If you're like me, you can hardly believe it is December and the holiday season is upon us! In this edition of the Travel Hi Five, I begin the process of winding down for the year and reflecting on what was. As we approach the start of 2026, we will no doubt see countless top 10 lists or top moments from 2025. While I was thinking about the content for this month, it dawned on me that I have been contributing to The Compass for four years now!
I was curious to look back and see if what I talked about over the years resonated with people. I can honestly report that I have received many a comment or even email about how it has helped someone not only in business but sometimes in life as well. With that in mind, here is a collection of the some of the highlights these last four years in an order that just made sense to me as a reader.
It is a collection of FIVE things to be more specific. Why five? It is all about branding, being consistent and it is in the name "Travel Hi Five," for gosh sakes. I have a reputation to uphold here. So, after consulting with the committee of me, myself and I, here are the top five topics that I hope are as relevant today as they were then. My hope is that you find one nugget of an idea you can take into 2026 for use in your business or life:
The Constant Pursuit of More: A Recipe for Burnout
Entrepreneurs are known for their relentless drive and ambition. While these qualities can propel you forward, they can also become a double-edged sword. Continuously chasing the next big thing can lead to burnout, as you are constantly pushing yourself to the limit. In the world of travel that “next big thing” can take many forms; a new group you are trying to build, transitioning into luxury brands, keeping up with the next big cruise ship reveal and on and on.
This can result in physical and mental exhaustion, decreased productivity and strained relationships. Ever been up at 1 a.m. and convinced yourself that it was for good reason? A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that burnout is a common issue among entrepreneurs due to their high-pressure work environments. That pressure is often self-inflicted based on our own personal beliefs that may not be based in reality. By shifting your focus to the present and appreciating what you have already achieved, you can reduce the risk of burnout and maintain a healthier work-life harmony. Notice I did not say “balance," that is because there is no such thing as perfect balance in life and business. So just find the harmony.
Track Your Financial Progress
Have you ever heard the phrase, what gets measured gets done? Well it is true. While most will hear this and agree that it makes sense, why are there so many that never track their performance against financial goals? I have found that one reason is the fear of actually knowing the numbers or just not knowing how best to go about it. Lots can be said about this topic, but I want to keep it really simple. I believe you should adopt big business thinking of forecasting your desired sales and commission goals and then tracking what you have actually done each month. I call this the "Easy Peasy" approach.
You can get more complicated for sure, but you need to breakdown your overall sales and commission goal for a year and divide by 12 to come up with a monthly goal. At the end of each month you record what it actually was and adjust up or down as needed each quarter. I promise that by looking at it each month and knowing what it is, you will make different decisions about your business. It may mean making that extra sales call when you know you are so close. If you have read this far and want my Easy Peasy Dashboard spreadsheet to help with that then email me and I will be happy to send it to you. It will be interesting to see how many requests I actually get!
Never Underestimate the Power of the Handwritten Note
This will stand out in today’s world because how many times do we get these? It means more because you know that someone had to take the time to get the card, write out their thoughts and then take the steps to send it by mail. When you want to make it stand out even more think about doing it for other things rather than JUST birthdays or anniversaries. Do those of course, but how amazing would it be to get a card from your travel advisor about a personal accomplishment in your life that has NOTHING to do with travel.
For those that want an efficient online way to do this, Google online cards and you will be amazed by the technology available to help you. Even Hallmark is in on the game. There will be a cost, of course. My recommendation is to look for one that allows you to make it handwritten through the magic of matching your handwriting to the printing process.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Simone Biles’ Return to Glory
Simone Biles, one of the most decorated gymnasts in history, faced a well-documented struggle during the Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events citing mental health challenges. In Paris, Biles made a triumphant return, winning gold and demonstrating her unparalleled skill and mental toughness. In the process you could also make a case for her becoming a leader inside of the team.
Business Lesson: Adversity is inevitable, but how you respond to it defines your success. Whether you’re dealing with a failed group trip, a lost client or personal challenges, resilience is crucial. Take the time to recover, seek support if needed, and come back stronger. Remember, setbacks are often setups for greater achievements.
One Word
Rounding out my top five with one from January 2023 that is still relevant today as you get ready for 2026.
I began the practice of coming up with “one word” for the year. I started this over seven years ago when I owned my own business. This was a word I could hold up as my motivational force throughout the year. It becomes a mantra for the year that motivates me towards my goals. One year it was “inspire” and this year it is “adventure." No need to explain it away to anyone else, it just has to have meaning to you. Need some ideas? Here is a good blog with 250 Personal Word of the Year Ideas.
These last four years of the Travel Hi Five have been an amazing journey, thanks to the team at VAX Vacation Access and The Compass. I wish them, and all of you, the happiest of holidays however it is you may celebrate. Enjoy some quiet time and see you in 2026!
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