There’s one thing I NEVER like to bring along with me on my journeys across the globe: Drama. Seriously, nothing kills the mood of a great getaway like drama. Follow my simple tips, and you too can leave your cares behind and truly enjoy your next escape.
Drama? Not on my vacation!
TIP 1: Plan a Little
Now, I know this sounds like a stress-inducing proposal. But hear me out here. Whenever I’m going on vacation, I usually like to plan at least two or three must-do activities. Maybe it’s reservations for the hottest restaurant in town. Or pre-booking an excursion I know I won’t want to miss out on. That way, if what I really want to do proves to be a popular choice among every other tourist there, drama won’t ensue!
I like to pre-book popular activities, like the time I snorkeled with sea turtles!
I also like to have a plan when it comes to directions (because what is more stressful than realizing you have no idea where you’re going?) and a backup plan for what to do when the unexpected happens. I’m looking at you lost luggage and flight cancelations.
TIP 2: Be Flexible
I just told you to plan ahead, and now I’m telling you to be flexible! Please don’t consider me a flaky Gnome. It just that I’ve been there, and know my best trips were the ones where I could truly let go and be spontaneous. This is why I recommend planning just a few activities in advance, leaving room for something that may come up while you’re there. Maybe you’ll find yourself zip lining down a mountain … or sleeping in till noon. Or gasp, getting a tattoo! Who cares — the point is, you’re on vacation and can do whatever you want. Enjoy it!
Contemplating a spontaneous, yet permanent travel choice!
TIP 3: Unplug Within Reason
Vacation time is not the time to catch up on your work emails while missing out on memories. Let go and let yourself enjoy the moment. I’m very guilty of this … but as a rule you shouldn’t always feel the need to Instagram every meal you eat. But as much as I’d like to tell you to completely unplug, that’s a sure fire way to create drama. First off, if you’re traveling with a group, you’ll still need to be reachable or you might spend your evening apologizing for the three hours they wasted looking for you while you were “finding yourself” on a solo hike. (Oops.)
Go ahead and take the picture, then put the phone away and savor the moment!
Secondly, technology can be pretty useful when it comes to staying organized on a trip. I always keep my Travelocity app at hand so I can check on my itinerary from anywhere. I’ve rented cars, scheduled activities and even booked a one-way flight on mine. Now that’s a spontaneous decision I’ll never regret!
TIP 4: Add an Extra Day
Ever go on a weekend escape, and by the time you’ve decompressed enough to relax realize it’s time to pack up and leave? Give yourself a little more breathing space, and you’ll see that even one more day away is well worth it. I’ve found the magic number is five days, allowing for plenty of time to explore the destination and experience it, without running at a manic speed to get everything accomplished. If you can stay longer, go for it!
An extra day gives you breathing room … and more time at the beach!
TIP 5: Rely on Locals
Blogs, online reviews and social media can help you prepare for a trip, but nothing beats a conversation with a local once you’ve arrived. Only they can offer the most candid advice on what you should and shouldn’t do while you’re in town, which can be invaluable when you have limited time on your hands. And the stories … oh the stories! My pro tip? Find the nearest brewery and grab a glass. Not only will you get to enjoy a local pint, but you’re also sure to make a few friends before the evening ends.
Ask a true Chicagoan to help you find the perfect deep dish pizza.
TIP 6: Shop Shoulder Season
Yes, I travel year-round, but I try my best to book destinations based on their shoulder season for the most enjoyable experience. This is the travel period between peak and off-peak seasons. Meaning the lines are shorter, the crowds are thinner and the weather is just right! It also means less chance for drama if I didn’t plan ahead (see Tip 1), and find myself scrambling for a dinner reservation or to book an activity mid-trip. Less people means less chance for my coveted spot to be taken! Another piece of advice, go for the under-the-radar destinations. These are the places not every tourist has discovered, making them ideal for travelers like you and me. We’ll keep here and here our little secrets … shh.
Book during shoulder season, and you might get first dibs on the waterslide!
TIP 7: Choose Your Getaway Goal
What do you want to get out of your vacation? Perhaps it’s a better understanding of the local culture. Or, a few heart-pounding adventures. Maybe it’s just the chance to reclaim a zen state of mind. When you’ve determined the goal of your getaway before you arrive, it’s a lot easier to achieve it once you’re there. Set this expectation up prior to departure, and you’ll skip the drama of trying to please your travel crew by doing something you would rather not. That way, when they suggest a daylong hiking excursion and you opt out for a spa day, there will be no hurt feelings.
Getaway Goal: Never leave the pool.
TIP 8: Pack Like a Pro
Extra baggage not only racks up airline fees, it’s a hassle to tote around! Leave the unnecessary toiletries, eighth pair of shoes and extra *just in case* outfits at home. This is vacation time! Pack light, and leave a little extra room for what you might find while you’re there. Even when I don’t mean to, I tend to come home with at least one “souvenir” from my ventures. And believe me, a drama-free vacation doesn’t include TSA pulling you aside for a luggage problem. So make smart choices in your carry-on too, and keep it organized! Need some guidance? My well-travelled Gnational Gnomads friends, Angie Orth and Ava Roxanne Stritt, have a few hints.
When packing, I always have to remind myself that less is best!
TIP 9: Get in Relaxation Mode
Sometimes it takes a little effort to get into a relaxed mindset. Give yourself the tools you need to unwind, and you’ll be rewarded with a drama-free escape. If I’ve had a particularly hectic week (yes, even the Roaming Gnome has those!), I’ll make sure to book a tension melting massage to kick off my vacation.
Massage time: My favorite way to relax!
Another tip? Give yourself a buffer day both pre- and post-vacation for packing and unpacking. Where stress goes, drama follows. Allow your mind to escape the stress with a “free day” away from work and responsibilities to pack and plan. When you return, do the same. You’ll be amazed at how much it helps!
TIP 10: Travel with Confidence
Finally, traveling is great fun, but no matter how much you plan it can come with its hiccups. I skip the drama by booking with Travelocity, because I know if something unexpected happens I can rely on their Customer 1st Guarantee to make things right. I love that I can travel without a worry, with 24/7 online support if I ever need it!
Nothing like a great sunset to relieve stress!
Have a tip for making your escapes drama free? Let’s hear it.
Roaming Gnome
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