This photo was used under the Creative Commons license curtsey of Flickr.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/visitfingerlakes/5241857756/
Do you remember the days when going on vacation meant ‘having it large’ for a couple of weeks in the Caribbean? Two weeks would consist of stuffing yourself with a massive midday brunch, dancing ‘til dawn and then doing it all over again before coming home suffering from sleep-deprivation and exhaustion.
Well, I don’t know about you, but these days I like to take my vacations at a significantly less intense pace and although I don’t profess to be ‘over the hill’ in any way shape or form I do know how to take it easy and in some style.
So, if you’re like me and looking forward to a bit of time off that is more relaxing than poleaxing then check out the five top tips below that will have you rested, rejuvenated and reinvigorated in no time at all.
Don’t take the kids
Now, first things first, if you have kids, no matter how old they are, you are not going to be able to have a relaxing vacation if you take them along too. Don’t get me wrong, I love my little darlings as much as their mom however, from the first moment that I discovered that a ‘family vacation’ was actually a break for our child minder then that’s when ‘child-free’ options started to appear more attractive. From flights to fights to sleepless nights, leave the kids at home, you know it makes sense.
Don’t go anywhere crowded
The expression ‘getting away from it all’ should not be taken lightly and if you really want to relax on your next break then going somewhere that doesn’t include hordes and hordes of people is very important. Beaches, cities and campsites should all be researched thoroughly before purchasing accommodation and if it’s been voted in any ‘must visits’ guide in 2011 then the chances are that it will be at the top of the ‘most crowded’ guide in 2012.
Spoil yourself
Think of something that really makes you happy or something that you wouldn’t normally do and then go ahead and just do it. Massages, meditation and Jacuzzis all spring to mind and if you get the chance to languish in luxurious hotels or on private boat charters, with staff waiting on you hand and foot, then sit back, relax and enjoy. From crunching into grilled fish on a secluded tropical islet to reading a book whilst gently rocking on a hammock, relaxing is all about you so give in and enjoy.
Keep fit and healthy
There’s nothing worse than feeling fat and bloated on vacation because you’ve done nothing all day other than stuff your face and laze by the pool. Yes, of course, this is some holiday-makers’ idea of paradise but if you get the chance to take part in an outdoor activity such as: trekking, snorkeling or volleyball then take it because once you’ve worked up a sweat and an appetite that evening meal will taste all the more sweeter and you’ll feel all the more relaxed and refreshed.
Learn as you go
Phrase books, history guides and meeting local people are all fantastic options if you’re looking to expand your mind as you relax on vacation. Of course, if you’re going on an activity break, for example: yacht charters or guided trekking, then learning more about your chosen discipline will keep your mind sated and your conversation fresh as you begin to discover skills that you’d never previously known existed.
So, however you like to relax and enjoy your well-earned break, as long as you give yourself the time and space to do whatever it is that you enjoy the most then you won’t go far wrong.
Bio: Chris is just learning that relaxing and two-year-old daughters don’t mix and yacht charters, although maybe relaxing, are not currently on his next ‘family vacation’ hit list.