If there is one thing I love, it’s traveling. I’ll go almost anywhere, from a day trip at the beach to spending weeks on another continent. I love Disney World, cruising, and sitting in the mountains with nothing but a cup of coffee and my thoughts.

Travel is my connection to the people of the world and nature itself. It even acts as a tether to my faith.

As the saying goes, I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

Whether you travel on a budget or have the privilege of traveling all over the world, there’s one phrase you need to remove from your vocabulary when planning a trip.

Once in a Lifetime Vacation

As you may recall, the name of this website was born a decade ago from my personal mission to remove the word “just” from my vocabulary. I was constantly underestimating my worth by adding this little word to any accomplishment I reached.

I just ran a half-marathon. Yes, I have a business, but it’s just a side hustle. I love to cook, but I’m not a chef or anything—just a mom in the kitchen. You see the problem, right?

No matter what I achieved, I didn’t want to brag so I would constantly undersell myself. And it’s this same mindset I see creeping in with the phrase “once in a lifetime.”

When planning for an exciting and maybe even expensive trip that may, in reality, be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the pressure can be intense. You want to make the most of it and see it all. This may be your only chance!

I’d like to point out that this is actually a scarcity mindset, and I’m sorry, but there is no room for that in your suitcase. When you start planning from a place of need to see everything, all it does is lead to overplanning, running yourself ragged, and missing out on the nuances of a new (to you) location.

I get it. Traveling for work or for pleasure takes you out of your comfort zone. You smell new things, see new things, eat different food, and maybe the sun doesn’t even set! But there is a better way.

Try This Instead

When you plan that big RV trip, Baltic cruise, Disney vacation, or international adventure, skip the once-in-a-lifetime mentality and think of it as your first time rather than your only time.

Decide what you are most excited to see on this specific trip. Where do you want to wake up and spend your mornings? What sites are musts this time?

Think about your priorities in terms of first, second, and even third visits. Then, plan an amazing trip that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and excited to return. You won’t see it all anyway, so why not set yourself up for success?

If you’re like me, you may love the planning process, but ultimately, you want to experience growth, rest, and connection when you travel.

By making this one small mindset shift, your trip just became a vacation—and that’s where the real fun begins.

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