Guest post by Brad Krause
You’re overworked, over-tired, and over-stressed. You’re having trouble thinking clearly, nothing gets you excited anymore, and your patience is wearing dangerously thin.
Do any of these sound familiar?
These are six signs that you’re dangerously close to burning out, which can complicate your life both professionally and personally.
When you’re stuck in a loop of stress and anxiety, there’s only one cure: a vacation! A vacation is an opportunity to reset and reconnect away from the stressors of daily life.
Yet vacation is often the last thing on our priority lists. In fact, nearly 30% of paid time off goes unused in the U.S.
You don’t have to go far to reap the benefits of a vacation, but you do need to getaway. Travel is an important part of a balanced, burnout-free life. Even the simple act of planning a vacation boosts travelers’ happiness.
So where should you go? If you live in North America, visiting the following locations can help you unwind and help you refocus and restore your energy.
1. New York City
When you want a city that energizes and inspires, pay New York City a visit. NYC is an ideal travel destination for creatives, foodies, architecture buffs but anyone can find their place in The Big Apple.
New York City’s “Key to NYC” makes NYC a good choice for COVID-conscious travelers. Travelers even have the option to get a rapid COVID test upon arrival at the airport.
New York also has plenty to do outdoors. Plan a walking tour of NYC neighborhoods and landmarks, spend a day at Central Park or Governors Island, or catch a game at Yankee Stadium. Beware of scalpers selling overpriced tickets at the stadium. You’re better off using a ticket marketplace like TickPick to find last-minute tickets for the Yankees. TickPick also has an interactive seating chart for Yankee Stadium so you can check out the view before buying.
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
A trip to Santa Fe is a step back in time. Steeped in culture and history, this quaint New Mexico city is one of the best places to reinvigorate your senses and renew your mind, body, and spirit.
Outside the city, you’ll find wide-open spaces and explore ancient ruins, cave dwellings, and petroglyphs at nearby national parks and monuments. Bandelier National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument are all just a short drive from Santa Fe. An hour north is Ghost Ranch, the former home of painter Georgia O’Keeffe and current education and retreat center where you can participate in artistic and spiritual workshops and take in the area’s striking terrain.
3. Fayetteville, West Virginia
Move aside, Colorado. Fayetteville, West Virginia is the hot destination for outdoorsy travelers thanks to its proximity to the New River Gorge, America’s newest national park. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, this is a must-do getaway for paddlers, climbers, mountain bikers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and peace of the great outdoors.
Plan your Fayetteville trip for mid-October when this small town hosts its annual Bridge Day and watch hundreds of BASE jumpers fly 876 feet off the New River Gorge Bridge. This is also the best time to see the park’s vibrant fall foliage. Because only primitive camping is available in New River Gorge National Park, nearby Fayetteville has a surprising amount of amenities for a town its size including craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and a historic theater.
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
If your idea of a relaxing vacation includes warm weather, pristine beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, put Puerto Rico at the top of your 2022 travel itinerary.
U.S. residents don’t need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, making this a perfect destination when you want to leave the mainland without the hassle of international travel. However, visitors are required to present a negative COVID test upon arrival.
You’ll love seeing the colorful houses of Old San Juan, viewing waterfalls and wildlife in the nearby El Yunque National Rainforest, and eating mofongo, a Puerto Rican specialty made with fried plantains. When you want to kick back, the beach is just a short walk away. Condado Beach and Ocean Park Beach are ideal for a relaxing day out while El Escambron is the best place to snorkel and explore Puerto Rico’s coral reefs.
There’s no denying that the pandemic has made it difficult to getaway. But right now, you need a vacation more than ever. Make travel a priority this year and plan a trip to one of these destinations guaranteed to renew your spirit.
Find more insights on personal growth at FrankNiles.com.
Image via Unsplash.
