Level 4 Vacations (And Why You Need Them)
I love vacations. LOVE them (who doesn’t). When I talk to others about their vacations, I’m excited to gain insights into what’s truly meaningful in their lives. What we spend our hard-earned extraneous income on, and where we choose to spend our especially valuable downtime, says a lot about who we are and what we find is important.
So it breaks my heart when people say “we didn’t have the time for a vacation this year.” Because it’s Just. Not. True. We miss opportunities to do the things that recharge us because we didn’t
Dedicate time towards it in our jam-packed schedule
Allocate the funds or resources necessary to take one
Didn’t think meaningfully about what a good vacation might look like
So when my financial advisor was impressed by my family’s “Level 4 Vacation Categories”, I figured it might be worth sharing with the world.
Why All the Planning?
Before I share my personal Vacation Categories that I use with my family, let me share why planning is so important.
“Doesn’t having to be so structured take away from the enjoyment of a vacation?”
The structure I’m talking about doesn’t have to be a detailed, minute-by-minute account of what rides and attractions you’re seeing at Disney (I know that guy, and damn is he good). But structuring how you approach your vacations on a macro level not only allows for vacations to happen PERIOD, it also makes the time you spend IN your vacation more meaningful.
Here’s what it’s vital to structure your vacations:
Variety in Vacation Types Enriches Life
Engaging in different types of vacations, from transformational journeys to quick weekend getaways, offers a range of benefits. Each vacation type—whether it's an immersive cultural experience, a serene retreat, a quick escape, or a cozy weekend—contributes uniquely to personal growth, family bonding, and overall well-being.
Intentional Time Strengthens Family Bonds
By intentionally scheduling vacations that cater to relaxation, exploration, and shared experiences, families can strengthen their relationships and create cherished memories. Whether it's through deep cultural immersion or simple weekend activities, these planned times together foster connection and understanding.
Regular Breaks Boost Mental and Emotional Health
Regularly taking time off, even if it's just for a short getaway, helps reduce stress and recharge spirits. The combination of long, immersive trips and frequent, brief escapes ensures that individuals and families can maintain a healthy balance between work, routine, and relaxation, promoting sustained mental and emotional well-being.
Early and Frequent Planning Increases Vacation Feasibility
Planning for vacations early and often, both in terms of time and budget, significantly increases the likelihood of actually taking those trips. By setting aside funds and marking dates on the calendar well in advance, families can ensure they have the resources and opportunities to enjoy meaningful and restorative vacations without last-minute stress or financial strain.
So whether you have a written out categorization of what vacations will look like for you, or you just have a meaningful discussion with your family each year on what you hope to do and get out of your next trip, you’re worth some intentionality in your relaxation.
Woody’s Vacation Categories:
Level A: Transformational Journeys
Duration: 2+ Weeks
Frequency: Triennial
Description: These vacations are life-changing and deeply immersive experiences. They take the Woodys abroad, exposing them to unique cultures, ecosystems, history, and ways of life. They expand perspectives and offer profound opportunities for personal growth and understanding. These trips are characterized by their in-depth exploration of nature and cultural immersion.
Outcomes:
Expanded worldview: Exposure to diverse cultures, ecosystems, and histories broadens the Woodys' perspectives and fosters empathy and understanding.
Personal growth: Immersive experiences challenge the Woodys to step out of their comfort zones, leading to self-discovery and growth.
Deepened connections: Shared adventures and cultural immersion strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Enhanced appreciation: Experiencing the beauty and uniqueness of different places fosters a deeper appreciation for the world's diversity and natural wonders.
Level B: Serene Retreats
Duration: 1-2 Weeks
Frequency: Annual
Description: Level B vacations offer a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life. They provide an opportunity for the Woodys to relax and reconnect as a family in a peaceful countryside setting, far from home. While still allowing for exploration of the local environment, these trips prioritize relaxation and rejuvenation. The Woodys can learn about the area, its people, and environment in a leisurely manner.
Outcomes:
Renewed energy: Relaxation and time spent in nature recharge the Woodys, leaving them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Family bonding: Unplugged from daily distractions, the Woodys have quality time together, strengthening their relationships and creating cherished memories.
Cultural insights: Exploring the local area offers opportunities to learn about its history, traditions, and environment, enriching the Woodys' understanding of the world.
Inner peace: Tranquil surroundings provide moments of reflection and mindfulness, promoting a sense of inner calm and well-being.
Level C: Quick Escapes
Duration: Typically 3-5 days
Frequency: Quarterly
Description: Level C vacations are short getaways designed for a change of scenery. They offer a chance for the Woodys to leave town briefly, engaging in familiar activities and visiting places they may have been to before. These trips focus on enjoying family time and having fun together, although they may not involve significant learning or exploration of new experiences.
Outcomes:
Stress relief: Briefly escaping the routine of daily life allows the Woodys to relax and unwind, reducing stress and increasing overall well-being.
Family fun: Engaging in familiar activities and exploring new places together strengthens family bonds and creates enjoyable experiences.
Local exploration: While not venturing far from home, the Woodys can still discover hidden gems and learn something new about the places they visit.
Recharged spirits: Even a short break from the norm can leave the Woodys feeling refreshed and ready to tackle challenges with renewed energy.
Level D: Cozy Weekend Getaways
Duration: 2-3 Days
Frequency: Monthly
Description: Level D vacations are brief and budget-friendly outings, often within the Woodys' home state or a neighboring state. These weekend getaways typically involve small, inexpensive activities that the family enjoys and are centered around familiar destinations. They provide an opportunity for relaxation and family bonding without the need for extensive travel or planning.
Outcomes:
Quality time: Spending a weekend together strengthens family bonds and creates opportunities for shared laughter and relaxation.
Budget-friendly fun: Enjoying simple activities close to home allows the Woodys to have fun without breaking the bank.
Sense of familiarity: Visiting familiar destinations provides a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reinforcing positive memories and traditions.
Rejuvenated spirits: Even a short break from routine can provide a much-needed mental and emotional reset, leaving the Woodys feeling refreshed and recharged.
Looking to be more intentional with your vacation time (and your family, your job, your health, and your life?). Let’s chat!
