Vacation time is precious, and most people only manage to get away once or twice a year. So how can you make the most of the time you have? We all want to disconnect from work, leave our day-to-day troubles behind and live in the moment, but it’s not always that easy.
Luckily, here are some tips to help you soak up your experience and recharge your batteries. Whether you’re planning a weekend city break or a month-long trip overseas, here’s how to make the most of your vacation.
Prepare, But Don’t Overschedule
Planning your vacation will build anticipation and save you wasting valuable time when you arrive. However, you should beware of overscheduling, despite how tempting it is to try and fit in as many activities as possible. If you don’t have enough free time to wander and explore, you’ll spend your vacation feeling stressed, short of time and like you’re not soaking any of it up.
So stop, relax and take your time. When you’re traveling to a new place, you don’t know how long it’s going to take you to move from one destination to another, so don’t overstuff your schedule and make sure you allow for free time.
Turn Your Phone Off
Traveling is a great way to connect with friends, family or even with yourself, and having your phone turned on can serve as a distraction. Cut yourself off from the stresses of day-to-day life by turning your phone off during your vacation.
At the very least, stick to using your phone to take photos or listen to your holiday playlist. You can set your phone to airplane mode, so you are disconnected from Wi-Fi, and you won’t receive annoying emails or texts.
Budget For Better Accommodation
Most people have a budget to bear in mind when they’re booking a vacation, but there are certain things you shouldn’t scrimp on if you can help it. By all means, book the cheapest flights and look for the best deals on the market, but don’t compromise on the quality of your accommodation.
Where you eat, sleep and relax during your stay will have a significant impact on your experience, especially if you’re going on vacation for a week or more. These Saint Tropez villas are perfect for families, couples and groups looking to experience real luxury in a stunning location, without the hefty price tag.
Take More Time Than You Need
It’s tempting to work overtime before going on vacation to compensate for the time you’ll spend away from work, but working too hard leading up to your time off can detract from your experience and make you feel stressed before you leave. If you can, try to book off an extra day or two before your flight so you can pack and prepare for your vacation.
Similarly, try to avoid a scenario where you have to return to the office as soon as you get back. Give yourself a day or two to readjust when you get back, and hopefully, you’ll keep work-related thoughts at bay while you’re enjoying your break.