Traveling is a wonderful way to breathe new life into every day. Exploring a new city, fabulous restaurants, and exciting activities can be incredible ways to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of new experiences.
Of course, for some people, it can feel impossible to break away from work and your routine, especially if you’re an entrepreneur, but Allina Health notes that it is incredibly important to your mental well-being. Do your best to schedule regular trips and days off, and get out to socialize during vacations and at home. You’ll feel the difference.
Here are five places to book your next trip, courtesy of Therr App. And after your visits, you may find you enjoy these cities so much that you decide to make them your full-time residence.
Prepare Before You Go
As you plan your getaway, it’s important to make preparations when taking off from work. Plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to your workflow. Start by notifying your supervisor or manager well in advance, ideally following your company’s established leave request process. Clearly communicate the dates of your absence and the reason for your leave. Other tips include informing clients and customers that you’ll be out, hiring a virtual assistant, and getting extra work done before you leave.
1. Vail, Colorado
Vail is a renowned ski town with beautiful scenery and challenging mountains. This isn’t just a town for pro skiers, though. There are plenty of activities for newbies or those who prefer to stay at the bottom of the mountain. If you’re an RVer and you’d rather visit in the summer, you can connect with the great outdoors by going on a waterfall hike.
If you’re looking for a spa experience, your options are endless, from hot stone massages to soaking tubs and steam rooms. Vail isn’t just for tourists, either. If you move here full-time, you can experience many of the seasonal festivals the city has to offer.
2. Mount Shasta, California
Nestled in Northern California, Mount Shasta is a place unlike any other. Many visitors attest to its immeasurable ability to rejuvenate the soul and awaken the spirit. This incredible mountain offers unparalleled natural beauty, including lush forests and pristine lakes, as well as a profound sense of peace and tranquility.
With its exceptional natural energy, Mount Shasta has quickly become known as one of the most powerful spiritual vortexes on the planet, drawing people from all over the world to experience its healing properties.
3. Sedona, Arizona
This breathtaking spot has 1.8 million acres of national forest land with unforgettable views. Try a bed and breakfast experience for a romantic trip, and add horseback riding to the itinerary. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can book a helicopter ride and see the landscape from above. Sedona also has a surprisingly thriving art scene for a small town. Visit one of the many galleries and take home some pieces for yourself.
4. Montreal, Quebec
As the second-most populous city in Canada, Montreal is quickly becoming one of the most coveted cities in the country. Montreal was Canada’s leading financial and industrial leader for over 150 years. With 50 National Historic Sites of Canada, the locality has more than any other city. It’s also been referred to as “Canada’s Cultural Capital.” Concert and theater halls dot the city, and many festivals can be experienced year-round.
On your trip, be sure to visit as many popular attractions as possible, including Mount Royal Park, Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Montreal Botanical Garden.
5. Santa Barbara, California
For a luxurious experience, there’s no better place than Santa Barbara. Look over the ocean while you dine at organic restaurants or check out one of the local farmer’s markets. In fact, this town has 40 percent more of them than the average town. There’s a reason why notable people like Oprah have made this city their home. If you’re a wine-lover, this is the spot for you, with the wine trail offering more than 24 different tasting rooms.
6. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is known for its beautiful fall foliage and its southern bohemian culture. Outdoorsy folks will love the mountain attractions, but ExploreAsheville.com points out that there’s more than nature to enjoy here. History buffs will love the walking ghost tours, and there are plenty of delicious restaurants and interesting pub crawls to enjoy. Even their movie theaters seem a step above the rest, and some serve full menus of dinner fare.
A More Permanent Vacation
You may find that you fit right in when visiting these locations. If a new city feels like home, consider if it should be your next community. If you’re not ready to relocate, but you definitely want to return on a regular basis, consider purchasing a vacation home in your newfound city. What’s great about vacation homes these days is that you can also make them a source of income.
You know that you’ll have to put down a larger down payment because it won’t be your primary residence, but you may be able to rent out the property AirBnB style when you’re not using it. These types of properties can bring in a lot of income, but check current rental rates before you invest. Also, be prepared for lean months where travel isn’t as high, and be certain you can afford the home in various circumstances.
The cities above are sure to help you create lasting memories, no matter what time of year you visit. Just remember to make work preparations before you leave. Whether you prefer the mountains or the beach, you can rest assured that a self-care getaway to any of these destinations will provide an unforgettable experience.