Life by Design: How to Make Travel a Priority – Part One: The Planning Process

 Imagine - Travel becomes a priority 

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about strolling through the bustling streets of Tokyo, watching the sunset over Santorini, or hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia—only to tell yourself, “One day”?

The truth is, “one day” never comes unless you plan for it.

If you truly want to make travel a priority, you need to design your life around it—not wait for the “perfect time.” Because there is no perfect time.

The good news? You can start right now.

This is Part One of a two-part guide on how to prioritise travel wherever you are in life. We’re starting with the planning process—because turning travel dreams into reality begins with intention and strategy.

Step 1: Get a Calendar & Make Room for Travel

First things first: you need a visual plan.

Whether you prefer a printed wall calendar or a digital one like Google Calendar, Notion, or TripIt, get something you can see regularly.

Start by marking all the key dates—birthdays, anniversaries, and any other major life events.

Then, block out your travel time. Don’t wait until “work allows” or “life slows down.” Prioritise your travel first, then work around it.

Pro tip: Treat your travel plans like non-negotiable appointments. If it’s in the calendar, it’s happening.

Step 2: Download the Mika Creations Bucket List

We’ve created the ultimate travel bucket list to help you map out your adventures. Whether you dream of sipping wine in the Barossa Valley, road-tripping the Great Ocean Road, or trekking the Himalayas, this list will help you define your must-see places.

Action Step: Download the Mika Creations Travel Bucket List and start filling in the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Then, categorise them into:

1. Mini-breaks (weekend getaways or long weekends)

2. Holidays (longer trips of one to four weeks)

3. Dream Destinations (bucket list experiences that require more time, planning, and budget)

Step 3: Collate Public Holidays & Avoid Peak Travel Times

Travelling smart means maximising your time off without blowing the budget.

Look up public holidays in your region—these are perfect for sneaky long weekends.

If you don’t have kids, avoid school holidays like the plague—flights, hotels, and experiences will be more expensive and crowded.

Hack your annual leave: Combine public holidays with weekends for extended trips without using too many leave days.

Example: In Australia, Easter and ANZAC Day often fall close together, meaning you can turn a four-day weekend into a ten-day holiday by taking only a few leave days.

 

Step 4: Work Out How Many Summers You Have Left

This one’s a reality check—but an important one.

Think about this: How many summers do you have left to travel the way you want?

Example:

If you’re 61 years old and, realistically, you can travel comfortably until 76, that’s 15 more summers.

That might sound confronting, but it’s also a wake-up call to start prioritising travel now.

The Key Takeaway

1. Do the most physically demanding trips first (hiking Machu Picchu, diving in the Maldives, trekking in Nepal).

2. Leave the more relaxed holidays for later (European river cruises, slow train journeys, wellness retreats).

You don’t have unlimited time—so make every trip count.

Step 5: Plan Your Mini-Breaks & Holidays

A fulfilling travel life isn’t just about big, expensive trips—it’s about consistently making time for exploration.

1. Plan One Mini-Break Per Quarter

1. Aim for a long weekend getaway every three months.

2. Choose somewhere new or revisit a favourite place you haven’t seen in years.

3. Think: A secluded cabin in Tasmania, a wine weekend in Margaret River, or a tropical escape to the Whitsundays.

2. Plan One to Two Bigger Trips Per Year

1. This depends on budget, annual leave, and family commitments.

2. If you can take two big trips, balance them between a cultural or historical destination (such as Italy or Japan) and a nature-focused one (such as New Zealand or Canada).

3. If you can only take one major trip, make it count.

Example Travel Plan for a Year

1. March: Four-day weekend in Tasmania (mini-break)

2. June: Bali wellness retreat (big trip)

3. September: Three-day Sydney city escape (mini-break)

4. December: Two-week trip to Europe (big trip)

Does this look like the life you want? Then start planning it today.

Life by Design Starts Now

Making travel a priority isn’t about luck or waiting for the right time. It’s about intentional choices—and designing your life around experiences, not just responsibilities.

Start now:

1. Get a calendar and lock in travel dates.

2. Download the Mika Creations Travel Bucket List.

3. Work out how many summers you have left—and plan accordingly.

4. Schedule one mini-break per quarter and at least one big trip a year.

Part Two: Making It a Reality will cover budgeting, finding deals, and turning your travel plans into actual bookings.

Are you ready to start designing your travel-filled life? Stay tuned for Part Two.