A Wren Says

I don’t have a good reason for this, but I am trying to get to the Maldives. I am not sure when this dream formed or truly the geography of the place, but I know that I want to linger in one of those huts on the water, only worrying about if I want to leisurely swim out and enjoy the ocean for the day or instead lounge by the pool. Especially as it grows colder stateside, I can’t help but dream of a tropical vacation.

As I have been working through the list of the top resorts in the Maldives put out by Travel + Leisure, I’m realizing this might be more feasible than I once thought. Still expensive, but definitely doable within a few years.

This is an importance exercise in planning your dream trips instead of just dreaming. Just like any other goal, you have to start getting specific about your goal vacations if they are ever going to happen. I personally have a growing list of places to visit, so this is how I am going to start planning to make my dreams come true.

Step 1: Decide where you want to go- This is likely the obvious first step, but I mean get specific. Don’t just say a country, think about where exactly you might want to stay and what you want to see. For example, you don’t want to go to France, you want to be on the side of the road cheering on Tour de France riders. I don’t want to go to the Maldives, I want to stay in an oceanfront villa in the Maldives.

Step 2: Decide what you want to do- Assuming you are not spontaneity incarnate, there are certain things you want to make sure end up on your itinerary. I know that I want to experience fine dining, snorkeling, and potentially some spa treatments.

Step 3: Find accommodations- Where will you lay your head each night? Think about what hotel, homestay, or other option will put you in the right vicinity to let you do all that you want. Actually look up the names of some places where you might stay. You will need that for the next step.

Step  4: Calculate costs. Use the booking tools to get an idea of airfare prices and hotels. Look up average food and activity costs, if you are not going to an all-inclusive. And if you are going to an all-inclusive, consider tipping rates. Get really granular to make this as real as possible. Create and save an Excel sheet if you want. What would it actually cost to make this happen? Also factor in other things like time off work, childcare, new vacation clothes, immunizations, etc. This isn’t to overwhelm you with the cost of travel. This is to make sure this feels as concrete as possible.

Step 4- Wild Card – Only you know what comes next. Only you can put into motions what it is going to take to make this a reality. You can choose to take this information you have gathered to start saving and planning. So, what is your next move?