Having just returned from a gorgeous break in Miami’s sunny South Beach, I can safely say that a bit of winter sun is by far the best way to celebrate surviving another winter. More than that though, knowing that the holiday was planned and booked played a big factor in keeping my spirits high during the long, dull month that is January. Sometimes it feels like looking forward to a holiday is almost as satisfying as being on the holiday. I said almost…
Travel has always been my most favourite way to spend my money. It is the reason I have never owned a designer handbag or a fancy car; because I would rather pay for experiences than stuff. And when I’m going on a trip, I want to get the absolute most out of it as I possibly can, which includes the lead up excitement and the relaxed holiday after glow. Doesn’t everyone? Here are some simple ways to get the most out of your holiday.
Plan ahead
Just knowing that you have a trip booked in the future can be amazingly exciting. Every time you’re sitting in a boring meeting or getting emails from your boss at 1am, remembering that soon you’ll be in an exotic locale is almost as good as being there. Delayed gratification! This is true no matter what the destination or length of your trip, so if you want more bang for your buck, a few mini vacations or city breaks will individually bring the same amount of pleasure each time as a two week stint in Bali.
Do your research
Save your most pleasurable experience until the end of your holiday
Knowing what you want from your vacation will be a big factor in how much you get out of it. Sightseeing holidays can be more exhausting than regular life at home, and beach holidays can be boring for get up and go types. Knowing your destination in advance won’t only help extend the excitement during the planning phase, but will make sure you wind up doing and seeing exactly what you want when you get there.
Save the best till last
In terms of keeping that holiday glow alive when you return home, remember the ‘peak-end rule’. The peak-end rule shows that we tend to judge our past experiences on how they were at their peak and how they ended. This means that if you save your most pleasurable experience until the end of your holiday rather than doing it at the beginning, you will remember the holiday as much more enjoyable than if you spend the last night flopped on the bed eating room service.
How do you squeeze the most fun possible out of your holidays?
{photo: tiarescott)
