I used to overplan short vacations. Now, I swear by a rule that helps me get the most out of my trips without burning out.

• I used to overplan my vacations — and felt exhausted. • So, I created a rule to help me have a great trip without packing too much into my itinerary. • This "3-3-1 rule" has helped me slow down, be more present, and say yes to the unexpected.

It was sometime between my third coffee of the day and the moment I realized I'd slept through an evening light-and-water show in Singapore that it hit me: I'd planned the "perfect" itinerary — and I was miserable.

I'd ticked off the must-sees, marched through museums, and photographed every plate of food before taking a bite. But I was exhausted, irritable, and strangely disconnected. This wasn't how travel was meant to feel.

After too many whirlwind weekends and burned-out "breaks," I decided to make a change, using what I call the "3-3-1 r