12 Ways to Make a Better Vacation

Vacations are fun! They are an opportunity to get out of your ordinary and do something different. Vacations are a time to kick back, relax, take time to enjoy the sights, and enjoy the cuisine of wherever your travels take you. Here are 12 ways to make a better vacation with less stress and more enjoyable.

Set Your Budget

Setting a budget is essential because it will keep you from overspending, and being overwhelmed, on your vacation. Vacation is great, but paying for a vacation a year after it is over isn’t fun. If it is a more significant vacation such as traveling overseas or a Disney vacation, set money aside monthly, so you are prepared.  Do what you can afford so you can go on another vacation next year.

Discuss Ideas Before You Go

Talk about what you would like to do before you go. There is nothing worse than unmet expectations, especially on vacation. If you are going to a park or a specific event, plan as early as possible to save the most money and to make sure you can get the tickets for your event.

Google Your Destination

Looking to find a good restaurant, a unique experience, or wondering why a place is famous?  Google can give you all the information you need and more! Read the reviews of others who have visited there. Personal reviews can give you great insight into a place and save you time and money.

Make Some Space

We always tend to want to fill every second of our vacation because time is limited. However, it can also make a vacation stressful. Maybe you can try not to pack every minute full of planned adventures. That way you can allow some space for the unexpected experiences you might find along the way.

Drink Enough Water

Stay hydrated! We tend to be more active on vacation and forget to drink water because we are having way too much fun. However, dehydration can make you feel miserable and ruin a vacation in a hurry. Did you know the minute you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated?

Plan for Rain

As much as we hope it doesn’t rain on our vacation, chances are there will be some rain at some point. It is always good to have those clear plastic rain ponchos on hand. They take up little space, but save a lot of hassle, including buying umbrellas!

Check for Ticks

At the end of the day, do a body check on yourself and the kids, and if you have taken your fur baby with you check them as well. You don’t have to be in the woods for a tick to show up. If you find a tick remove it and have it tested for Lyme disease. Not every tick carries the disease, but the sooner you get treatment, the better.

Protect Your Phone

Let’s face it, besides our phone being a lifeline, many of us use our phone as our camera. Invest in a waterproof case if you are heading to the beach, camping, or even to the pool. Wet phones don’t work well. Also, make sure you have an extra charge for your phone if you are planning on taking videos or pictures. Battery life can get used up quickly, and there is nothing worse than your phone dying right when you want to take a picture.

Make A Call or Text

Whether you are going on vacation as a family or alone, tell someone you will check in with them at least once a day to let them know everything is okay. Share on XWhether you are going on vacation as a family or alone, tell someone you will check in with them at least once a day to let them know everything is okay. Checking in with someone doesn’t mean you have to spend hours on the phone with that person, but it is always good to know that someone knows your whereabouts and is monitoring your safety and that of those who are with you.

Hide Some Money

One time when we were on vacation, we were pickpocketed. We learned a valuable lesson that year, to never have all your cash in your wallet. Tuck some extra cash into a safe place in the event you become a victim or lose your wallet. I realize that many people use credit or debit cards, but people have also found themselves without money available on their cards due to a skimmer device at an ATM or a gas pump.

Make Lasting Memories

Not every moment of your vacation must be a perfect picture for Instagram. Enjoy the moments that take your breath away or bring joy to your soul, and take a picture with your mind that will stay far longer than worrying if you got the perfect shot.  Memories tucked within the heart stand against time. You may forget where the picture was taken, but the chances are good that you will always remember the people you were with to make lasting memories.

Don’t Leave God Home

You may be on vacation, but don’t leave God at home.  A vacation is a perfect time to make some intentional space as individuals and as a family to connect and refresh your soul. There is something special about watching a sunrise or sunset and enjoying the beauty of the day God has created for us to appreciate. Journaling is a wonderful way to capture your thoughts and record your memories of what inspired you on your vacation.

These are 12 ways to make a vacation better and more enjoyable! I’m sure you have ideas about how to make a trip more enjoyable too! Feel free to comment and share. I love how we can glean insights from one another and apply them to our vacations.

 

What are your 12 Ways to Make a Better Vacation?

Enjoy your trip wherever the road may take you and be careful. May God give you rest to revive and refresh you! Have fun and appreciate your time away. When you return from your trip, share your travels with others. Don’t we all want to know a really cool place for vacation?