There’s no time like the present. While most people would agree that truer words were never spoken, most small business owners know there’s a bit more to it than that.
Yes, we know work-life balance is an essential element of entrepreneurial life.
Sure, we value the time we spend with our family as about as priceless a commodity as they come.
Yet research shows the rate our American families are pausing to take time to travel has been on the rapid decline in recent years. Despite the truth that vacations are an increasingly less trendy option than the more popular staycation, studies show there is something some of the most successful entrepreneurs have in common: the ability to leave the world behind and reboot.
Understanding that not everyone has developed a wealth of resources akin to that of Steve Jobs, we did some research to find a few ways to maximize the money you spend on last-minute travel. Because even the best schedulers, multi-taskers with the best-laid plans need to get away every now and then.
Use all the apps. Apps like Hopper have revolutionized the world of last-minute travel, offering travelers invaluable insight into the best deals regardless of where they’re flying and when. And from Groupon to Kayak and Expedia to Trip Advisor, there have never been more options to choose from to help save money on last-minute travel. This can become a double-edged sword if you’re not careful, so proceed with caution. As a best practice, consider only using the sites with the best reputations to find the best, most reliable discounts. It’s also crucial to take not of the fine print on any Groupon purchase, including whether your last-minute trip falls into a blackout date or there are additional taxes and fees for the resort that aren’t included in the deal itself. Despite all of these extra steps, the realm of last-minute travel is made much more simple thanks to these apps. Using them wisely can help you save hundreds on your next getaway.
Get there on a dime. Depending on how spontaneous your adventure is, if you’re flexible about where you’re headed, you are more likely to save some money in the process. If not, use your miles to get wherever your heart desires without spending an arm and a leg to do it. If you travel frequently for work, chances are you’ve accumulated some travel perks along the way. Make the most of them by using resources like UsingMiles to determine the most efficient course of action.
Make your own red carpet. Saving money on lodging is as easy or complicated as you make it, but the rewards are there for the dedicated bargain hunters. Traveling with coupons, discounted stays or AAA membership in your back pocket is always a plus, but there is a free way to save money on wherever you choose to stay other than crashing at the home of a friend or family member. That is all well and good, but this other option isn’t all that challenging either. Being friendly, polite and cordial to the person who greets you at the front desk is among the best investments you can make. More often than not, they quite literally hold the keys to things like an upgraded room or hotel package and sometimes all you have to do is ask whether such a thing is an option.
Be smart once you get there. It doesn’t matter whether you’re staying for a few days or for the week. Ultimately one of the largest expenses in travel is accounted for with what you do once you arrive. Some of the apps mentioned earlier can help save money at local restaurants and Entertainment coupon books are another helpful, money-saving resource for seeing the sights. Yet if you are willing to put in a little elbow grease by doing things like packing a picnic or buying drinks ahead of time for that beach day will all add up to less money out of pocket for a similar experience.
The most successful entrepreneurs have the ability to leave the world behind and reboot.
Obviously the entrepreneurial greats like Bill Gates and Richard Branson have more common denominators than their appreciation for the importance of travel, but there is something to be said about making an investment in yourself.
Ultimately, that time away can be seen as an investment in your well-being.
Ultimately, that time away can be seen as an investment in your company.
And there’s no time like the present to give it all a try.
Resource Links:
- Hopper – http://www.hopper.com/
- UsingMiles – https://www.usingmiles.com/
- Studies supporting taking a vacation – Business Insider and Lifehack
