It doesn’t matter if you travel abroad or take a weekend trip to another town, what you are normally looking for is a great, relaxing vacation. As we all know, that treasured vacation time tends to slip by really fast, so it’s important to enjoy every second of your precious holiday!
So how do you make the best of your vacation? Well, below are some simple steps that can help you achieve that amazing vacation you always wished for.
At home
The first thing to ensure a pleasant and worry free vacation is to plan ahead.
What do you expect?
It’s important to know what you can really expect from your holiday. Relaxing by the pool? Practicing extreme sports? Exploring the city? A beach vacation? Choose the best option for you and always consult your family. If you travel with kids, ask them, too! The vacation you prefer may not be the one that your kids would like. Make compromises and determine the right destination for all of you.
Do your homework!
As I say in almost all of my travel articles, it’s really important to do your homework before you leave for vacation. Depending on the destination and your vacation type, the things you should consider are different, but the most important aspects you should check and plan ahead for are:
- documentation and visa requirements
The most important thing when traveling is the documentation. Have all the needed documentation prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- hotel/hostel/B&B options
Depending on the vacation type you chose, select the accommodation needed. It’s not a great idea to stay in a hostel with your kids, but if you travel alone and want to meet new people, a hostel is a perfect place to stay!
- local transport system
Think of how you will get around to the destination spot. Will you take a taxi, train, metro or a bus? Compare ticket prices and choose the right one for you.
- sightseeing
It’s hard to see all sites in your vacation destination, so choose wisely and visit only the sights you really want to discover.
On vacation
So you have arrived at your destination. Your flight experience was pleasant and the homework you did before has paid off. Now, it’s time to have fun, explore and relax.
To have a terrific holiday experience, you should consider the tips described below:
Meet the locals
No, I’m not crazy to suggest that you meet strangers in places you are not familiar with. There are different sites like Enjoy the Best, Couchsurfing, etc. that help you find people to share experiences with. Enjoy the Best is actually a cool new initiative where you can select locals to meet based on events… i.e. meeting at a restaurant you both want to try out, going to a show, etc. They also do a background check on people, so no worries!
Locals know all the secrets of the pace you are visiting. Ask them for restaurant recommendations and invite them to have a meal with you. I’m sure you will learn much more during the feast than a tour guide can tell you.
Planning to see the sights? Locals can show you sites that no other tourist sees. It’s an added value for your trip and it sure makes your visit special.
Be spontaneous!
I’m a big plan ahead person, but sometimes it’s good to let go and have an adventure. It’s great to come out of your comfort zone and try new things. Why not try paragliding, mountain climbing, swimming with sharks, scuba diving or an exotic local dish. Is an adventure not on your to-do list? Who cares! Remember, vacations are to have fun!
Leave the distraction at home (or in a hotel room)!
You have earned your vacation, your employer knows that you won’t be working while on holiday. So turn off all the unnecessary devices and relax. Read a good book instead of checking your mail or updating your Facebook status. You can share all those amazing photos with your friends when you are back at home.
So, in conclusion, these are just a few things you should keep in mind if you want to make the best of your vacation. It’s not that hard to have fun and relax at all!
