We all dream of the perfect vacation. Unfortunately, most holidays don't turn out to be holidays, for many reasons. Read the steps below to find out how to plan and create the best vacation of your life.
Steps
Step 1. Find out what you really want
To explore? Relax? Visiting completely different places? The places you can visit are many, and all different. Some feel uncomfortable going to places that are too far away and with too different a culture. On the other hand, if you go to a location that is too close and similar to where you live, you may feel like you are taking a walk in the neighborhood. Take the "What kind of tourist are you?" Test: you will get an idea of your ideal type of trip, in order to choose the most suitable destination for you.
Step 2. Make a travel plan
Once you have chosen the location, you can start planning your trip. Don't rush to book hotel rooms or flights - there may be last minute offers. Search the internet, or get travel brochures, to find out about local tourist attractions. There are dangerous and inhospitable places; Read reviews of places to visit and stay first. If you have to choose who to travel with, think carefully. It has to be someone you are comfortable with, and you don't fight too much with. Your travel companion will heavily affect your experience. Think ahead of what could ruin your trip (e.g. various addictions, different ways of traveling, etc.).
Step 3. Book flights and / or hotels
This is an important point, because it often happens that problems concerning these two aspects ruin the whole holiday. If you've ever had a bad experience with a certain airline, don't make the same mistake again. As for flying, don't let it affect you too much. If it was a really bad experience, you can console yourself by thinking that it's not technically part of the vacation. Find a good hotel that is not too expensive, and that is close to the main places of interest. Even if the hotel has some flaws, if it's not serious let it slip.
Step 4. Avoid Stress
There are things to worry about, like on any vacation. This time don't let yourself be caught unprepared: plan ahead. If you know you always arrive late at the airport, try to leave an hour or two early. If you go to a foreign country, make sure you have your passport and any visas with you. Don't put off anything at the last minute, and pack your bags early.
Step 5. Get informed
Know where you are going to visit, as there may be some important details that you are unaware of. Consult Wikipedia and the various search engines to find out about local customs. Find out about the most suitable clothing, tips on tips, laws, weather conditions, etc. Check the forecast to find out what the weather will be, and if there is a possibility of natural disasters occurring in the area. Also check that there are no conflicts going on. If the place you go to is a completely different reality than where you live, be prepared by looking at the photos and videos first, to avoid culture shock.
Step 6. Pack your bags
You don't have to carry the whole house with you. Pack only the things you are sure you will need. If you know you just can't do without your mp3, take it without hesitation. Packing isn't just about toiletries and clothes - it's important to bring other items that might be useful on vacation as well. Pack everyday items in your backpack so you have them close at hand. Remember to bring spare batteries, and all the necessary paraphernalia to keep them running for the duration of the holiday. If you are traveling by plane, remember not to put any sharp or dangerous objects (scissors, Swiss army knives, toy guns, etc.) in your hand luggage. Don't bring an expensive or very flashy suitcase: you risk having it stolen or opened. Don't pack things you can possibly wear. Bring only the clothes you wear every day, otherwise you will find yourself having to wear a lot of stuff you would never wear.
Step 7. Don't lose sight of your belongings
These days, there are a lot of things we need to take with us. Phones, laptops, digital cameras, and much more. Never lose sight of these expensive electronic equipment. Keep them locked, or hidden, in a safe place. When you are on the street, tie your camera to your wrist, so as not to risk it being stolen. Or put it in your backpack. Do not leave your luggage or backpack unattended, even if you are only walking away for a moment. If you're traveling with someone else (whom you trust), ask them to take a look at it until you get back.
Step 8. Create realistic expectations
As much as we really want to spend the perfect vacation, we unfortunately know that the world usually doesn't cooperate. Don't get upset about minor setbacks, and don't let them put you in a bad mood - just accept that they can happen, and move on. Try to see yourself as you are: don't try to change and become perfect. You have to accept yourself here and now. Stop imagining yourself as the person you are not and never will be. You will not magically become happy / attractive / perfect the moment the vacation begins! If you already know you're not the type to wake up early and walk all day, don't expect to be able to do it overnight.
Step 9. Be spontaneous
Planning is important, but so is having new and unexpected experiences. It can be something as challenging as trying bungee jumping, or something as easy as tasting an exotic cuisine dish. In both cases, you will have an interesting experience, to also tell your friends. Don't be afraid to ruin something, or to delay your schedule. Give yourself time to do whatever you want, and have fun while you do it! Don't be afraid to do something you enjoy doing at home. It will make you feel more comfortable, and it will give you a feeling of familiarity. If you don't like a place, don't hesitate to leave. Try to get around everywhere, not just tourist traps.
Step 10. Enjoy the moment
Sometimes we don't realize how happy and carefree we are until the mood ends. Try to recognize these moments, and appreciate them; don't let them be hampered by any of your wishes or worries. Don't think too much about how your vacation has gone so far, and don't be tempted to rate it before it's over. Don't give yourself too much time to think about the things that have happened, but give yourself enough time to decide what to do and where to go. You can take photos and videos very well, but remember to turn off the camera and the camera from time to time. Instead of trying to stop in a snapshot to review in the future a moment that you haven't actually lived fully, try to live in the present.
Step 11. Remember:
there are places where one knows he will never come back. There are those who would not go back because they prefer to keep the memory of an unrepeatable experience, those who are aware that, if they returned, it would never be the same, and those who just know that they want to continue discovering new and exciting places. Whatever you choose to do, remember this vacation, and treasure it. You may find yourself in the future looking back and realizing how lucky you have been to have this experience.
Advice
- While you're there, don't keep calling or texting friends and family.
- Pack everything you need, make a list of essential things, which can be: underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. Take advantage of the experience of other past holidays: if you are like me, you have certainly forgotten something fundamental. Then try to remind yourself of all the absolutely necessary things. So you won't have to bother buying them back once there.
- If you go abroad, learn at least the main phrases and words in the local language.
- Try to immerse yourself in the local culture, taste different foods, get closer to local traditions, etc.
- Try to use all available means of transport (bus, bicycle, roller skates, taxi, subway).
- If you find that any of your friends have already been there, get them to give you some advice.
- It is not necessary to buy souvenirs with the name of the place to remember it. Save your plane ticket, or something small to help you remember specific moments.
- Try to make friends with the locals if possible.
Warnings
- Don't get involved in arguments or arguments with anyone you don't know well.
- Behave with caution. It is nice to discover and visit new places, but it is also important to know how to recognize places and situations from which to turn off.
- Don't spend too much. You don't need to travel first class or stay in a suite for an unforgettable vacation. Have fun and travel comfortably, but try to stick to your chosen budget.
