2022 is going to be the year of travel reboot, making people look forward to planning the pending vacations again! But what makes a vacation great? It’s not just the place, person/people, or the travel, but all the minute things that happen before and after the actual vacation.
Check out this quick and handy guide –
Making the itinerary – why?
It’s understandable if you are not the kinds to “plan” everything and follow the book when traveling. But after all the stressful months, trip-planning can give you something to look forward to, and structuring any activity can be a great morale boost.
While planning the itinerary, avoid writing down things like –
Day 1: Hiking and/biking tour with my group
Day 2: Scuba with kids
Instead,
Lay down the activity, where it will be, and when, who is going to join. Make it in points or a detailed para, depending on what works for you and your co-traveler/s.
For example,
Day 1: Hiking tour to XYZ fall – A, B & me, 7 AM – 10 AM
Day 2: Kayaking on River – C, D, & F, 8 AM – 12 PM
Back to camp – lunch – Bonfire in the evening
Stick to one activity per day, instead of trying to do too many things, and have the best experience.
While adding what you are adding, also mention where other people (if they are not doing the same thing) will be at that time. This helps in coordination and engages everyone in other’s activities.
Lay down the broad activities planned for every day, but leave the finer details. After all, what’s the fun in making things too predictable?
What to pack
You will see ample guides, blogs telling you the best things to pack for an XYZ destination or must-haves for a spring/summer vacation, and so on.
To be honest, there is no “ideal” packing list. You can have all the “recommended” things and yet not be ready for a surprise event. For example, say you are going on a birthday vacation to a beach location with your partner, and they decide to surprise you with a fancy dinner at the most luxurious resort in town. But all you have packed are flip flops, shorts, and beachy vests!
Ergo, pack whatever you need but prepare for contingencies.
- Consider the number of days, average 2-3 changes per day (depending on weather and location). Beach holidays take up more clothes than mountains/hill towns.
- Always carry a basic windbreaker/all-weather jacket.
- Pack at least one or two clothing in black (dark colors) which you can double up as casual evening wear or pair it appropriately to make it look semi-formal (in case a surprise night out turns up).
- Always have spare intimates, socks, and an extra pair of footwear.
- Always check the upcoming week’s weather forecast at the destination when packing.
- Always have a small cash reserve as a backup when traveling in remote areas or for bad connectivity zones.
How to amplify your journey?
How you travel can set the precedence of how your overall vacation experience turns out. One way you can make the most of the trip is to take the road! Drive to the destination, if it’s within drivable range. If you can’t/don’t want to drive, then rent a car. Just ensure safety and hygiene factors. If you are traveling as a group, then rent a small van and make it a fun road trip. It’s safer than air travel (at least at this point), lets you make pit stops, and add some surprise fun on the journey. But most importantly, you get the freedom to decide which way, when, and how you want to travel.
What makes a great stay?
In simple words – a comfortable, well-facilitated property within your budget that comes with a good view.
But right now, hygiene and health safety are primary concerns for travel accommodations. Ensure that your hotel/homestay/guest house/resort is taking all precautions, doing thermal checks, and shares the latest photos (before you book) with you.
Saving the memories
When you choose an interesting way to travel, with your favorite company, to a place that you love, know that you are automatically making the best vacation memories. To make it more tangible, you could also make a travel poster, where you and your co-traveler/s add their little keepsakes – photos, bills, souvenirs, or a written note.
More than anything, breathe and let the fresh air reboot your mind, body, and soul so you can soak in the best experiences of the long-sought break!
Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by Swati Deol
