All I have been doing for the last few months is work, work, work. And I was okay with it, for the most part. Till the other day, I was chilling, scrolling through my phone like I always do, and I see everyone and their cousin living their best lives on some epic Sho’t Left.

One person’s out in the Winelands, sipping wine like they’re in some boujee romcom. Another is catching the sunset over Kruger, vibing with nature and looking all zen. And me? Sitting there, feeling all sorts of FOMO, wondering why all my trip ideas are chilling in the group chat like an expired airtime voucher.

I was like, "When did life get so serious? When did I get so busy that I forgot how to just go?"

That’s When It Hit Me:

It wasn’t that I couldn’t take a trip; it was that I kept finding reasons not to. I wasn’t doing myself any favours by waiting for the ‘right’ moment, the perfect time, or for everyone else in the group chat to suddenly become planners, movers and shakers. Yoh, sometimes you just have to make the decision and move!

But you know me, I’m not about to pack bags on a whim and disappear like I’ve got celeb money. I had to get real about things. First things first – check the budget. Because, real talk, travelling costs money, even if it’s just a quick weekend away to a local spot. I’m not about to be reckless with my coins, so I started small, putting away a little cash here and there. I told myself, "This is my trip fund," even if it was just enough for a staycation or a cute BnB nearby. The point was to treat myself to a breather, nothing too fancy, just a moment for me to recharge and get out of the house. It’s not a breather if you are stressed about affording it. Honestly, even thinking about it was exciting.

But I Had To Ask Myself:

Why did I want to take this trip? What was the vibe I was after? Sometimes, it's just the exhaustion that pushes you to need a break. The work stress, the life admin, all of it starts to pile up, and you just know you need to step away and find some sunshine. Other times, it’s just about joining in the fun – seeing those #travelgoals posts on Instagram, and you’re like, “I want that moment too.” And that's okay! Wanting to join a trend or experience something new is reason enough to go for it. But, if you're not feeling it in your gut or the budget says ‘nah fam’, then don't push it. Not every trip needs to happen right away. You can plan it for later when things feel more stable.

Once I made peace with that, I started to figure out my timeline. If I needed a break ASAP, I’d look for local spots that wouldn’t take much to plan. Something like a nearby camping trip or even a stay with friends out of town for the weekend – you’d be surprised what a change of scenery can do for your energy. And some of these places don’t cost much; R250 a night can get you a charming guesthouse or a backpacker's spot in the city. No hectic planning needed.

But let’s say I wanted something a little more snazzy - that’s where planning a few months in advance comes in. Honestly, three months ahead is the sweet spot. You’ve got time to book accommodation, maybe even catch an early-bird special. You can even get the squad in on it – for real this time – and lock in dates that work for everyone.

And then, there are the bigger dreams. You know, the Sho’t Lefts that take six months to five years of dreaming. I’m talking about those once-in-a-lifetime trips – maybe it’s exploring every province in SA or deep-diving into nature at one of our national parks. These trips take time to plan, but they’re worth it. Imagine the stories you’ll come back with! The trick with these longer trips is to be patient. Save up, plan, and when the time comes, you’ll have everything set. Even if it takes a few years, you’ll get there.

Something my sister told me was she made the mistake of getting too excited on her last trip and packed her days full of activities. Just to wish she could sleep. It's not supposed to feel like a chore to be outside. Travelling can be exhausting, so leave room in your schedule for spontaneous detours and, most importantly, time to rest.

So, When’s The Best Time To Take That Sho’t Left?

Honestly, to me, whenever I feel ready. I think I will get the gang together, pick a date, and make it happen. The only thing standing between me and that Sho’t Left is the decision to go. So I'ma pack light, take my own good vibe, and enjoy the journey!