WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION

WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION

From pretrip planning to arriving at your destination, checking into your accommodations, and making sure you start the day fresh, these tips will help you switch off and transition to vacation mode before you even realize.

A Fresh Approach

1. Right Now Plan     Almost one in three travelers worry about what could go wrong in the first 24 hours of a vacation. Take inspiration from frequent travelers, who know that delays happen and luggage gets lost, but most travel bothers have a solution. Having confidence in your ability to come up with a “Right Now Plan” (a plan that focuses on being flexible to adapt to your surroundings in order to get to the outcome you wish to achieve) to combat any issues that come your way is key to reducing stress.
2. Eat a Snack        Keeping your tummy happy reduces fatigue after a long journey. Eating something sweet stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals, providing a soothing feeling and boosting your mood, while a small protein snack can keep your energy levels up long enough to get you to your accommodations without feeling tired. When eating, focus your mind on the food, taste, texture and feel.
3. Line Up         No one likes waiting in lines, but they’re a part of traveling. The majority of travelers are right-handed, so head to the counter that’s furthest to the left from the entrance. Fewer people choose that line since people gravitate to right-hand counters to match their dominant writing hand. You’ll soon be the first to make it through to baggage claim, securing a handy front-row spot.
4. Enjoy the Journey      Rushing around distorts the perception of time. Slow down. Take the time to talk to your driver, host or concierge, creating a connection from the moment you leave the airport or station. Almost one in four travelers like a welcoming host, so pave the way by striking up the first conversation, asking for tips of what to see or do.

TECHNOLOGY TIPS

1. While You Wait      After a long flight, it’s easy to get impatient while waiting for your baggage, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to text your loved ones that you’ve arrived safely. While you have your phone out, take a selfie and save it as your lock screen, that way if you misplace your phone you can easily prove it’s yours no matter the language barrier or situation.
2. Digital Download      Apps can make exploring a new country less stressful, whether it’s a travel app, language translator, money converter, or a health app. Use your accommodations’ Wi-Fi to download what you might need, including your destination guide, and remind yourself of your itinerary and where you’re staying.
3. Theme Tune Therapy      Unpack while dancing around to uplifting music. Pull out your iPhone and speakers and take out your belongings like no one’s watching. Let go of your ego, break any unhelpful patterns of taking things too seriously and rid yourself of negativity. You’ll be organized in no time and surrounded by your own possessions, which one in 10 travelers say helps shift them to vacation mode faster.to the day’s most important news
4. Turn Off Technology      Turn off your phone and focus on the country you’re in. Allow your brain to catch up to your new surroundings. As you put your phone away, promote calm by lightly running one or two fingers over your lips which starts the “rest and digest” response that calms the body down and acts like brakes to anxiety loops, promoting a more relaxed and peaceful mindset.

CALM YOUR MIND

1. Activate the Feel-Good Factor     After traveling it’s important to boost your feel-good chemicals and get yourself moving. If you’re the active type and your accommodations have a gym then go for a workout, or if you’re in a resort or villa take a stroll around the grounds. In a city apartment? Take a refreshing walk to get a feel for your local area. Take pictures of your accommodations (selfies allowed!) and share with those you care about back home.
2. Sunshine Sense     Sunshine can boost your mood, raise vitamin D levels, and increase your energy – but underestimating the strength of the sun can result in a sunburn on day one (even on typically colder vacations like skiing!). Remember to apply that sunscreen on arrival. For those who’ve had a little too much exposure, soak a T-shirt in cool black tea or make your own aloe vera gel ice cubes.
3. Home Away From Home     Whether you’re staying in an apartment, hostel, boat, or even a treehouse, many travelers feel more relaxed when they make their accommodations like home, with 14% saying a restful night’s sleep flips their switch to vacation mode. Bring comforting items with you like your favorite mascot, nighttime hot drink, personalized mug, pillowcase, bedtime journal, or a family photo.
4. Instant Calm     If you need a shot of “instant calm” then pressure points are the answer. There are many trigger points to choose from. An easy one to locate is the space between the knuckles of your second and third finger right by the joints. Locate your preferred trigger point and apply firm pressure. This creates an instant feeling of calm.

START FRESH

1. Be a Superhero     Hold a “Superhero pose” to clear your mind for the day ahead. Find a relaxing view, place your hands on your hips, stick your chest out, and hold your head high. Hold for 90 seconds and take three deep breaths. Get lost in the beautiful scenery, whether you’re in a sky-high apartment, a majestic riad, or a beautiful villa. Embrace the new and leave the past behind. Remind yourself that you can achieve your heart’s desires.
2. Avoid Arguments     The key to switching off and arriving in a relaxed state is to leave any arguments or annoyances at home. Understand that traveling can be stressful and agree with your travel partner that you get a free pass for any minor snaps or miscommunications during your journey. When faced with a conflict, ask yourself if enjoying your vacation is more important than being right.
3. Explore Your Surroundings      Become an explorer and overcome your fears. Almost 1 in 5 of 18 to 34-year-olds worry they haven’t planned enough of their vacation. Use the destination guide to find and list six things you want to do and pick one at random. Spontaneity adds a little more fun, and means you can live the vacation just for you and make sure you aren’t just doing what others think you should do.
4. Live Like a Local     Living life walking in someone else’s shoes is a great way to leave your old patterns behind. Immerse yourself in the local culture and try a local cuisine or experience. Leave your comfort zone, chat with the locals, and find out where to go that’s off the beaten path.