Planning a vacation can be stressful. You’ve to get everything booked, pack your bags, organise transport to the airport, make an itinerary – the list goes on. And, after all of that, the last thing you want is to encounter anything on your holiday that will make it anything less than perfect.
Setting the bar high for your vacation can be dangerous. It can lead to serious disappointment if it doesn’t turn out the way you dreamed. Of course, there are some things that are outside of your control – the weather, for example. But, if you follow these key ingredients for a perfect vacation you might just end up having the holiday you always dreamed of.
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Make a Plan Before You Go
Let me clarify: you do not need to timetable every minute of your day. That would suck all of the fun out of your vacation and turn it into a bootcamp rather than an enjoyable getaway. But, you should have an idea of the things you want to see and do once you are there, so this ingredient is handy. There is nothing more frustrating than wasting valuable sunshine time sitting in your hotel room googling things to do. Do it all before you go. Make a list and use it to plan your days. You don’t have to stick to it, but it will be good to fall back on.
Don’t Pack More Than You Need
We are all guilty of over-packing at some point in our lives. If you are going away for seven days you do not need ten outfits. Think realistically about what you need and what you can do with out. Try and cull anything you don’t absolutely need from your packing so your suitcase is as efficient as possible. The extra space you have can be used for bringing home souvenirs or simply to take some weight off your luggage.
Research the Country Beforehand
If you are travelling to a country you have never been to before, it is a good idea to understand a bit about it before you set off. Get to grips with the current political climate and any important historical considerations that may be relevant. You might also want to read up on the local etiquette so you know whether you should be tipping or not, and whether you need to dress modestly.
Try and Learn a Bit of the Language
I am not suggesting you become fluent in Vietnamese for the sake of a two week vacation. However, if you are able to learn how to say hello, please, and thank you, you will find it goes a long way. If you can learn even more than that then that’s even better. You will have a much more enriching experience if you can communicate with the local people. They will also appreciate the effort you make.
Don’t Set Anything in Stone
Ok, I know I said you should make a plan before you go, but this should really be a guideline and nothing more. The best kinds of holidays are the ones filled with spontaneous adventures. If you meet someone who suggests something that you think sounds awesome, scrap the museum you were going to go to and do that instead. Your vacation is all about you and the most important ingredient to make it perfect is freedom. So, get out there and have fun.
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