Lifestyle
 
Graphic of woman standing on cliff with dog

By Elycia Degenhardt, BA, CVT

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s a resident of a northern state, I am familiar with daydreaming about a warm getaway. But no matter where you live, a vacation can be a welcomed break from responsibilities and routine. Whether you can swing a last-minute spring break, a summer road trip or a mindful staycation, here are some incentives, tips and ideas to get you going!

Health Benefits
Vacations are fun, but did you know that they are also good for you? Several independent studies have found a correlation between regular vacations (at least once a year) and a decreased risk of heart disease. Whether this is due to reduced stress or increased activity, which are both reported perks of vacations, it is a great reason to take some time off.

It won’t surprise most people to hear that vacationing gives your mental health a boost, too. In addition to the aforementioned stress relief, vacations are associated with self-reported increases in positivity and curiosity. Even a vacation as short as four days improves overall wellbeing. Ditching your daily routine increases cognitive flexibility and can stimulate your motivation to pursue personal goals. The more often you vacation, the longer these effects are likely to last, potentially translating to increased productivity and satisfaction at home and at work.

Even planning a vacation has its benefits. Positive anticipation provides stress relief and increased daily optimism well before a trip. In fact, psychological studies suggest planning a trip may provide even greater happiness than the trip itself. To capitalize on this effect, visualize your upcoming vacation in detail. Indulge in multi-sensory anticipation with foods, music, travel shows, books, articles and photographs related to your destination.

If you are traveling with others, share your excitement and relish the social bond it creates. This doesn’t mean you have to over-plan; in fact, that could be counterproductive. Just savor the boost you get from having something to look forward to.

"Vacation or Staycation?" Illustration of dogs in sleeping bags
If you’re trying to decide between traveling or spending your time off relaxing at home, there are benefits to both, as well as ways to maximize whichever experience you choose.
Vacation or Staycation?
If you’re trying to decide between traveling or spending your time off relaxing at home, there are benefits to both, as well as ways to maximize whichever experience you choose.

Traveling away from home offers greater separation from day-to-day stressors as most people are less likely to check in with work or get “caught up” on lagging projects if they are physically distanced from their home base. Navigating a new city, culture or country requires a greater degree of attentiveness to your environment, forcing you to push non-immediate, chronic stressors aside.

Leaving your daily surroundings may also aid in long-term personal development. For many, exploration of the unfamiliar boosts self-confidence. And, meeting people from different backgrounds with new perspectives can help us become more open-minded and globally engaged.

However, staycations are a budget-friendly, low-hassle option that still offer the stress relief of a vacation—just make sure you break from your daily routine and don’t spend the time bogged down with responsibilities. There are a wide variety of ways to make time at home a true retreat. Use your time off to cultivate a new hobby or take a class you’ve been interested in. Explore your neighborhood with self-guided scavenger hunts or join a group tour. If budget allows, indulge in some local luxuries such as a spa visit or dinner at a special restaurant. You can even make a “staycation routine” that mimics what you might do if you were traveling somewhere new.

Traveling Thoughtfully
If you are interested in more sustainable travel, there are some adjustments you can make to your vacation plans. Using public transportation such as buses and trains reduces your trip’s carbon footprint. If you need to fly, flying direct, selecting an airline with newer planes and avoiding jumbo jets can reduce fuel consumption. Some booking sites calculate and compare the emissions of flight options, while others allow you to purchase carbon offsets. You can even use a carbon calculator like the one offered by the International Civil Aviation Organization (www.icao.int) to help you choose and offset your vacation travel options.

You can also make conscientious choices in where you lodge while on vacation. Vacation rental properties often compete with and strain housing needs in areas with a lot of tourist traffic, so explore locally owned boutique hotel or hostel options instead. They may even offer group dining for a reasonable price, which is a great way to meet people!

Wherever you are staying, bringing your own reusable toiletries cuts down on plastic waste. And, using the “Do Not Disturb” option for multi-night stays reduces water and energy expenditure related to laundry and cleaning. If your budget allows, choose an accommodation where you can walk or use public transportation to access attractions.

While on vacation, support the local economy by exploring businesses, restaurants, and tours owned and operated by residents. If you are buying souvenirs for yourself or others, going slightly off the main tourist track can help you find locally made artisan gifts. A local news source may have tips about markets or art fairs worth visiting. Additionally, local entertainers may not always have well-advertised performances, so check fliers at coffee shops, bars and bookstores. By contributing to the community you are visiting, you reap the benefit of a rich, unique experience.

Need help making sustainable travel selections? Check out websites like Alight Travel (alight.travel) and Kind Traveler (www.kindtraveler.com) where you can find vetted lodging and vacation options, as well as charities, articles and sustainability tips.

Alternative Getaways
illustration of lady wearing backpack

Are you looking for something other than the usual vacation experience? You could use your time off to give back by taking a volunteer vacation. Worldpackers (www.worldpackers.com) offers an array of volunteer opportunities around the world. They all include some kind of lodging (from tent to private room), and many include some or all meals. You can search by location, type of volunteer work or type of experience. They also offer support and insurance to give volunteer travelers peace of mind.

Want to integrate your love of animals into your trip? Make a visit to an animal sanctuary the highlight of your vacation. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (www.sanctuaryfederation.org) is a nonprofit organization that offers support and accreditation to over 150 animal sanctuaries worldwide. These sanctuaries are inspected for a high standard of care, and many offer tours or volunteer opportunities. You can search sanctuaries by animal, location or type of opportunity (internship, tour, volunteer or adoption).

Do you miss sharing your couch with a pet while on vacation? You could save money and get your animal fix by combining your vacation with a pet sitting gig. Websites such as Trusted House Sitters (www.trustedhousesitters.com) and Nomador (www.nomador.com) connect people in need of a house/pet sitter with those looking for a vacation stay. You may need to pay a fee to use the service, and an identity verification or background check is generally required, but once you have created a profile, you can browse stays in multiple countries and reach out to any you are interested in. This can be a great cost-saving option for people who travel frequently, and you get to enjoy the company of a new furry friend!

So, whether you’re doing it for your health, to make a difference or just to get some much-needed rest, don’t hesitate to take time off. Far too many Americans do not even use the vacation time their workplace provides, and veterinary professionals, in my experience, are no exception. You do your best when you are at your best, so give yourself a break and start planning your next vacation!

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Elycia Degenhardt

Elycia Degenhardt is a certified veterinary technician in Wisconsin. She joined the veterinary profession after four years as a high school teacher and remains passionate about education. Elycia earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and Madison College and continues to learn new things every day through her career and life experiences. Elycia currently works in a general practice and as an instructor in the Veterinary Technician program at Madison College.

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