If you need a reset on life, TRAVEL!

I was blessed to go to Mexico to celebrate my best friend Jenai's 30th birthday. But even if you can't travel internationally, find somewhere that you can drive to for a quick getaway.

Mexico was everything that I needed and so much more. In this blog post, I'll share why it was the perfect trip and five ways that you can plan an energizing adventure as well.

1. INTENTIONALLY CHOOSE WHO TO TRAVEL WITH

You learn a lot about a person when you travel with them. I'd recommend keeping it small, and with a close group of friends or family. Choose people who have the same intention for the trip —- whether that's to relax, go on adventures, turn up, shop, etc. This will make coordinating the trip so much easier.

The group that I traveled to Mexico is my family. I've been best friends with Jenai since I was 12 years old! And she just turned 30 — WOW!

She is my sister and her family is my family. Her/Our brother Isaiah and her/our sister-in-law Tati (who is truly heaven-sent) completed the trip.

It was the perfect squad to see Mexico with! We were all on the same vibe and worked well together, which leads me to....

2. DECIDE WHO IS THE MOST "RESPONSIBLE ONE"

Every friend group needs to have someone who takes the lead in planning. At least one!!

I'm usually that friend!

We plan logistics, such as excursions, dinner reservations, and ground transportation.

On my trip to Mexico, Tati was the responsible one and I'm so grateful that she was! It was amazing to have someone help navigate the shuttles to and from the resort, COVID tests, health forms required to fly, and the excursions.

I helped coordinate dinner reservations and did what Tati told us to do lol.

Everyone has to play their part while traveling (i.e. adulting). BUT a trip runs smoother if you know who the responsible ones are in the friend group and you follow their guidance.

3. CREATE A LOOSE AGENDA

Planning is an absolute must when traveling, but the extensiveness of the agenda is up to you.

You don't need every single detailed planned, however, you need to have an idea of what you're wanting to do.

I created a brief itinerary for Jenai's birthday, with an overview of what we would do that day, such as hang at the resort, go to the beach, go on an excursion, or travel. That gave everyone an idea of what to expect that day and what to wear/pack.

4. TAKE YOUR PTO!!

I have very strict boundaries when it comes to time off. Working while on vacation goes against the intention of the trip. Whatever is at home can stay there!

I am guilty of checking emails while on vacation because it's second nature to open my phone and scan my inbox. But even that isn't the vibe we should be on when traveling, especially if we are trying to relax on the trip. IT.CAN.WAIT!!

Keep your computer at home! Your phone is enough technology that you need.

And while we're talking about phones, be mindful of your screen time while on vacation. Take your pics, catch up on IG, etc. but avoid being glued to your phone while traveling. Your eyes need a break too!

5. HAVE QUIET TIME

My intention for the trip was to reset. The past two years alone have been A LOT! And 2021, in particular, has been a struggle as I get adjusted to being a full-time entrepreneur and navigate homeownership challenges. I've found myself in a negative rut lately, so I really wanted to use this experience in Mexico to get still and do some soul searching.

Every morning I sat on the balcony and journaled for 15 minutes or so, before starting my day. That moment to be still and just think, while overlooking the beautiful resort, was the recharge I needed.

Bring a small journal with you and write whatever comes to mind. Journaling should be free-flowing, but if you need a prompt, simply think about what you truly want out of life. What are your dreams? What's preventing you from getting there? Spending some time with yourself will serve you!

I hope those 5 travel tips were helpful! Let me know where you want to go next!