Especially as you get older, the concept of a vacation can change dramatically. Early years of freedom can be all about the party. After that, maybe you’re looking for entertainment. After that, maybe deeper experiences, or finding peace of mind in activity or relaxation. The point is, to get the most out of a vacation, you need to brainstorm your intent and purpose before you actually start planning out details. You might be surprised that your ideal vacation in your mind does not match your ideal vacation on paper once you start thinking about logistics and practical matters.
Start With a List
Begin with a list of what makes you happy. It sounds very simply, but it’s a very powerful exercise to get your brainstorm kicked off. Plus, if you’re going with someone else, or perhaps your family, keep this process as an open forum. You may quickly find out that what you thought your family wanted is not what they want at all. How important is it to find this out before you’ve already booked a camping vacation, right? Teenagers can be notoriously picky. And if romance is in the air, it might be good to know what your partner thinks is romantic in the first place.
Keep An Open Mind About Alternatives
So what are some typical ways to vacation? First thing that comes to mind is usually a hotel. Then the first reaction to that thought is often, ‘aw, man, another hotel …’ So why not keep an open mind and think of alternatives? For example, by renting furnished apartments, you get all the comforts of home, and potentially even some extra luxurious aspects, and you can still pay hotel prices? With a little bit of extra planning, that could be exactly what you do, and that’s a simple alternative that can make a great deal of difference.
Don’t Be Afraid To Be Different
Don’t be browbeaten into a vacation just because it’s what you’re supposed to do. Your parents, and even your friends, will have all kinds of advice and suggestions for you. Just realize that that’s all it is, advice and suggestions. Don’t be afraid to be different. Check out unusual vacation packages to see if anything looks like it might be more what you want to do personally rather than what other people want for you. Vacations are supposed to be beaches and sunshine, right? Well, what if you want to go on an Antarctica cruise? That’s up to you, and don’t let anyone stop you. Often the most memorable vacations and the ones that re different, where you experience things outside of the norm, so why not seek those out in the first place?