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As a society, we all love to travel. We save up money and take time off work for the sole purpose of experiencing exciting new cultures, even for just a few weeks per year. It seems at odds with those principles, then, that we’d hamstring or restrict ourselves on vacation. And yet, so many people do. Whether it’s down to a lack of budget, or simply due to narrow-minded thinking, we don’t make the most of our time away.
You spend a lot of money and time planning your perfect vacation. The last thing you want is to leave with any regrets. I believe that some of you may not be getting a complete experience for some pretty common reasons. Here’s what you should do to make sure you milk every last drop from your holiday break.
Forget All Inclusive
I know it’s tempting, especially if you’re working with a pretty tight budget. All-inclusive resorts offer the benefit of having all your amenities pre-paid for and under just one roof. That makes sense, right? They’re usually cheaper than fending for yourself in a foreign country. Why would that be the option to go for, you ask?
Well, first of all, you’re imposing a limitation on your brief stay from the get go. When lunch time rolls around, everything you need is in your hotel. It may seem convenient, but convenience shouldn’t be the goal of any vacation. Rather, you should be getting out and experiencing the culture and cuisine of your country of choice. Discovering a quaint little cafe among a bustling foreign metropolis is one of life’s simplest pleasures.
There’s also a slight risk factor to consider. If you can afford the luxury of a top-rated resort, then you don’t have to worry. For those looking at all-inclusive holidays, however, are usually bargain hunters. Unfortunately, sometimes that can mean less than desirable standards. Especially when it comes to the hotel kitchen. Don’t let your vacation be ruined by being struck down with food poisoning. Get out and explore your options instead. You won’t regret it.
Picture Sourced From Pexels.com
Work Through A Checklist
It can be all too tempting to lounge around your hotel until you can muster the energy to make your way to the beach. Grazing by the side of the sea can be the ultimate pleasure. You get to work on your tan, make significant progress through that book you’ve been reading, and sip cocktails under the sun.
There is absolutely a place for beach dwelling on vacation. After all, aren’t holidays for relaxing? If that’s all you do, though, you’re missing out on a wealth of amazing life experiences. Maybe you’re not a natural explorer at heart. That’s fine. But I strongly implore you to at least spend a few days navigating all that a foreign country has to offer.
Before you leave, create a strict itinerary and stick to it no matter what. Make a list of everything you want to see, and plan your vacation around it. If you leave everything to chance or spontaneity, I guarantee you’ll miss out on something. Or better yet, consider enrolling for one of the many city tours on offer. Sure, it’ll cost a little more, but you’ll have a more fulfilling experience in the end.
Leave Your Job At Home
This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it doesn’t. Especially when you’re such a career-driven individual, it can be hard to just switch off completely. But trust me, there’s nothing worse than lying on the beach with figures and deadlines swirling around your conscious mind. Aren’t you supposed to be trying to get away from all that hustle and bustle?
No matter how important you think it is, you’re entitled to time off from work. Switch off your cellphone, clear your mind, and don’t even think about bringing that laptop along with you. All that can wait for a week or two, can’t it? It’s not going to fall apart without you.
Instead, enjoy the precious time with your family or friends. It’s not often you get the chance to totally unwind, so make the most of it while you can. There will be time for worrying about spreadsheets and meetings when you get home. Try to put it to the back of your mind for now. If you don’t, you’ll only hinder your vacation experiences. And that’s a waste of everyone’s time and money, isn’t it?
Next time you’re planning a vacation, make sure to keep all of this in mind. I hope you have the most rewarding and fulfilling experience you can.
Lucero De La Tierra
Wednesday 18th of November 2015
Kelly, this post could not have come at a better time. We, after 15 years of marriage and 10 years with kids, are planning our first quintessential American road-trip vacation. It's a bit daunting first to figure out where exactly we want to go and then what we want to do! Thanks for linking the Travel Itinerary. It will be very useful!!!