We have all heard the saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation”, or “I didn’t even know that was there”, but why is that & how does that happen? Why are you so tired, stressed, & exhausted while at the same time feeling like you missed so many things? Aren’t you are supposed to be having the most relaxing & exciting time you possibly can? Believe it or not, sometimes it’s the simplest of things that when all combined can really take a toll on you or make you feel like you didn’t get to really take it all in.
1. Don’t Experience Your Vacation Through A Lens
Too often, when you are on vacation, pictures have become such a way of life that everything becomes an experience through a lens. You can be standing at the Golden Gate Bridge or Empire State Building, but your experience of that is through a 1×1 inch view finder.
You of course want to have your memories, however experience why your there first, take one quick snapshot if you’re really need to & then get back to enjoying the experience and taking it in. Make sure your goal is the times and the moments rather than just the desire of getting through a checklist of places on a list to get a picture. (image:lens)
2. Don’t Make An Itinerary That Leaves You Running Around
When you are about to experience a new place & adventure, be sure to always leave yourself plenty of time to really enjoy what you are doing and where you are at.
Don’t feel inclined to schedule so many things in your day that when you get there you aren’t able to enjoy the point of being there because you’re running off to the next place on your list. Instead, make a loose outline of a couple things that you might like to do or see that day & play it by ear. Fully immerse yourself in the first place you go then when your complete, see what you might be in the mood for next. Have an outline not a “to do” list. (image:running)
3. Never Eat At The Same Place That You Have at Home
One of the worst things you can do is be in the middle of a world class cultural city and eat at a common chain restaurant that you have in your hometown. It’s sometimes very easy for people to go with what they are comfortable with or what they know when it comes to dining.
Just keep in mind that there is an endless array of amazing restaurants, cafes, foods, and tastes to experience and more than likely you’ll soon have a new favorite dish. Also, don’t let yourself get to hungry because you are less likely to try something new when you simply want to satisfy hunger. (image:cafe)
4. Don’t Expect The Prices To Be The Same
This should go without saying & of course depends on where you are from and where you are going, but for the most part there is going to be a price difference in your travels. Don’t let that stop you or set you back. If you go into it already knowing this, then you are not going to be caught off guard or surprised when the menus come.
Just keep it simple and know that different areas, cultures and locations come with different price points. Most of the time you’ll notice however that, while it might be a little higher than your used to, the quality, experience & atmosphere that comes with it makes all the difference as well. (image:brunch)
5. Never Compare Where You’re From To Where You’re At
This goes along the same guidelines as dining, but one of things that will work against you from the beginning is if you compare your vacation spot to your hometown area.
The entire reason you went to your vacation destination is to experience what that area has offer, and let yourself be surrounded by the new adventures & offering’s that surround you. Who knows, it could be your new hometown one day. (image:porto)
6. Don’t Cage Yourself to “Typical” Experiences
For some of you, this might be one of the hardest things to not do. Everyone has their comfort zones, but make sure they are not “typical” zones. Allow yourself to experience things you never thought you would, and let the adventurous side of you come pouring out.
Being spontaneous is a sure fire way to help in this. If you see something you might want to try, GO FOR IT!! As the saying goes, “you only live once” and “don’t let your life pass you by”. Those words could not ring more true. You’ll discover things about yourself and feelings that you never knew lived inside you. (image:skydiving)
7. Don’t Just Do All The Tourist Spots Only
You of course want to see the iconic things that define the destination of where you’re going, but don’t let those be your only stops. Before you head out, look up a few “off the beaten path” things that are also the heart and soul of the area.
From eateries, pubs, clubs, museums, theaters or parks, throwing in a few of these will enhance your vacation to another level. Most likely you’ll also run into some locals that can suggest things & give tips, as well as you may even make a new friend along the way. (image:statue)
8. Never Set Yourself Up For Disappointment
This most of the time is in regards to events or popular venues. If you know something is a very popular event, then you want to make sure you have that locked in and/or purchased your tickets before you arrive. For example: If you are planning on going on a very popular boat cruise, dining at a particular restaurant, or touring a famous landmark etc., by all means get your tickets before or make reservations before you arrive.
So often things have very long waits, sell out or book up weeks to months ahead of time. If you wait till you get there, more than likely you will not be able to take part in one of the things that you really wanted to do. Don’t let that happen and plan ahead when & where possible. (image:lines)
9. Don’t Knock It Till You Try It
This is a simple as the saying goes. Don’t turn your nose up to something or create an opinion before you try it. What happens most of the time is you end up liking something you never in your wildest dreams thought you would.
Caviar didn’t become an instant hit overnight. Keep that in mind and you’ll open yourself up to world of new experiences. (image:caviar)
10. Never Let Yourself Not Have A Good Time
Simply HAVE FUN!!! Let yourself go, jump in with both feet and let yourself have the most wonderful time ever. Don’t get to set on schedules, itineraries, must do’s etc. and just experience.
There’s no work to be done, no calls to make, no deadlines to meet, no papers or emails in sight. So sleep in, eat too much, laugh, love it and live. Then when you’ve done all that, do it again. (image:fun)