Back-to-work blues? Why January is the best time to plan holidays

Published on 15th December, 2022 at 02:58 pm

January means back to work, but it also means planning the year ahead, including fun and holidays! Two experts discuss why this is important, and how to plan now to enjoy major savings.

Reading time: 4 minutes

In this article you’ll learn:

• Why holidays and regular breaks throughout the year are integral to your overall health and good balance.
• Why planning for work and for rest at the start of the year is smart and can save you money.
• How you can save big on travel using your Sanlam Reality benefits.

Strike a balance, set your goals

Balance is an integral part of life. It’s why planning ahead is vital for you to achieve your goals and strike a balance. “You need to set realistic goals that take into account all aspects of your life that require you to manage expectations, disconnect, cultivate positive relationships and engage in activities that stimulate your mind and spirit,” says clinical psychologist Sinqobile Elevia Aderinoye.

Plan ahead

“Planning for the year ahead allows you to be in control of your finances, rather than letting your finances control you,” says Danelle van Heerde, Head: Advice Solutions at SanlamConnect. “If possible, put away some of your bonus, or save a bit every month for irregular expenses,” she says, adding that you shouldn’t only plan for essentials like groceries, but for the treats that are important to you and your family, be it pizza night or monthly movies. “In finances, as in most areas of our lives, a balanced plan is much easier to stick to.”

Book that trip

We can get so caught up in setting goals and implementing habits and discipline to reach them, but it’s also good to book holidays or shorter trips in advance to get a break, too. It’s important, however, to pick something that fits your family and your budget. “Stressing about the affordability of a holiday can counter your ability to relax and recharge,” maintains van Heerde.

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Something to look forward to

“Research has shown that planning and preparing for a holiday has almost as much benefit as the holiday itself,” attests van Heerde. “Decide when you would like to go on holiday, book the time in your calendar at work, and start doing research on options available. Involve the whole family in the process of deciding where to go and what to do, so that everyone gets excited. Van Heerde also suggests you make it real. “Put pictures of where you are going on the fridge or make your holiday destination your screensaver,” she says.

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The early bird catches the flight!

If you plan your trip well in advance, not only will you have something to look forward to, but you might also land up with a great deal that ultimately saves you money due to lower fares. There is the added benefit of choice (in terms of travel dates and accommodation) when booking months in advance, too.

“Start putting away money early in the year for use on the holiday. If possible, pay when you book, then you have one less thing to worry about later. If you have kids, encourage them to also start saving their pocket money for use in the holiday, so that they can treat themselves,” says van Heerde.

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Why you simply have to plan that trip

Not taking a break can lead to burnout, which can manifest in poor or low productivity at work, agitation, some mood symptoms, anxious feelings and apathy. “The old saying that one cannot pour from an empty cup is true, which is why being intentional in all aspects of your life is important,” says Aderinoye. So, beat the back-to-work blues and plan that long-anticipated trip now!

Booked your flight? Great! Now insure your trip. Here’s a checklist to help you have a stress-free trip.

You have a host of fantastic travel savings to enjoy thanks to your Sanlam Reality membership, allowing you to book and pay less for this year’s breaks! Explore them all here.