When the word “vacation” comes to mind, it’s a common first thought to picture ourselves relaxing on a white-sand beach, umbrella-decorated beverage in hand. But while taking time to unwind and rejuvenate is certainly important, if you’re traveling to a new place, be sure to take time to explore it to the max—it might just be one of the most fulfilling places you visit in your life.
At E-Z Rent-A-Car, we’ve come up with a dozen E-Z tips to help make your getaway the very best it can be—no matter where your destination might be.
1. Pack smartly. It’s fair to say that most people have a habit of overpacking a bit when going on trips. And while it’s better (and more cost-efficient) to pack a little extra to avoid having to buy new clothing, overpacking can limit your space for souvenirs and other items you’d like to purchase while traveling. That being said, be sure that all the necessary documents, forms of identification, cash, medications, etc. are stocked and readily available to you in your luggage.
2. Rise and shine at a decent time. If you enjoy sleeping in, this one might be a challenge for you. Vacationing can still mean relaxing and rejuvenating, but if you don’t have the “I can sleep when I’m dead” mentality (at least for your trip), you might miss out on some awesome things. At the same time, try to stay as well-rested as possible, so as to not miss out on enjoying those awesome things because of being tired.
3. Take your time. Because many of us work in fast-paced, high-stress environments every day, it’s often hard to stop and unplug—even during vacation time. But rushing from one attraction or event to another, trying to squeeze in as much as possible, isn’t always the best way to enjoy a new city. Take it slow so you can take it all in. You won’t regret it!
4. Talk to people. Who better to know what the best local hotspots are (as well as the least-popular joints) than the ones who visit them the most? Sometimes the best experiences are conversing with new people or checking out a must-see attraction recommended by the locals.
5. Keep a balance between planned activities and impromptu exploring. When it comes to vacation planning, many people prefer to make an agenda with specific things to do each day. While this is definitely great for making sure you get to see all the great tourist attractions or renowned landmarks, be sure to make time for veering off the beaten path. Widely known attractions can certainly be something to treasure, but hidden gems can sometimes be even more valuable.
6. Eat what the locals eat. This is usually an easy tip to follow. Who doesn’t love indulging in delicacies from other regions and cultures? But even if you’re a diehard foodie, there are still new spices, herbs and more to try that you might not have considered before. Try them out and take your taste buds for a spin!
7. Splurge a little. Sticking to a budget is definitely the way to go to ensure a fun, stress-free trip. But sometimes you just gotta splurge a little. Spend the extra couple bucks for that slice of real New York pizza in NYC, that pair of Mickey Mouse ears in Orlando, or whatever it is that you just don’t want to go home without.
8. Take photos of everything. In retrospect, we often forget many of the little details that make our experiences so wonderful in the moment. But by taking lots of photos, you can help bring back those memories and remember the amazing time you had on your vacation. On the same token, don’t forget to be in the moment, too—you wouldn’t want to miss the real thing because you’re trapped behind a camera the whole time.
9. If you usually say no to new things, try saying yes. Traveling is a perfect excuse to get out of your comfort zone and explore something new. If you’re more of an indoor person, try your hand at a hike through a national park or horseback riding along the beach. If you’re more of an outdoor person, try seeing a Broadway show at a theater in the area, or find a local coffee shop to take in the atmosphere while reading a book. Or do something customary to the culture that might be completely out of the blue for you! After all, you never know until you try it, right?
10. If you disagree with something, try to keep an open mind. Occasionally while traveling, we encounter situations that challenge our beliefs. That’s OK. We’re allowed to have different opinions and different ways of living. So if there is something that might not be customary in your city (or country, even) but is in another, just remember to be open-minded and challenge yourself to learn more—not simply dismiss it.
11. If you do something silly, laugh it off. Whether you’ve taken the wrong train, said the wrong word, or eaten the wrong hot sauce (whoops!), there’s plenty of things people mess up on their first try in a new place. And that’s why if you do something “wrong”, you should join in on the laughter and just roll with the punches. Remember, you’ll most likely never see those people again, and even if you do, you’ll have a fun memory to laugh over together when you do!
12. Be cautious, but don’t let fear stand in your way. Traveling can be intimidating if you let it be. The fact that you are subjecting yourself to a different culture, climate, etc. can sometimes make you feel like hiding in your hotel room until your flight back home. But you shouldn’t let that happen. Be cautious, not afraid. There might be criminals and severe weather and deadly animals out there, but traveling is not as scary as it can sometimes seem, and there are also people who are almost always happy to help you along your journey.
So whether you’re headed to the beach or to the mountains, these 12 tips are sure to keep you on track for making the most of your vacation. Find more helpful resources for your next trip online, such as E-Z Rent-A-Car coupons, blog posts and more!
