Travel and Leave Routine Behind

The one common thing all our clients in their late 80s and early 90s say to us is “Travel now while you can – don’t wait until you’re retired”. The longer I work with people as a financial planner, the more I understand how good this advice is.

My house thrives on routine. With two young dogs, routine is everything – they know whether it is a hiking or daycare day during the week and that as soon as I have a cup of coffee on a Saturday or Sunday, we are going for a walk. They know when to wake up, play, chill and start the dinner push an hour before its time. Bailey and I like a routine because it’s predictable and gives us a false sense of control over our lives…but getting out of routine and traveling is like a breath of fresh air for life.

At the end of April, Bailey and I got out of our routine and went on vacation, and it was glorious. We went to Arizona for a work conference at a nice resort and then hit the road and went to Sedona and up to the Grand Canyon. We had a loose schedule and did what we wanted each day, not on a schedule.

Often in client meetings, our team asks about travel and experiences we need to build into financial plans. Spending time with friends, family and spouses away from home if an important part of healthy living. Experiencing other cultures, seeing science in action (see photos of Iceland) and history helps us grow and continue learning.

In a meeting at the end of last year, I went back and forth about what to budget for a trip to Iceland. The number they gave seemed low and I asked about the airline tickets – they were pricing economy. My response was “Y’all, you never travel like this, and you live below or within your means – you will not regret getting business or first-class tickets. That is a long flight, and you want to arrive ready to go!” They looked at me like I was crazy – telling them to spend money. So, we ran the cost through their plan, and it was going to work – not hurting them in the short of long term.

Right before vacation, I start to stress and feel guilty about leaving. When I tell a client what my plans are and where I’m going, they are always so excited for me. I was out of the office for 10 days and everything was great. Same with Alisha, she took 10 days away to get her husband graduated from medical school and then they headed to the beach to chill together…I mean it was with 18-month-old Anderson but still.

Taking time away or at a minimum time off is important. Breaking away from routine is freeing but you come back ready to get back to it. We are as happy to see our clients travel as they are for us. What do you have planned for the summer or fall? If there is a trip you’ve been planning but can’t pull the trigger, I can’t encourage you enough to make it happen – it’s time!