The things that make a holiday memorable

When you book a holiday, you often dream of all the amazing things you’ll see and all the experiences that will soon become cherished memories.

But when you’re actually there, it can be difficult to drag yourself away from the sun lounger and the long hot days start merging into each other. This is ideal for rest and relaxation, but not so good if you were hoping to look back on your holiday for years to come.

Holidays are opportunities for new experiences. Consider balancing the time you spend lounging with activities you’ll be able to look back on fondly.

Stepping off the Tourist Path

Sightseeing isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, and the idea of wandering around a dilapidated old church with a monotonous audio guide might not be a memory you’ll recall for years to come. Just because it’s listed as a ‘must see’ in your guidebook, it isn’t obligatory.

If you’re travelling with your family, taking a long walk through your new surroundings will give you some quality time together and a much better idea of the country you’re visiting.

Eating like a Local

One of the most memorable things from your holiday might be the food you eat – good or bad! Don’t be afraid to try the regional cuisine, and always aim for restaurants where the locals eat rather than the obvious tourist traps.

If you’re holidaying on a budget, book yourself into a nice restaurant nearer the end of your trip to give yourself something to look forward to.

You might even want to look into a cooking class whilst you’re away. This is a really fun way to spend an evening, and you’ll be able to impress your friends with delicious new dishes when you get back home.

Taking the Culture Home With You

If you’re looking to bring home a memento of your travels, think about what might fit into the décor of your home, and steer well clear of the airport gift shop.

A set of handmade coasters or placemats are something practical you can pull out every dinner time to remind you of your visit. For something a bit more decorative, a painting or wall hanging will help fill your home will memories.

If you’re tight on luggage space, see if you can get your souvenirs delivered home. This may be cheaper than paying for another checked bag.

Capturing the Culture

Whatever you do, remember to take lots of photos. Your holiday snaps will highlight the delightful details of your holiday, even when your memory begins to fade.

Rather than pulling out your camera and making people awkwardly pose in front of statues or buildings, go for candid shots of people smiling or laughing. You’ll come away with a much more personal set of photos that are very different from the identikit snaps that most people bring home.

Planning Ahead

Before you go, you can research different travel insurance options if you’re heading abroad, there’s also the option to buy your travel money in advance.

Marco

Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.