This year, I’ll write about travel. A lot.
I’ll review hotels and resorts and share food pics from restaurants. I’ll cover sun, sand and skiing and will even throw in a staycation to keep things interesting. I’ll RT the heck out of travel posts and photos, talk about Disney obsessively and will probably squeeze in a beach selfie (or ten).
And, I won’t apologize for it.
I won’t be rubbed the wrong way when a well-meaning follower says, “Nice job you have!” I have a very nice job, thank you.
I won’t cringe when a family friend says, “Seriously? Didn’t you just take a vacation?” It was actually a work trip, but yes, I did bring my family along. And yes, we’re leaving again soon.
I won’t be embarrassed to share the news of our upcoming cruise, all-inclusive resort vacation, hotel stay or (insert fabulous travel opportunity here). It’s my job to cover family travel.
And I certainly won’t feel the need to a) stress how hard I’ve worked on my brand and reputation to earn the distinction of working with world-class clients. I won’t disclose b) the hours I’ve spent researching destinations and negotiating travel opportunities, many of which require out-of-pocket expenses. I won’t point out that when I’m travelling, c) I’m not making a paycheck – which means I’ve traded quantitative income in order to give my family experiences that are a direct benefit of a).
Oooh boy. Okay, I’ll stop being all crazy defensive and overly-sensitive starting… now.
My goal this year is to collect memories instead of things. And I never forget for a minute – not even a second – how fortunate I am to be able to choose between the two. My hope is that you’ll come along for the ride this year, following my adventures, social posts, media appearances, etc. – knowing that beyond the glitz and glamour, it’s really just work for me. And if my blog post convinces you to plan your own family vacation… then I’ve done my job well.
Happy travels, everyone!
Well said! I have a similar article in the mix, lol.
BOOM! This is a conversation I always try to avoid because I recognize that it’s hard for people to understand how much (bleeping) work goes into all of my posts. That it’s not just a really nice trip for my family (and thank you very much, it is), but that there are HOURS upon HOURS of photo sifting and editing to be done when we get home, that there’s follow-up, and SEO, and all the many things that come with publishing a post. I also tell anyone who listens that I know we are really, really lucky — but that nothing is free. NOTHING. A bleep-load of hard work goes into it, too.
Not to forget there is out of pocket expenses we have to endure to travel even for work. Juggle work/ life balance on the road is also another side of the story.
I would never think it was easy with time away from home and deadlines to meet!!
Travelling is our passion and is part of our life. As bloggers we don’t have to apologize for talking about what we do on our blogs and social media. Having said that can’t wait to read about your next trip :)
Such a cute picture of you <3 And your posts always give me new travel ideas – so job well done ;-)
You don’t need to apologize! As an avid reader of your blog and the blog of some of the commenters, I look forward to seeing your pictures and reviews! I can see how much hard work goes Into writing each post and I appreciate that!
Sounds like an amazing year ahead….I say enjoy it and make those memories!
Wonderful, and I can guess on some of those days that you just want to crawl in your own bed at home and enjoy coffee in your own favourite mug.
Ps. You look so young in the picture.
I’d like to hear some reviews you do on places that didn’t turn out to be a quality experience
Great start at the beginning of 2016, looking forward to new posts about exotic spots!
You’ve created an AMAZING career for yourself and don’t feel the need to apologize! One of perks of your job is that you’re able to give your family wonderful memories and experiences. You’re one of the hardest working people I know!
I think travel is one of the most life enriching things you CAN do; if you have the means to do it – go for it!
I look forward to reading about your travels! :) Enjoy the year
Congrats on the success you’ve earned with hard work!! No need to apologize to anyone. Looking forward to your pics & reviews.
Thats a great shirt! Congratulations on your success!
Good for you!
I hope your travel destinations are everywhere you desire to go to. Have fun and yes I will follow along, always very interesting.
You have worked hard for your brand and should be proud of yourself! I’m so truly happy for you! xo
No need to apologize Lena, you have earned it with all of your hard work, dedication and a passion for writing.I love reading your reviews – so informative and entertaining. Just seeing the awesome pics you post, makes me dream of destinations I would love to go to one day! Well done Lena!
Good For you! you worked hard for something and you achieved it. People shouldn’t be jealous of your job and you getting to vacation with your family! I think its awesome and enjoy it and like you said make memories! Lots of memories because your kids wont be kids for long!
I love reading your reviews because I know you won’t recommend anything unless you really like it. You’ve got discerning tastes, so the “Lena Factor” is important! ☺
can’t wait to see where your adventures take you this year
Well said, Lena!
I plan on doing the exact same thing with my family. Nothing makes me happier than collecting those moments and memories with my family over stuff. We have some very exciting adventures in the forecast. Looking forward to hearing all about your travels too! #HardWorkPaysOff :)
I love your travel posts! I totally agree that collecting memories and experiences is much more important than buying things.
Keep doing your thing, we love your posts!
we love the travel posts, we just hope you’ll ask us to go along when your family gets sick of going to Disney…….
I totally understand, I’ve worked as a travel consultant for the past 13 years. Travel means more to me and my family than stuff!
Enjoy every minute!
Kudos to you! Embrace your job, your travel, the brand you have built and enjoy every single minute and every single trip. Years ago my husband and I decided we’d rather share more experiences than to have more stuff.
I love reading your travel posts and I definitely believe you work very hard. Your job IS amazing because YOU provide people with important information people need to travel, especially with a family. =D
Enjoy your travels and new experiences.
great read , i love to read all about your getaways , i love all the pics you share , have a great time , on your next trip :)
That’s awesome. I think it’s wonderful that you have found a way to travel and enjoy it so much! This year I get to travel a lot more than I ever have before and I’m really really looking forward to it! It’s so rewarding :)
Love the photo of you,real cute tee.Enjoy your travels .
enjoy the perks of your profession
2016 certainly was a fantastic year on your blog
I’m really jealous of how much travel you get to and you’re so lucky to see the world . But you obviously work hard and have figured the ins and outs of travel advertising. But just because I’m jealous doesn’t mean anyone should make you feel anything but grateful for your opportunities and definitely don’t justify it to anybody.
One thing I wonder about is how your husband gets off because that’s probably harder to get around and I’d love to be able to get my husband to get more time off, is there a trick or just his job?
Thanks i enjoy reading about all your vacations,we took a trip to Regina for 5 weeks to visit with a new grandson….planning the next trip!!
Looking forward to all your 2018 adventures!