For many of us, holidays come once a year. If we’re lucky we may also pack in a short break in between. But our time to explore and experience new places and new cultures tends to be confined to a fortnight during the summer months.
The time we spend on vacation is therefore precious. If you’re planning a quick weekend away or jetting off in search of properties in Morocco
, immerse yourself in the experience. Before we know it we’re back home again and planning our next holiday. What can we do to make the most of the time we have away?
Plan Ahead
You know that feeling when you arrive at your holiday destination and you’re so stressed that you can’t relax or enjoy it? That’s what we want to avoid. Though holidays are associated with being happy and carefree, they are also a source of significant stress
. To relieve this as much as possible try to plan ahead. We’re not just talking about preparations for the holiday itself. We’re also talking about work preparations.
Try to provide your colleagues with as much notice as your are able. If possible, allocate someone to look after your workload while you’re away. Schedule your work ahead of time to avoid that last-minute rush to get everything completed.
Make a list of everything you plan to take
with you and start your packing as early as possible. Make sure you have everything you need, including charger cables and adapters. Follow a typical day in your mind and note down everything you need.
Once you arrive at your destination try to spend the first couple of days relaxing. Let the previous weeks and the pre-holiday stresses melt away.
Allocate an Emergency Contact
If you’re worried about your home or pets, allocate an emergency contact and provide them with your contact details. They can keep their eye on things while you’re away, so you don’t have to. You can sit back and relax without having to worry about what’s happening at home.
Rise and Shine
Because you’re not at work, there’s a temptation to lie in during your holiday. Try to resist this. Get up early every day and make the most of the time you have. Don’t waste time by lying in bed. Exploring locations in the early morning is likely to provide you with a different perspective. You will also beat the crowds.
Photos and Videos
Take lots of photos and videos that you can enjoy later at your leisure. Capture the great moments. They’re great to look back on in years to come.
Think Like a Local
During your time away, try to think like a local. Talk to the local residents and not just the venue staff. Find out about the local culture and immerse yourself in it. Dine where the locals dine and find out where they go for entertainment. Try to leave the beaten track, within the realms of safety of course.
To do this you will need to make an effort to learn some of the language. Don’t just expect that everyone will speak English. People who travel often will be used to this and will have resources to help them. If you’re planning on making travelling more permanent, then read our article on how to leave the office behind
.
Wherever you’re going and no matter for how long, follow these steps to make the most out of the time you have away.