Bliss Discovered: How To Enjoy Fun Vacations Every Time
You excitedly arrive at your destination. You planned the usual activities for your trip, like pool time and some restaurant reservations. You go exploring on the hotel grounds and in town. Okay, nice.
What else can you do though? Could this vacation be so much more fun?
Yes! And it can be fun planned specifically for you.
There are so many ways to make traveling fun
One approach known to expand people’s life experiences and fulfillment is to do new things. I’ve therefore compiled a list of many ways to have fun (for you and your travel companions).
Adventure Activities
Adventure activities immediately come to mind for vacation fun. If you or the older kids in your family want an exciting, high-octane trip, reserving these activities is sure to get you going. Some ideas are Ziplining, White Water Rafting, Hot Air Ballooning, Rock Climbing, Parasailing, Bungee Jumping, Sky Diving, and Cave Exploration.
My favorite Adventure Activities memory
I loved ziplining at summer camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains when I was 9.
Culinary Exploration
For all of you foodies out there, exploring the cuisine of the destination you are visiting can add so much enjoyment and depth to your experience. Researching and reserving Food Tours, Cooking Classes, Local Food, and Unique Dining Experiences at your destination will fill your glass to full.
My favorite Culinary Exploration memory
One of my favorite trips was a driving tour of Tuscany with my husband when we were first married. We loved sampling the unique wine that each little village has been making for generations. We still see these wines on menus and in wine shops a world away and it makes us smile.
Tip for Culinary Exploration
When we were in Italy, we had several disappointing, overpriced meals in touristy areas. Downloading The Michelin Guide app was a total game changer and helped make our culinary tour an exceptional experience. For everyday meals, I filtered for Bib Gourmand (exceptionally good food at moderate prices) restaurants in the area. We found the most special and delicious restaurants this way. For special meals, we opened the filter up to include the Michelin Stars. Devine!
Cultural Festivals and Events
Enjoying cultural celebrations includes Attending Local Festivals, Music and Dance Performances, and Participating in Cultural Celebrations.
Some festivals are a destination in and of themselves, like Jazz Fest in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio De Janeiro.
Other festivals, you may stumble across. For your regularly planned vacations, check if any festivals are happening during your visit. Do a quick web search or ask your hotel concierge to help you. Maybe you can catch the cherry blossoms in Washington DC or the Aloha Festival in Honolulu.
My favorite Cultural Festivals and Events memories
I lived in the SF Bay Area during my young adult life, and we all went to Burning Man. The event built so much community and fun during that phase of my life. I will always remember it.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation ranges from simple activities, like Nature Walks in Scenic Landscapes or a Picnic in a Park, to medium activities like Horseback Riding. Much larger experiences can also be the main focus of your trip, like Cycling Tours or Wildlife Safaris. Being active during your trip will keep you feeling energized. Finding the playful kid in you and asking what would be fun to do outside, will give you a clear idea of what activities to book.
My favorite Outdoor Recreation memory
I love walking in cities. Paris, London, Barcelona and New York are some of my favorites. I love natural settings too. Some memories that leap to mind are hiking around Lake Tahoe, horseback riding through Waipio Valley, Hawaii, and swimming in a Cenote in the Yucatan, Mexico.
Art and Entertainment
Checking event listings while you are planning your vacation can supercharge your fun factor. Enjoying Theater Performances, Professional Sports Events, and Renowned Museums all enrich the soul. These experiences also make entertaining stories to share after you return home. What musicals are playing in London’s West End during your visit? Are the Warriors playing when you visit San Francisco? Do you have time to visit the Met when you are in New York City? Even less populated areas offer these options. There is so much going on in the local event listings.
My favorite Arts and Entertainment travel memory
Seeing a modern ballet performance in Prague and the Phantom of the Opera in Vancouver, British Columbia are the first theater memories while traveling that come to mind. I adored taking my son when he was 5 to the Natural History Museum in Manhattan. I will always remember my children’s first trips to Disneyland.
Historical and Architectural Exploration
Visiting Historic Landmarks and Monuments and Exploring Ancient Ruins are the key to unlocking the richness of any travel destination. They provide context and a sense of understanding. A quick online search will give you plenty of ideas for your destination.
The Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, or Angkor Wat might be on your list of interesting destinations to see one day; they are significant sights that would define your trip. However, anywhere you travel will have historical sights to see and enjoy. It’s fun to seek them out.
My favorite Historical and Architectural Exploration memory
Walking on the Appian Way and through the Roman Forum in Rome was truly extraordinary. I had studied Latin in high school and it was mindblowing to be there in person, standing in these ancient sites that are 1000s of years old.
Relaxation and Wellness
I usually think of active out-and-about activities as fun, but for those needing some significant downtime, focusing on wellness may be just the quiet enjoyment they seek and need. Spa Days, Wellness Retreats, Beach Relaxation, Exercise Classes, Resort Gyms, and Massages are all great ways to have you feeling rejuvenated upon your return home.
My favorite Relaxation and Wellness travel memory
Before moving to Hawaii, eating the islands’ fresh, vibrant food was part of our sought-after Hawaiian vacation experience. The tropical fruits and seafood are so refreshing and yummy.
Shopping and Local Markets
For people living in small towns and remote areas, shopping in a city while traveling can be such a treat. Exploring Local Boutiques, Shops, and Markets can be great fun in experiencing a place.
My favorite Shopping at Market travel memory
For sure, getting refreshing coconut cream drinks every morning at Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona is a key travel memory. If I only had the recipe! Also, the Farmers Market in Hilo, Hawaii brings me joy. The produce is so good and it’s also nice to mingle and converse with local Hawaiian farmers and residents.
Water Activities
Whether you are going to a lake or a beach, fun out on the water is always so much fun! Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, Jet Skiing, Sailing or Boating, Body Boarding, Paddleboarding … the list goes on. Anytime you reserve some fun out on the water it is a fun and memorable day.
My favorite Water Activities memory
I love my memories of a long weekend boat trip with family friends, exploring British Columbia’s west coast. The waterways between the Canadian mainland and Vancouver Island are absolutely gorgeous!
Festive Nightlife
For all of the night owls who love after-dark fun, Local Bars and Clubs, Night Markets in Asia, Street Performances, and Festivals can all bring a thrill to mixing, mingling, and having a great time in the evenings. Some destinations are very quiet and sleepy at night while others truly come alive in the late hours, so choose well if nightlife is the fun you seek.
My favorite Nightlife memories
I loved all of the nighttime shenanigans that I enjoyed with my study-abroad classmates in Utrecht, Netherlands. We’d get on our bikes and go to the bars and clubs along the canal, or have epic dinner parties in our student housing. Utrecht is a small town with several international universities. We had so much fun!
Tip for Festive Nightlife
A vast majority of destinations are safe for nightlife with the same awareness and common sense that you’d use in your local area. If you are unsure, it’s worthwhile to check for any nightlife safety issues or precautions for your specific destination, especially if you are traveling solo. One resource is the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories site; a quick web search can turn up safety advice too.
Unique Accommodations
Staying in Treehouses, Boutique Hotels or Resorts, Luxury Camping, or Guesthouse Experiences can add a unique element to your vacation which makes it extra memorable. Short-term rental sites often feature fun, unique accommodations.
My favorite Unique Accommodation memory
On our driving tour of Italy, the long history of the region meant many options for really neat places to stay. One hotel was in a renovated centuries-old jail on top of a hill; our room was a two-level loft suite. We were so high up that we had a birds-eye view of the terraced village below.
How Awareness and Planning Can Help You Enjoy Fun Vacations
Planning What To Do
As you can see above, there are so, so many options for infusing fun into your travels … with some options active, some quiet, some interesting, and some epic. For each vacation going forward, I encourage you to take the time during the planning process to check in with yourself (and your travel companions) to see what sounds fun for this particular trip, for this destination, and for where you are in life right now. That way, the fun on each trip will be unique and tailor-made for you.
Planning When To Do Various Activities
The beginning of your vacation may be the ideal time for a massage to help you relax into your vacation. The last night might be ideal for your most special dinner reservations. Consider how your activities of interest best fit into your week.
How To Balance It All
Scheduled vs Unscheduled vs Relaxation
These three elements need to be in balance (your own uniquely determined sense of balance) for your vacation to function well.
Scheduled activities allow for fun as does unscheduled time to enjoy what the day (or night) has to offer. While planning all of this fun, remember to preserve unscheduled time too. In other words, don’t book your time solid. Leave room for serendipitous exploration and unexpected adventure too.
Planning for relaxation is actually a key part of your vacation. Be sure to check in with yourself and identify how much you need to recharge on any particular trip. Prioritize relaxation and self-care first, then schedule active fun outings around it. For example, are a couple of days at the pool enough and then fun, fun, fun, or do you want to spend the majority of your time there at the resort? Would slow mornings and active afternoons/evenings be your recipe for balance?
Remember to coordinate with your travel companions. If there are differnces in balancing scheduled, unsceduled and relaxation, it’s best to identify that during the planning process so each person can have the best time.
Exciting Adventures vs Meaningful, Fulfilling Activities
This post is all about how to optimize fun activities on your vacations. For a truly wonderful and memorable trip, round out all of your fun with meaningful and fulfilling activities too. How do you do that? See my post on How To Feel Fulfilled On Every Vacation. Top Tips For Meaningful Trip Planning.
You Can Always Pivot
After you arrive on your vacation, you can always fine-tune your itinerary in one direction or another. Check in with yourself throughout your vacation to make sure it’s on track. The concierge at your hotel can help you with ideas and reservations if you want to pivot and make your experience even better.
Conclusion: How To Enjoy Fun Vacations Every Time
There are so many ways to have fun on vacation. Considering the options above will expand your horizons with the many options out there. Do things you know you will love; try some new things you suspect you may enjoy. Get out there and explore the many fun activities the world has to offer. Plan them in a way that’s fun for you!
What’s next? Get ready to go!
With your fun and exciting travel plans in place, it’s time to get ready.
See The Most Useful Travel Accessories for Women to expedite your travel prep.
If you are heading to a warm-weather or tropical destination, check out What To Wear In the Tropics for the ideal clothing to keep you cool in stylish comfort.
