I’m on a flight back from a 10-day, 3-state Bleisure Living adventure that was the ultimate work/life blend.
After doing a volunteer gig in NY (and seeing friends), I spent about two days in Miami, meeting with my client (www.theracquetx.com). Then, after a flight delay, I arrived in Maryland to see my kiddos and grandkiddos (squeezing in work in the AM and PM every day).
I drove in the snow back to the airport (That was my first time in years, proving that it’s a skill that, like riding a bike, you never really lose.) I managed to survive temps in the 20s, so I’ll REALLY appreciate AZ upon my return.
Three hotels and three states later, here are the 10 things I learned.
- Hotel quality is still about the PEOPLE and not just the room size or amenities. I stayed at a Hilton, an IHG brand, and a hip little boutique hotel in Miami called Uma House. I only had issues at one of them (IHG), but one of the front desk people truly cared and worked hard to resolve them.
- You should always be prepared for no Wi-Fi and no charging outlets on flights. I’m glad I took my own advice about headphones and content and I played an offline game of solitaire (or two or three) and read a New Yorker cover to cover.
- Even when you spend hours indoors at meetings, figure out a way to breathe some fresh air and get exercise. I walked as much as I could, including an epic trek from the Bowery to East 47th Street and a stroll through South Beach.
- Turn your phone off when you’re enjoying pure leisure time. Don’t let the “B” in Bleisure Living buzz in your ears.
- Traveling is not an excuse for letting your healthy eating habits go to hell. Healthy options are everywhere and I plan to find more portable snacks when I go to the Fancy Food Show with Matt, our Editor-in-Chief.
- Get enough sleep! Since I’ve been tracking my sleep quality with my Oura ring, I’m very aware of the factors that disrupt my precious Zzzzz’s.
- Track your expenses very carefully. I downloaded a new tracking app for 2024 and kept a total of what I was spending. I set a limit before I hit the road and stuck to my budget. My accountant will also love me for it!
- Make time for friends — old and new. I reconnected with Karla (our fashion, tech, and lifestyle editor) in Yonkers (when I volunteered at YPIE), saw an old friend from Westchester, and met someone whom I had only chatted with online. And, of course, family! I’ve discovered that talking to bartenders and other random travelers when I dine solo often gives me interesting new perspectives too. Airport lounges can be cool places to meet people. But don’t be overly chatty if strangers seem to be enjoying their peace.
- Upon your return, take inventory of what items you may have “overpacked” so you can downsize for next time. I also used my family visits as an opportunity to throw in a load of laundry, so I’ll have less to do upon return.
- Capture your “lessons learned” when you return. (Like this article.) Start planning your next adventure to avoid those post-travel blues.
Next trip: Las Vegas! (See #5.) But you don’t have to wait until we hit the road to get tips and read tales of travel. If you subscribe on our home page, you’ll automatically see what’s new every week!
