No matter if you’re planning
the trip of a lifetime, or if you’re embarking on a quick weekend getaway,
having an awesome vacation (i.e. the best possible travel experience you can
have) requires a formulaic approach. As any seasoned traveler will tell you,
there is an awful lot of a travel experience over which you have no control;
here are some items over which you do have control- which ultimately puts you
in charge of having your best vacation ever.
There is certain romanticism in spinning the globe and
seeing where you finger lands to determine your next vacation spot, or going to
the airport with plans to board the next departing plane in a given direction.
However, real-life travel (and real life happiness) depends on compatibility
(and we’re not talking about relationships). At the risk of sounding obvious,
what do you want to do- and what do you like to do? Do museums make your eyes
glaze over? Do you covet the beach? Is your holiday about the food? Are you an
adrenaline junkie who won’t be happy without some tales to tell post-trip? When
you start short-listing your destinations, take into account what sort of
environment are you most comfortable in terms of climate, distance from home
and active holiday vs. total relaxation.
2. Know Your Audience
While it may seem like great fun to pack up the family for a
trip around the world in 80 days, any parent will tell you that a trip to the
grocery store is often enough to start the choruses of “Are we there yet?”, so
you’ll want to pick a family trip that will preserve your sanity (while
creating wonderful memories, of course). That said, if you are planning a
romantic getaway with your significant other, a girls weekend, a retirement
trip- or perhaps are traveling solo, make sure your destination (and your hotel
or resort in particular) makes sense. Who does the advertising seem to be
geared to? What sort of packages do they offer? These are all things to look
into before you commit to booking.
3. Planning is Fun Too
You’ve heard the expression, life is about the journey, not
the destination. While your travel plans are ultimately about enjoying the
destination, the journey to get there is meant to be enjoyed as well. What this
means is that you should embrace the planning phase; use this time to dream and
to research. The anticipation of your awesome trip is a big part of the fun,
and can sometimes last longer than the vacation itself, so don’t deny yourself
that opportunity.
4. Travel Detective
Don’t underestimate the value of knowing in detail where you
are going. What’s the currency? What kind of transportation is available to
you? Where is your hotel in relation to the airport and/or other attractions?
Is your destination safe, or are there areas that are recommended to avoid? Are
there religious or cultural events that might cause closures of some things
during your visit? What kind of excursions, tours or leisure opportunities are
there? It helps to nail down as much info as you can before you go- so that you
minimize any unpleasant surprises.
5. Time Management
While time management may seem like an office-related
activity, good time management actually figures heavily into your perfect
vacation. This starts with picking an appropriate length for your trip. It
takes a couple of days to unwind, and then a few more to really reap the
benefits of R&R. During your trip itself, resist the urge to jam-pack every
minute with planned activities. While planning ahead is a good thing, allow
yourself unscheduled time in which to do whatever grabs your interest (maybe
even a nap- the vacation’s guilty pleasure). You may feel pressure to get in
everything possible during your trip to really maximize the experience
(especially if this is an once-in-a-lifetime type trip). If your list is too
long, you’ll feel stressed and disappointed.
6. Pack Smart
Take the time to look at the weather forecast and make a
list before you head to your destination. Scurrying around to purchase
forgotten items will not only waste time and money- many things may not be
available, depending on where you are going. Remember things like toiletries,
batteries, extra socks, sunscreen, and a smaller bag to use while touring and
something to wear in case of wet weather.
7. Be Vigilant
Nothing is going to shatter the dreamy vibe on your vacation
like getting robbed or being victimized. Some destinations are safer than
others, but as a rule, you should always have your radar on. Be aware of your
surroundings. This means having a map, and knowing where you are. Keep your
wallet in your front pocket, so that you’re not an easy target for pickpockets.
Be cautious when using ATM and Credit Cards. Screen your hands when entering
your PIN- there are many different ways to get robbed. Leave your jewelry at
home. Play the tourist- but don’t look like the tourist, meaning try to blend
in, and look confident in your surroundings. Look people in the eye.
8. Carpe Diem
The thing with vacations is that they end- often much sooner
than you’d like, which is why you’ve got to enjoy every moment while it lasts.
Give yourself the permission while you are traveling to roll with the punches,
even if that is not your usual mode of operation. The sooner you realize that
you have no control over weather, flight schedules, traffic or other people,
the more you will enjoy yourself. Even vacations that seemingly go off the
rails can be salvaged (if not fully enjoyed) if your attitude supports it. It’s
your vacation. Make it fun for yourself.
9. Unplug
Commit to unplugging yourself as much as possible while
traveling. While it may seem near impossible to un-tether yourself from your
handheld device, resist the urge to connect constantly. Your vacation is about
taking in your destination, experiencing new things and perhaps even changing
your point of view (literally). Don’t diminish the impact of the travel
experience by missing the scenery because your eyes are glued to a screen.
You’ll have plenty of time to stream your vacation on social media when you get
home.
10. Ease Back Into It
To really get the full effect of your perfect vacation, give
yourself time to unwind properly when you get home. If possible, try to take an
extra day or two before you jump right back into routine and head back to work.
Not only will this give you a jumpstart on that post-holiday laundry, but it
will give you extra hours to bask in that post-vacation glow. Think about it.
When you’ve only got a few days or weeks out of the entire year to holiday, you
should extend that vibe as long as possible.
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