Feb
5th
Author: admin |
Files under Travel Advice, Travel Learning
You've booked the perfect getaway, packed smart, and arrived safely...now what? Here are six things that you can do before and during your vacation to maximize every day.
Planning Ahead
A little research and planning almost always results in a more fulfilling trip. By knowing what you want (or don't want) to see and do, you avoid wasting precious vacation time trying to make uninformed decisions, and prevent yourself from leaving your destination regretting what you wish you'd done.
Start by asking yourself an important question: How do you define a great vacation? Relaxing on the beach, total immersion in a destination's culture, non-stop sports and activities, etc.? Do your interests include nature, spa treatments, photography, water sports, or all of the above?
Once
Planning Ahead
A little research and planning almost always results in a more fulfilling trip. By knowing what you want (or don't want) to see and do, you avoid wasting precious vacation time trying to make uninformed decisions, and prevent yourself from leaving your destination regretting what you wish you'd done.
Start by asking yourself an important question: How do you define a great vacation? Relaxing on the beach, total immersion in a destination's culture, non-stop sports and activities, etc.? Do your interests include nature, spa treatments, photography, water sports, or all of the above?
Once
you've answered these questions, start researching. Don't plan on following a generic list of tourists attractions; commit yourself to creating a trip itinerary that fits your interests. Visit Trip.com for information on destinations around the world; scour guidebooks and websites for details on eco-tours, day spas, and the area's best shops and markets. Make reservations, if possible -- especially for popular restaurants and theater tickets, as they may be sold out once you arrive -- and always ask about cancellation policies before you commit.
Asking the Right Questions
Even if you simply aspire to sun all day and salsa all night, there are a few things that you'll need (or want) to know. For instance, if breakfast is included in your lodging rate, what time does it end? (You'll save yourself a lot of money by taking advantage of free meals.) What times do trains or other modes of public transportation stop running? (Be sure to avoid getting stuck with an expensive cab ride after that late-night dance marathon.) What is the availability of ATMs and where can you find them? What are the check-in and check-out times at your hotel?
List makers should do so with the following in mind: What are your priority to-dos? What attractions do you want to visit, where are they located, and what are their hours of operation? Will your trip overlap with any local holidays? (Attractions and shops may be closed.)
Suggestions: Don't visit more than two museums or galleries a day -- you'll likely go cross-eyed after a couple of hours at each. Balance visits to inside attractions with outdoor zoos, parks, or gardens. And make sure each day has something for everyone: compromise is key! Finally, check the weather where you'll be going right before you leave and adjust your priorities or plans accordingly.
Getting the Lay of the Land
Don't plan to hit the ground running on your first day. Ease in: Catch up on sleep, eat breakfast, and explore your immediate neighborhood. A great plan for your first afternoon: drive or take a walking tour of your destination city to get a feel for the area and its history. Take a map and notebook to jot down neighborhoods and locations of restaurants, attractions, or pubs that you'd like to revisit when you have more time. Tour guides are also great resources to help you map out the rest of your trip.
Staying Healthy
Traveling doesn't change the rules of feeling good: Drink too much and you'll be hung over the next day; don't exercise and you'll feel sluggish; don't drink enough water and you'll get a pounding headache. Try not to be too stressed in the days and weeks leading up to your vacation, as stress makes you especially vulnerable to sickness. Add to this jet lag, strange foods, and a new bed, and it's no wonder your body cries foul. For these reasons, you may feel unusually tired or grumpy at first. Shake off this cloud by getting lots of rest, taking breaks throughout the day, drinking lots of water, dressing appropriately for the weather, wearing sunscreen, and using common sense when choosing a restaurant.
Make Having Fun Your #1 Goal
Make a concentrated effort to keep the reasons that you're on vacation -- to relax, reconnect, learn about a new culture -- at the forefront of your mind. Why is this so important? It's very easy to get frustrated when you're traveling. Everything you take for granted at home -- from reading driving directions, to ordering a cup of coffee, to choosing a restaurant -- is different and potentially very confusing. Remember: Keep cool and it'll all work itself out. That's the fun and the thrill of visiting a new and exciting destination!
Asking the Right Questions
Even if you simply aspire to sun all day and salsa all night, there are a few things that you'll need (or want) to know. For instance, if breakfast is included in your lodging rate, what time does it end? (You'll save yourself a lot of money by taking advantage of free meals.) What times do trains or other modes of public transportation stop running? (Be sure to avoid getting stuck with an expensive cab ride after that late-night dance marathon.) What is the availability of ATMs and where can you find them? What are the check-in and check-out times at your hotel?
List makers should do so with the following in mind: What are your priority to-dos? What attractions do you want to visit, where are they located, and what are their hours of operation? Will your trip overlap with any local holidays? (Attractions and shops may be closed.)
Suggestions: Don't visit more than two museums or galleries a day -- you'll likely go cross-eyed after a couple of hours at each. Balance visits to inside attractions with outdoor zoos, parks, or gardens. And make sure each day has something for everyone: compromise is key! Finally, check the weather where you'll be going right before you leave and adjust your priorities or plans accordingly.
Getting the Lay of the Land
Don't plan to hit the ground running on your first day. Ease in: Catch up on sleep, eat breakfast, and explore your immediate neighborhood. A great plan for your first afternoon: drive or take a walking tour of your destination city to get a feel for the area and its history. Take a map and notebook to jot down neighborhoods and locations of restaurants, attractions, or pubs that you'd like to revisit when you have more time. Tour guides are also great resources to help you map out the rest of your trip.
Staying Healthy
Traveling doesn't change the rules of feeling good: Drink too much and you'll be hung over the next day; don't exercise and you'll feel sluggish; don't drink enough water and you'll get a pounding headache. Try not to be too stressed in the days and weeks leading up to your vacation, as stress makes you especially vulnerable to sickness. Add to this jet lag, strange foods, and a new bed, and it's no wonder your body cries foul. For these reasons, you may feel unusually tired or grumpy at first. Shake off this cloud by getting lots of rest, taking breaks throughout the day, drinking lots of water, dressing appropriately for the weather, wearing sunscreen, and using common sense when choosing a restaurant.
Make Having Fun Your #1 Goal
Make a concentrated effort to keep the reasons that you're on vacation -- to relax, reconnect, learn about a new culture -- at the forefront of your mind. Why is this so important? It's very easy to get frustrated when you're traveling. Everything you take for granted at home -- from reading driving directions, to ordering a cup of coffee, to choosing a restaurant -- is different and potentially very confusing. Remember: Keep cool and it'll all work itself out. That's the fun and the thrill of visiting a new and exciting destination!
