctor says you can’t go on your trip, you better listen. This isn’t just a sign, your life may literally depend on it. And everyone knows one of life’s golden rules: Safety first!
5. You need to rest, but not in that way
Some people think that a vacation is always equivalent to a trip overseas, but that’s not always the case. In fact, an out of town trip can be quite tiring when you take into account the travel time and amount of activities to do in your destination. Sometimes, it’s better to just rest at home and file for a leave with no specific agenda. No trips. No physical exertions. No pressure.
6. You have plans for an even bigger and more expensive trip in the future
Planning for that epic vacation in Europe or America? Then you know that saving starts as early as you can. Save your money for that one big trip and set aside smaller trips that are easier to do in the future. They can wait!
7. No one to look after your pets at home
Don’t ever ever take your fur babies for granted. They need daily feeding and weekly bathing. If you can’t find anyone to take them in while you’re away, you better just stay home and give your pets the attention they deserve.
8. There’s a better time to book the hotel you want to stay in
If you’re a budget-traveller, catching a hotel promo is one of the best things you’ll ever come by in your travels. Wait for the promo season to come, otherwise you’ll be spending more than you should.
9. It’s typhoon season where you’re going
Flying domestically in the Philippines? Then checking to see when the typhoon season is in your destination should be second nature. If I were you, I’d get my money’s worth and book another time when the sun is out and the sky is crystal blue.
10. It’s peak season where you’re going
Hate crowds? Then it’s definitely the worst time to book a flight to Boracay just because everyone else is. Stay at home and enjoy the beach some other time. Better yet, find an underrated destination to enjoy when everyone else is going to more commercialised attractions.
11. It’s NOT peak season where you’re going
On the other hand, if you’re the type to always seek some company, fun, and adventure, wait for the best time to fly to your favourite destination when the whole place is buzzing with life. Don’t bother flying there and spending your time and money if you don’t like experiencing a destination in it’s quieter seasons.
Also read: Here’s Our Plan: Filipinos Share Their Travel Plans For 2019
You know what they say, there’s a time for everything. And with a little bit of patience, we’re sure you’ll find the best time to travel with lesser worries and concerns. In the meantime, be sure to maintain a travel fund so you can enjoy your future vacations to the fullest!
