Have you returned from a vacation and wondered why you missed out on something or forgot to bring something? For many, the answer is probably a resounding “Yes!” Traveling is work, but in a really good, enjoyable way! To do it right and get the most out of any experience, you need to do the work and follow some simple rules. So, how can you make the most of any vacation? Read on…
Research and Plan.
Remember: Even the smallest of day trips require some forethought. For example, checking on your mode of transportation (is your car up to it?) , packing enough water and snacks, and the check list goes on…you get the picture.
And, of course, for your bigger travel journeys, being your own best travel architect will reward you tenfold.
Read on how to accomplish this in my post “How to be the Best Travel Architect” by clicking here:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=414
Use Resources.
- Apps –Load all the apps that apply to your destination onto your phone. And make sure to include ones that work offline in case you have limited or no Wifi service.
- Phrase Books –Learn some words and phrases if you’re traveling somewhere that speaks a different language. Again, you can use an App or just purchase a pocket size phrasebook to bring along. This has helped me in many places, especially restaurants!
- Travel books have always been my go to resource. Of course, I use the internet to do a lot of travel research. But, for this lady, I personally love reading travel books and my local library!
Check in with your banks and credit card companies BEFORE you go!
You’ve chosen what credit card and debit card to take with you. Now, please call the issuer of those cards (a bank, most likely) and let them know that you will traveling out of state or out of the country. (I usually do this the week before I leave.) Otherwise, you many find yourself locked out of the card when you try to buy something. A quick call to my bank with a start and end date of my travels and where I’ll be alerts them that there isn’t someone using my card. Peace of mind!
Don’t Overpack!
I know! You’ve heard this a thousand times but honestly, do you actually follow the advice?
Please realize that you don’t need a different outfit for everyday of your trip! And the majority of places you’ll visit will have stores that sell toiletries and other items that you might forget. Packing smart will be the best thing you can do.
Using one suitcase that rolls and that you can carry on a plane, train or automobile is so freeing!
Don’t overbook your days!
Stop and smell the roses, or any flower for that matter! A vacation, after all, is a time to enjoy yourself AND reboot from everyday life.
My rule, especially when visiting a large city, is to plan NO MORE than one tourist site or tour in the morning and one in the afternoon. Doing too much just overwhelms and exhausts.
Plan a picnic in a local park or go for an afternoon stroll. Enjoy and live in the moment. Be a local for awhile.
Don’t rush between destinations!
Where ever your travels may take you, take into account the travel time between Destination A and Destination B and so on. Don’t rush and try to squeeze everything in. The reality is that you will likely experience road traffic, flight and train delays and cancellations at some point. Rushing around from place to place will truly diminish your experience.
Try to keep a routine!
Of course, you’re on vacation and you’re ready to throw all caution to the wind, as the old expression goes. But try to keep some sort of daily routine, in at least one area. For example, continue taking that early morning walk you do at home, have that fresh cup of coffee when you get up, and even waking up or going to bed at around the same time will keep you feeling healthy and refreshed.
Incorporate a common activity that you enjoy!
Just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean that you can’t pursue an activity you enjoy when you’re home.
My family loves to cook AND eat when we’re home. So, it’s no surprise that exploring new cuisines through cooking classes and food tours satisfies this craving. Attending sporting events and museums as well as exploring wildlife and all creatures great and small also are passions we incorporate in our travels.
A cooking class in New Orleans 
Wildilfe in our National Parks 
Baseball in Spain!
Take plenty of photos!
Honestly, photos are the cheapest and best souvenirs you will ever get on any travel journey. And if you feel that you have to buy “stuff” in your travels, my advice is to…
Collect “meaningful” souvenirs
Besides photos, what do I mean by a “meaningful” souvenir? It is one that can bring joy to you at home in some fashion and not be thrown in the bottom of a drawer. For example, my family collects Christmas ornaments on all our trips. It doesn’t matter if we find ourselves in the hottest of climates, we always find a Christmas ornament. And decorating our tree each year with these special souvenirs provides truly amazing memories!
