Holidays aren't usually as frequent and as fulfilling as they used to be. There are a lot of possible causes as to why this is so: it could have something to do with the fact that people are so busy working that they do not have time to go on holidays anymore or they simply cannot afford it anymore and they'd rather use the money on something more essential or immediate, like bills and stuff like that.
However, sometimes we luck out and when we are finally given the opportunity to go on a holiday, we must pull out all of the stops and seize the hell out of that holiday because not only is it rare, it is also something we deserve.
The following are some simple and incredibly easy ways to enjoy the most out of your holiday:
- When doing your travel research, leave out reading the reviews
Caroline Costello said in her article for Independent Traveler: "I'll admit it. I'm a TripAdvisor addict. And I've found some fantastic places by poring over reviews online. But my obsession with reading the reviews about everything, whether it's a trendy new restaurant or an out-of-the-way B&B, can sometimes backfire."
What she means by this is that sometimes, there are certain places and/or restaurants which may seem visit-worthy, based from the reviews of others from websites like TripAdvisor. However, upon going to that place, you may find yourself disappointed since the place doesn't live up to your expectations.
In order to avoid such from happening, sometimes winging it is the best way to go. You can opt to ask from locals instead or exploring on your own; that way you don't waste time on putting something dismal on your itinerary and of course, money too. You'll never really know when you might discover something unexpected which ends up taking you by surprise.
- Pack smart
Nichola West of Globalmouse Travels shares her packing tips in an article for Telegraph:
To keep creases at bay, I roll my clothes and then secure them with elastic bands before packing them.
If you have lots of bulky clothing - for a winter sports trip, for example - I find that placing the clothes in compression vacuum bags is a great space saver.
To keep track of jewellery or other small items, I use things like my glasses case or children's pencil cases to keep everything in one place.
Bring in clothes which you are both comfortable in and items that you can mix and match. Make sure that they are appropriate both for the climate and for the culture of the place you are traveling to. Check all other essentials while packing: important documents, camera, phone, etc.
- Traverse the unexpected way
The best way to make the most out of your trip is to stay away from tourists - not entirely but only when it comes to the spots you are going to check out. Tourist-laden places may be tried and tested to be beautiful and worthwhile the visit.However, they can also get pretty crowded and boisterous too.
Go somewhere completely unexpected; explore local things you normally wouldn't, get into new experiences and just go with the flow. A lot of good things can happen to your vacation if you let it, so do.
Going to certain places during off-peak season might not be ideal for some but it can turn your vacation up a notch. Not only does it avoid the crowds, it can also be a lot cheaper too as compared to when you go there during peak season.
- Breathe! Don't stress, Enjoy
The point of having a vacation is to relieve you of stress; however planning one is usually difficult and it could completely burn you out. Hiring a guide for your tour could be an option for you.
Tour guides can do so much to help alleviate the stress that can be caused by planning your vacation. They can plan your itinerary for you and save you enormous amounts of time; besides they can help navigate a particular place with ease since they probably know it like the back of their hand. This is much more helpful if you are going on a holiday where you are not familiar or fluent with the native language of the place you're vacationing to.
Though many might want to cram in as much sightseeing as they possibly could in a single vacation, this is something you should avoid doing. The same also goes for planned activities.
Not only does it make you more stressful during your holiday, it simply isn't practical as well. Remember, less is usually more. Trim those down and stick to the more key points you wish to see and do. Maybe you could save the others for your next holiday, right?
While you are on holiday, let your worries take a backseat and enjoy yourself once in a while. Take a breather from your immensely hectic life and just live in the moment! Breathe! Indulge! Sit back and relax. This vacation is hard-earned and you of all people deserve it, so don't waste it by worrying over inconsequential things and extremely getting worked up over it.
- from CBS News: Summer vacation tips: How to make the most of your time off
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
