As the temperatures continue to plummet along with our New Year’s resolutions, it’s safe to say we’ve got a case of the January blues. But as we long for warmer days, counting each extra minute of sunlight we get, our minds naturally start to dream about heading to the beach.
To add insult to injury, today is actually the saddest day of the year, the third Monday in January, aka Blue Monday. Bummer right?
But guess what!? It doesn’t have to be, because a recent survey conducted by Leger on behalf of Sunwing Vacations found that a vacation mindset begins earlier than when you start packing your bags, at the time of booking. Yes, booking a vacation can actually have a transformative affect on your mood, productivity at work, and overall health.
According to the survey, seventy percent of working individuals admitted that having a vacation to look forward to helped them feel more motivated at work and ninety-five present of Canadians agreed that just the thought of knowing they had some beach time to look forward to actually made them happier. Now that’s what we call #SunwingMode.
It’s no wonder some even take to social media right away to let their friends know where they’re travelling, counting down the days publically for all to see, preparing their friends for a bout of jealousy.
So let’s take those far off workday fantasies and turn them into a reality shall we?
We’ve rounded up six awesome winter tips to help you shake those January blues and get you into #SunwingMode faster.
1. START PLANNING NOW
Did you know that 72% of Canadians start planning their vacations at least a month in advance and almost half of all Canadians spend more than 20 hours doing it?
You don’t want to be left out do you? Starting the planning and research earlier than usual will often save you money in the end, plus you might need some gym time to get a head start on that beach bod.
2. TRAVELLING WITH FRIENDS
Memories made on vacations can last a lifetime, so why wouldn’t you invite your best friends along with you for the ride? Travelling with your buddies can actually cut down on some of the incidental costs of travel, plus you’ll have a second opinion to cheer on your bookings.
Also, if you forget your selfie stick, you’ll always have someone there to take the best photos of you on the beach.
3. PACK IN LAYERS
You’d better dust off that bikini and check the expiry date on your sunscreen, because you’re going to the beach! It’s never too early to start laying out your outfit options for a vacation, especially when your go-to look currently consists primarily of a Canada Goose parka and a giant blanket scarf.
Checking bags can also be yet another added expense so be succinct in your choices and wear your winter clothes on the plane to save much needed room in your carry on. Pack a change of clothes in your suitcase and change before you walk out of the airport.
4. TRUST THE EXPERTS
You might not be ready to book your flights just yet but it’s never too early to start dreaming. Travel publications know what they’re talking about, and can often alert you to things you’ll need to prepare for in advance of your trip, like must-see attractions and seasonal weather conditions. So seek out a book or head online to start your research.
5. TAKE TIME TO ‘SWITCH OFF’
Don’t forget the reason you’re going on this vacation! You needed a break, so put that phone down and take one. Let that out-of-office response do all the work for you and get ready to recharge. Taking time for yourself when you’ve earned it will help to alleviate stress once you’re back home.
6. VISUALIZE YOUR DESTINATION #SunwingMode
We already mentioned that planning a vacation can have a halo affect on your life and overall health even prior to take off. But if you need an extra kick of motivation getting to the gym in the weeks leading up to your trip, be sure to visualize your destination at every opportunity you get. Google a photo of your destination and make it your computers wallpaper, heck while you’re at it, set one on your phone’s home screen too.
For more information about Sunwing Vacations click here.