Mapping Out 2026
DESIGN YOUR YEAR OF TRAVEL
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Picture this, First name / friend 🔎
 
It’s January 2026. Your New Year’s resolutions are already a whisper of a promise to yourself, and your calendar is blank… except for a few school plays, a tax deadline, and that family reunion you’re half-dreading 🥲
 
Let’s fix that.
 
Who says you have to plan one trip at a time, or wait until the last minute to realize you’ve stockpiled way too much PTO?
 
Mapping your travel year now means better pricing, better availability, and trips that actually fit your schedule (and budget) instead of just hoping they’ll work out.
 
Here’s how to start designing your perfect year of travel 🧭
 
Paul Graham
 
5 Steps for Planning
YOUR TRAVEL BLUEPRINT
 
SET YOUR TRAVEL GOALS
 
Decide what matters most: relaxation, adventure, cultural experiences, family time, or a mix. Once you have your priorities flushed out, make a list of destinations that align with each goal.
 
Ask yourself: Do I want a few big trips, multiple smaller getaways, or a balanced mix?
Step 1
REVIEW YOUR CALENDAR
 
Pull up your 2026 calendar and identify long weekends and federal holidays. These are golden for turning one or two PTO days into a full getaway.
 
Helpful Tip: Creating a “vacation blueprint” now maximizes your days off without burning all your PTO on one trip.
Step 2
ESTABLISH A BUDGET
 
Consider how much you want to spend on travel for the year, not just per trip. Factor in flights, accommodations, excursions, meals, and “fun money.”
 
Bonus: Knowing your budget early helps me recommend destinations that align with your goals and your wallet, without unwelcome surprises.
Step 3
MAP OUT YOUR DESTINATIONS
 
Save your longer trips or bucket‑list destinations (think Africa, Asia, or multi‑country Europe) for when you can travel 10+ days. Use shorter weekends for closer or domestic destinations, ideally during their best weather.
 
Example: Plan a hiking trip to a National Park for a long summer weekend, and save a warm‑weather escape for winter when home feels extra gray.
Step 4
LOCK IN BIG TRIPS EARLY
 
Choose your “anchor” trips first: milestone celebrations, summer vacations, or bucket‑list adventures. Then fill in the year with long weekends or room for spontaneous last‑minute getaways.
 
Advisor Tip: Booking early unlocks better flight schedules, the best rooms, and often perks like breakfast, resort credits, or upgrades.
Step 5
 
 

 
Your 2026 travel year is a blank canvas. Map it with intention, and by the time January rolls around, you’ll already have trips to look forward to, PTO dialed in, and zero “we should’ve planned that sooner” regrets.
 
Hit reply and tell me where you’re hoping to go in 2026. I can help you start filling in that map 😉
 
🗺️ P.S. The best trips don’t just happen… they’re mapped. Planning now means better pricing, smoother schedules, and the joy of knowing your adventures are locked in!
 
SCHEDULE A CALL
 
 
Paul's Out of Office: Upcoming Group Adventures
I'll be leading several group trips to exciting destinations on the following dates. 
During these periods, I will be out of the office:
  • September 15-19, 2025: Exploring Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica
  • January 24-29, 2026: On the NWA Networking Cruise aboard the Mariner of the Seas
  • January 29-February 2, 2026: Sailing on the Disney Magic Cruise
  • September 12-20, 2026: Exploring Alaska on the Star Princess
  • November 29 - December 5, 2026: Christmastime on the Danube aboard Avalon Waterways' Impression SM
For more information or to express interest in joining a future group trip, feel free to reach out.

 
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183 Oneal
Elkins, Ar 72727, United States

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