Vacations are almost always memorable, but sometimes you want to do a little more to get that much more out of them. Here are our ten tips to make your next vacation the most memorable one you’ve had in a while.
1. Do your research.
This includes reading travel guides, blogs, and forums, as well as talking to friends and family who have been to your destination. The more you know about your destination, the more you’ll be able to make the most of your trip.
2. Spend money on experiences, not things.
Souvenirs are nice, but they’re not going to create lasting memories. Instead, focus on spending your money on experiences that you’ll cherish for years to come, such as hiking in a national park, taking a cooking class, or going on a boat tour. If you’re looking for ways to make your money stretch even further while on vacation, check out or post outlining ten tips on taking an affordable vacation to find even more money saving ideas.
3. Be flexible.
Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re traveling, so it’s important to be flexible. If your flight gets delayed, your hotel is overbooked, or you get sick, don’t let it ruin your vacation. Just go with the flow and make the best of it.
4. Eat like a local.
Find the spots that the locals eat instead of where the tourists do. Ask around about the best places to find food, and many people will be quick to tell you their favorites. This allows you to get a unique insight into the local culture and flavor that you might not otherwise be able to get.
5. Open your mind.
Traveling is a great way to learn about new cultures and meet new people. Be open to trying new things, even if they’re outside of your comfort zone. You might just be surprised at what you enjoy. If you’ve got an open mind, you might want to check out some of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. The list might surprise you!
6. Take pictures and videos.
Sure, you’ll want to take some pictures and videos of your trip to remember it by, but don’t forget to put your phone away and enjoy the moment. The memories you make will be more valuable than any photo or video.
7. Interact with the locals.
One of the best ways to experience a new culture is to interact with the locals. Strike up conversations with people you meet, eat at local restaurants, and visit local markets. You’ll learn a lot about the place you’re visiting and make some new friends along the way.
8. Be present.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of travel, but it’s important to take some time to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. Take a few minutes each day to simply sit and enjoy the view, listen to the sounds of the city, or smell the flowers.
9. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re traveling, so it’s important not to sweat the small stuff. If your luggage gets lost, your flight is delayed, or you get a flat tire, don’t let it ruin your vacation. Just roll with the punches and make the best of it.
10. Have fun!
This is the most important tip of all. Traveling should be fun, so relax, enjoy yourself, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.
When you’re ready to book your next vacation, contact AAA’s Travel Agents to find out how we can book your next memorable vacation.