Tremblant Lifestyle

Copyright (c) 2008 Linda Feinholz

I just finished unpacking my bags after six weeks of travel. As I put things away I found myself reviewing whether it had been worth carrying each item with me for the duration of the trip. I kept thinking back to my vision for them all those weeks back.

Luggage, and how we use it, is a great reflection of how we live our business lives.

Why do I say that? Because the way we carry and use our luggage in travel is much like the way we carry the ‘luggage’ of our Know How and skills and use our resources through our business lives.

My coaching clients have shown me that most of the time they’re unaware of what result they get from their old ideas, old decision-making habits and old communication style. They carry that luggage with them each day as they go to meetings, solve the challenges that arise, and strategize the growth of their business. And their shoulders ache.

I hauled a load of luggage for six weeks – 37 pounds of clothes and books, 16 pounds of computer, back up drive, cell phone and cables and work papers, and the ever present 6 pound oversized purse to use each day.

I regret about half of the clothes. But I wouldn’t have left them out despite the weight of hauling them from plane to metro to hotel to ship, etc. in 8 locations. My shoulders were aching from the weight, yet I knew why I was carrying each item and how I intended to use it.

Have you noticed, your shoulders are arching, probably with old luggage rather than what you actually need on your trip.

I used the following 3 steps last week to help one of my client’s look at where she’s headed, what’s needed to get there. She took a fresh look at the baggage of old skills and habits she was hauling along and why her shoulders were aching.

These steps will ensure you’re getting the best value out of what you’re taking with you.

Step 1 – Evaluate where you’re headed

Identify what you ‘really’ need to take with you. I knew I was going to be in weather that ranged from 21C/70sF to 40C/100+F on a regular basis, with a wonderful alpine side trip to a glacier where the temperature would be as low as freezing with gusting wind. I knew I’d be taking clothes that could be layered so I wouldn’t have to take multiple wardrobes. And I knew that meant I’d be seeing clothes I’d not be wearing every time I opened my suitcase.

Where are you and your team heading? Do you know the conditions you’ll encounter on the journey?

Step 2 – Review what you’re carrying with you

Many of the items I had in my suitcase were purchased specifically for this trip. I When I did some research knew that what I already owned wouldn’t serve me on this particular trip. The world has changed since I last traveled and there were several items that became apparent as missing from my travel took kit: locks, laundry cord, cotton skirts, 3 oz bottles for the fluids I’d be taking with me.

You and your team have years of experience and Know How. Do you know what you have on hand in skills and talents and resources?

Once you can name what you need it leads naturally to

Step 3 – Locate where you can get what you need now for your trip

Some of the resources I needed were easily found – the corner drug store and every other shop in the city is selling the new locks.

Cotton skirts that were precisely what I was looking for took 10 shopping trips and that’s devotion – I hate to shop!

Worst of all – those little innocent “3-ounce bottles”. I knew I needed to carry right up to the limit and when I saw the industry standard of 2 ounce and 4 ounce sizes it made me nuts! Round bottles waste a great deal of space in the required plastic pouch and no one had 3-ouncers. That meant lots of wasted space! After weeks of searching, I found newly released 3-ounce flat containers in a beauty supply store.

Why did I spend all that time on these 3 steps? I knew it would be High Payoff if I could find those resources. And in fact the trip was smooth sailing once I had those resources as I didn’t have to give them any further attention for six whole weeks of travel.

The result for my client? She realized that she needs to delegate 30% of the work she now does so that she’ll have the time and attention to grow her company. She now knows she doesn’t need someone full-time, nor in her same city, nor even time zone. She needs a person she can reliably hand work off to and know it will be done properly. Period. Her perfect next resource is a Virtual Assistant.

So, what’s the tool you need for the next project or business challenge you’re facing? Are the resources you’re planning to use really a fit? Are they High Payoff or will they actually slow you down and demand ongoing time and attention?

Now’s the time to evaluate the luggage you’re carrying with you and see if it’s still a fit for your journey.

The British Virgin Islands are one of the most popular yachting destinations in the world. The ideal weather from December through May, influences most charterers to choose a sailing yacht for their versatility. voyage Yacht Charters recently added their Caribbean Sailing fleet to eYachtCharter.com’s luxury yachting directory. Voyage is one of the BVI’s leading charter brokers and has a fleet that will meet the most discerning sailor’s expectations. Because Voyage knows that each charter guest has their own personal desires, they will work with your skipper to accommodate most itinerary requests. This is just a sample to whet your appetite for an unforgettable BVI Yacht Charter.

DAY 1:

Join your yacht at midday at Sopers Hole on the West End of Tortola: the original home of the pirates. Today, trading can be a little easier with a visit to the shops at Pussers Landing. After a light lunch and chat about the itinerary, a 2 hour sail takes you to Norman Island (Treasure Island). Snorkel at the caves and be amazed at how many fish there are in the crystal clear waters. The evening is spent in the Bight, with a visit to The William Thornton for an after dinner party – a wild floating bar where everybody lets their hair down and tells their seafaring tales of the day………….and how fast did you sail?

DAY 2:

After breakfast you can hike to the top of Spy Glass hill, a known lookout point for the pirates, be sure to take your camera. Dive or snorkel the Indians or Rainbow Canyon and swim with the sea turtles. After lunch it’s a short tack up to Peter Island, famous for its romantic beaches. Take an early evening stroll along the beach before a casually elegant dinner aboard. After dinner go forward to the trampolines and count the shooting stars, making a wish on each one you see.

DAY 3:

After breakfast a short sail to Salt Island to dive or snorkel the Rhone; this is one of the top five wreck dives in the world. Then motor round to Cooper Island for lunch and some spectacular snorkeling off Cistern point, a sheltered reef alive with juvenile fish of endless varieties. Alternatively, take a stroll on the beach, sit under a palm tree and just take in the beauty of the turquoise waters. A late afternoon sail takes us to Marina Cay for the evening, one of the smallest of the Virgin Islands.

DAY 4:

A morning sail can take you to the Dog Islands for some colorful coral dives or you can visit the Baths on Virgin Gorda. These spectacular rock formations below and above water can be explored by land or sea and snorkeling here is a must. Lunch is just outside Spanish Town, so you can shop or take a taxi for an Island tour. Then a fast sail up the west side of Virgin Gorda one of the most beautiful of the Virgin Islands. In the evening, dance at the Bitter End Yacht Club to the local reggae band in the elegant settings that this resort offers.

DAY 5:

Spend the morning enjoying the North Sound – truly one of the most outstanding natural harbors in the Caribbean. Enjoy good windsurfing, snorkeling, hiking and shopping here. Visit the four exclusive resorts and take on some shore duty. Or, sail to Anegada, the sunken land nestled within a horseshoe reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world. For the first half of this 2/3 hour sail there is no land visible, then the palm tree’s appear on the horizon warning of your imminent arrival. After lunch absorb the atmosphere of the anchorage at Setting Point. Informality and relaxation are the key elements of Anegada. Deserted beaches, fringed reefs and the unique flora and fauna of the salt ponds, home to the pink flamingo, await your exploration. Lobster dinner at the Anegada Reef Hotel is a must. As darkness falls, with cocktail in hand, you will see from the cockpit of the boat the driftwood fires on the beach grilling your lobster. The open air restaurant in and around the beach promises a dining experience only Anegada can offer.

DAY 6:

An early start from Anegada ensures plenty of time to sail back to enjoy the snorkeling off Guana Island or dive Camanoe Island. Off the Eastern end of Tortola are several small secluded anchorage’s. If evening entertainment is your choice Trellis Bay is the home of the Last Resort, which offers a nightly comedy show based on yachts who come and visit the British Virgin Islands.

DAY 7:

A leisurely downwind sail to Jost Van Dyke offers ample opportunity for stopping on the way. Cane Garden Bay, Sandy Spit and Green Cay are all places of exceptional beauty. Just take your pick. For the over night stop, White Bay is secluded and quiet with only the Soggy Dollar Bar ashore or Great Harbor is ideal for those who would like to visit the famous Foxy’s Tamarind Bar. Sample his Sly fox or Dread fox both made from Foxy’s firewater rum and listen to his calypso songs. Beware you’ll probably be in one!

DAY 8:

The last morning! Choose your breakfast from a light selection of assorted breads and fresh tropical fruits, to champagne and eggs Benedict. A swim or snorkel before sailing back to West End for that last minute shopping before joining your homeward flight.

For more information about vacationing in the Caribbean or booking a Caribbean Yacht Charter visit our Luxury Yacht Charter Section.