We plan our weddings, we plan our honeymoons, we plan for our children’s educations, we plan for retirement, we even plan out our final days through our last wills and testaments.

Why not invest equal energy into long-term travel planning?

Many people talk about looking forward to that magical date on the calendar—retirement—when they can finally see the world. However, by the time that day rolls around, they find that they wish they had traveled when they were younger and had more energy.

At Global Escapes, we believe that you should experience life as you are going through it. Will the beautiful rock formations at Arches National Park still be there in 30 years? Most likely. Will you be able to hike a mile or two up to the most picturesque spots? Maybe not.

And, while you don’t have to be in incredible shape to take photos of the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna, those who can climb the 343 steps to the top of The Steffl, or South Tower, are rewarded with the most incredible views of the city.

Time is the most precious thing that we own. However, it also is the one thing that we will never get back. Life is unpredictable, and we have no guarantees that our favorite travel partners will still be here when we are ready to go globetrotting.

Recently we have been helping our clients craft a strategy to check off all the places on their so-called bucket lists, sooner rather than later. We start by discussing all of the places they are dying to see, and why. We talk about special birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other meaningful occasions that a fabulous trip could help commemorate. We decide which vacations are couples-only, with the goal of reconnecting, and which trips are more active with the extended family. We may realize that some experiences may be better for a girls- or guys-only trip, and that other journeys are meant to be solo. Once we have set some goals, our clients can begin budgeting to make this long-term travel plan come to fruition. Our clients have found they are more likely to reach these destinations if they map out a strategy.

So, take some time over the next few weeks to dream a little. What do you want to experience in your lifetime? It could be the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., the migration of the monarch butterflies in San Miguel del Allende, Mexico, or carnevale in Venice. When you are ready, we will help you design a plan to make it happen.