Holidaying is the perfect way to relax and explore new destinations. Wherever you jet to, there is always something new to see, but you don’t want to go home feeling more tired than when you left! Although you want to make the most of your time away, the best holidays are about finding the right balance between the two.
The key to the perfect holiday is planning. Here are some tips on finding the right destination, accommodation and itinerary.
Set the tone with location
Before you can narrow down accommodation options and activities, you need to settle on a destination. Choosing a country is the easy part; just look at your bucket list and see where you’d like to go. Don’t forget to check the weather for the time of year you are planning to go, as the monsoon season may hamper your plans.
Where you choose to base yourself influences the energy of your trip. A sleepy little coastal retreat will promote calm and relaxation, whereas a city break is livelier and full of energy.
Choosing accommodation that matches your travel style
Accommodation has different functions for different holidaymakers. Some view where they stay as a place to lay their head at night and not much else. This view is often paired with holidays that are full of adventure and exploration, and give the perfect opportunity to cut costs and opt for a basic option.
However, if you want somewhere to relax and spend some time, choosing a higher-end hotel or villa will be perfect. Being able to relax by the pool or beach right by your accommodation helps to keep the holiday chilled out and calm.
Balancing exploration with relaxation
It can be tempting to plan a full itinerary with loads of walking, activities and exploration. For some, that is the ideal holiday. For most, a mix of excitement and downtime is the perfect blend.
When thinking about activities, try to loosely plan. Of course, if there are things you need to book, do so to make sure you don’t miss out. For other things like seeing a specific ruin or visiting a beautiful beach, let the holiday flow and go when you feel like it.
If you do book an adrenaline-fuelled experience, be sure to plan downtime for the day after. Pack a good book and head to the pool or beach to relax, even for half a day. This will leave you rejuvenated and rested.
Travel with your own rhythm
One way to reframe your holiday experience is to change your expectations of the trip. Rather than ticking off lists or copying other travellers’ must-see attractions, focus on what you want to gain and the experiences you want to have.
Try to be intuitive when you are away. You could decide what to do each day when you wake up, or you could head out to explore with no plan in mind and see where you end up. Try to put your phone away, too, and live in the moment. These are the memories you will cherish for years to come.
Image: Unsplash, Rowan Heuval
