The day has finally arrived. Your bags are packed, your passport is in hand, and you’re ready for a week of relaxation or adventure at your travel destination of choice. You’ve been anticipating this day anxiously for months.
But now that the day is here, you’re thinking about how one week doesn’t seem like much time. How are you going to fit an entire month’s worth of attractions into seven days?
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been planning a detailed spreadsheet that breaks down the entirety of your vacation since day one.
But it’s simple to get the most out of your vacation if you follow a couple of easy steps from the beginning. In today’s blog, I’ll be outlining my top five tips that will ensure you have a blast- no matter how many days you have in paradise.
Tip #1: Don’t Sleep In- Take Naps Instead
I know, hotel beds can be incredibly comfy, and maybe you don’t get many mornings to hit snooze in your busy life. However, vacation is not the time to catch up on your sleep, at least during the daytime.
I like to wake up early when I’m on vacation and seize the day. If you’re in a highly-populated area, you might want to wake up earlier than usual to beat the crowds at museums, theme parks, etc.
What you can do, is take a nap later, if you have the time. I like to take naps in between day and night activities- just a 30-minute power nap can really do the trick. It can be exhausting walking around all day in a new city, especially if you’re planning on having a night in the town later.
To maximize your time, set your alarm in the morning and plan downtime before dinner.
Tip #2: Know Your Surroundings
No matter if I’m traveling domestically or internationally, I always try to anticipate my surroundings before going on a trip. It might sound like a no-brainer, but trust me, it can save you a lot of time if you know the public transportation systems or a few words in a foreign language ahead of time.
Do a little research about the country, city, and possibly village, micro-city, or anything hyper-specific that could make you get around more smoothly during your stay.
For example, I tell all my friends to get comfortable with the subway when they visit New York City. Uber and Taxis are not the most reliable in the city and can be very expensive- versus the MTA which goes to virtually all 5 boroughs and are more than half the price!
You could save yourself a lot of time by familiarizing yourself with a few subway schedules in your area. That way, you can spend more time doing activities, rather than praying that you can find an Uber that can take you to your reservation in 20 minutes.
Tip #3: Don’t Be Afraid To Try New Things
I’m not the most adventurous person, I must admit. But if you truly want to make the most out of your next vacation, you must be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Immerse yourself in the beauty of a new culture, climate, etc.
I’ve made it a point to not eat at a restaurant that I could get in my home state or in the U.S. when I’m traveling, for example. That means no late-night McDonald’s- unless you’re desperately in a pinch for a meal!
Tip #4: Note One Thing You Want To Accomplish Each Day
If you’re not a concise planner, try and physically or mentally note at least one sight that you want to see for each day of your trip. It could be as simple as wanting to go to a specific restaurant one night or as on-going as a day trip to a neighboring city or town.
By having a little bit of structure, you’ll feel accomplished every day, instead of operating completely on the fly.
Tip #5: End Your Vacation On A High-Note
Your last day has arrived and you’re dreading your 10-hour flight home, but then you remember that your flight isn’t until nighttime.
So, make the most out of your last day! I wouldn’t recommend overbooking yourself with several excursions or an all-day activity but treat yourself to something that you either didn’t get to enjoy in the earlier days of your trip or a smaller-scale event that you’ve been looking forward to doing from the start.
If I have time on my last day, I love to hit the beach for a few hours or walk around the city I’m in to soak up my last moments. These are the memories that are going to resonate the most when you’re on your way home, so choose them carefully.
This could also be a great time to decompress and be alone if you’ve traveled with family, friends, or a partner after a busy week.
With all these tips in mind, remember that the best way to make memories is to have fun! Enjoy your vacation, and don’t stress yourself out about the minute details too much.
Live in the moment as best as you can but find some comfort in the balance of preparing for your trip. If you enjoyed this blog, you could also check out our How to Make the Most of Your Friendcation blog as well. Happy travels!
Join our community to network with other travelers around the world and to gain access to exclusive content and events. Submit your travel stories for a chance to get published!