Katie Bower’s Post

🗓️This week marks two years since I launched my travel business! ✈️ Excuse the pun, but the time has literally flown by! 👶🏻 As I am still on maternity leave the last few months has been filled with more sleepless nights and dirty nappies than travel bookings, but as any business owner knows you can never fully switch off and I have been keeping an eye on the going’s on. 🗺️ I plan on using some time to evaluate my business, my successes, my failures and plan a soft re-launch for later on this year. 🗝️ One thing I have learnt is consistency is key, and this will be my main goal going forward but finding a consistent way to be active on social media without overburdening myself. 🎉 For now I want to celebrate my successes over the past two years: - I beat that ‘I can’t run my own business I have no clients’ attitude. - I learnt the most fantastic leads and clients can come from the most unexpected places. - I have learnt where I can really add value and the areas of travel booking I really enjoy (more on this when I re-launch). 🔗 I’ll be back posting about travel and business related topics later in the year but if you do love all things travel and wish to chat or connect - please feel free to reach out to me. #travel #2ndanniversary #maternityleave #workingmum #mumsinbusiness

Lessons learned from my vacation🌴✈☀ Vacations aren't just about relaxation and exploration; they are also opportunities for growth and introspection. Embrace the Unexpected: No matter how meticulously you plan your vacation, there will always be surprises along the way. Instead of letting unexpected events derail your plans, embrace them as part of the adventure. Disconnect to Reconnect: In today's hyperconnected world, it's easy to get caught up in emails, social media, and constant notifications. I used last week to disconnect from work-but I maaaay have done one Teams call to show my team the beach 😎Kritika Menon Tracy Takyi Bassey ❤ Appreciate the Beauty of Diversity: Traveling exposes you to different cultures, languages, and ways of life. Live in the Moment: It's easy to get caught up in planning for the future or dwelling on the past, but true happiness is found in the present moment. Cherish the Memories: As the saying goes, "Collect moments, not things." While souvenirs may fade and photos may yellow with time, memories last a lifetime. Take plenty of photos to capture the highlights of your vacation, but don't forget to also be fully present in the moment. A pic of my very relaxed, tanned self and a new coffee cup ☕😋 #vacations #mentalhealth #liveinthemoment

🌟 Family Vacations: The Ultimate Recharge! 🌟 In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in work, deadlines, and daily routines. That’s why family vacations are not just a luxury; they’re a necessity! 🏖️✨ Here’s why you should prioritize that next getaway: 1. Strengthen Bonds ❤️: Nothing brings us closer than shared adventures! Whether it’s hiking in the mountains 🏔️ or lounging on the beach 🏝️, these moments create memories that last a lifetime. 2. Boost Your Well-Being 🌈: A change of scenery can do wonders for your mental health! 🌼 Taking time off helps reduce stress and recharge your batteries. 3. Explore Together 🌍: Traveling opens our eyes to new cultures, foods, and experiences. 🍽️✈️ It fosters curiosity and encourages us to embrace the world around us! 4. Create Lasting Memories 📸: From silly selfies 🤳 to breathtaking sunsets 🌅, every moment is an opportunity to capture joy and laughter. So, let’s make it a priority to unplug and enjoy quality time with family. What’s your favorite vacation destination? Share your stories in the comments! 👇💬 Let’s inspire each other to take that much-needed break! 💪✨ #FamilyTime #TravelGoals #WorkLifeBalance #Recharge

✈️ Holiday Travels: Reflecting Above the Clouds ✈️ As I sit on this plane, watching the world below blur into a patchwork of clouds and cities, I’m reminded of how fleeting life can feel—rushing from one destination to another, often chasing success and milestones. But up here, away from the daily grind, it’s easier to gain perspective. The holidays aren’t about how far we’ve come in our careers or the achievements we’ve racked up. They’re about slowing down, connecting with loved ones, and cherishing the moments that make life truly meaningful. Travelling this holiday season? Take a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe. Whether you’re flying home to see family, heading on a well-deserved vacation, or simply taking a break, let’s remember to: * Celebrate connections, not just accomplishments. * Be present in the moment. * Reignite our sense of wonder and gratitude. Success is fulfilling only when paired with purpose and joy. Let this season be about finding balance, recharging, and celebrating the journey—not just the destination. Wishing you safe travels and meaningful moments this holiday season. 🎄✨ #HolidayTravel #AboveTheClouds #TravelReflections #SeasonOfGratitude #WanderlustVibes #FestiveJourneys #PeacefulMoments #TravelAndReflect #Holiday2024 #JourneyNotDestination

As many of us embark on our upcoming summer vacations to plan a relaxing respite from work, this story by Helen Zhao resonated with me. Structuring vacations as rigidly as our work schedules can be a recipe for stress and disappointment. It’s essential to plan the broad strokes of your vacation, but infusing your itinerary with spontaneous, memorable moments is what truly makes lasting memories. In today’s digital world, this is easier said than done, but I like to be reminded by Jimmy Buffett’s wise words: "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude." #mindfulness #traveltips #fopo #worklifebalance #worklifeintegration #digitaldetox #vacation https://lnkd.in/gATq5SwQ

Taking a slow vacation with a group of friends can be a fantastic way to strengthen relationships while genuinely savoring the experience. Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, you can relax and enjoy deeper conversations, share meaningful moments, and create lasting memories. A slower pace allows everyone to unwind, reduce stress, and be present with each other, which can lead to stronger connections. It also offers time for spontaneity, whether it is enjoying a long meal together, exploring nature, or simply relaxing without a strict itinerary. There are many reasons a group of friends would want to plan a shared trip; some may simply prefer to travel with friends, while others seek to celebrate specific life events or milestones. What are other reasons you may want to consider a group trip? Learn more> https://lnkd.in/gQPmwnNd #MizEnPlace #SlowTravel #TravelWithFriends #GroupTravel

How Badly Do You Need a Holiday? 😂✈️ The meme featuring a person clinging to an airplane engine perfectly captures our desperation when we need a holiday. It humorously exaggerates the lengths we'd go to escape our busy lives, showing that sometimes, we need to get away! Why It Resonates: - Relatable Exaggeration: Highlights our extreme need for a break. - Modern: Day Stress: Reflects the pressure of balancing work and life. - Humor: Provides a funny take on a universal feeling. Takeaway: If you relate to this meme, it’s a sign you need a vacation! Let's Plan a break, unplug, and recharge. You deserve it! 🌴🛫 Share this with friends who need a laugh and a reminder to take a break! #NeedAHoliday #VacationTime #WorkLifeBalance #linkedincommunity #linkedingrowth #explorepage #foryoupage #planyournexttrip #nexttrip #travel #travelblog #travelimages #freetravel #travelbuddies #traveltime

I have over a million miles with United Airlines, but I haven’t been on a plane in 18 months. After over a decade of near-constant travel—mostly international—I’ve been grounded, busy with life: buying a new apartment while selling the old one, transitioning careers, launching a business, and navigating vague financial uncertainty. But lately, I’ve been waking up feeling less than creative, and I know it’s time for a recharge. How do vacations help you? 🌴 Boost your mood: Even planning a vacation releases dopamine—the chemical that fuels motivation, anticipation, and excitement. The more detailed the plan, the more dopamine flows, lifting your mood before you even pack your bags. 🌴 Promote calm: On vacation, your body produces more serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. That sense of calm? It’s not just in your head. 🌴 Fuel creativity: Our creative energy thrives on novelty. New experiences, cultures, and sights activate fresh neural pathways and awaken our imagination. Traveling sparks innovation in ways that routine can’t. Without breaks, our brains risk burnout. A vacation can help you reset and recharge. Bonus: incorporating meditation during and after your trip may extend these benefits. Planning and then retelling vacation stories or sharing pictures also helps. What about you? What benefits do you get from vacations? And do you have tips on what types of trips work best for you?