6 Tips to Make the Most of Your Vacation

Sometimes in life all it takes is a little push to get something epic rolling. In my life I’ve had a lot of these pushes and I’ve done a lot of epic things. Here’s yet another.

In the last few weeks, I’ve tried my hand at becoming a published writer.

It didn’t work.

Probably for a lot of reasons, among them being I didn’t try as hard as I could’ve. I submitted the below article to a publication (which I’ll withhold) and never received a response. I thought it was good, but it was rejected (technically not; I never made it to the rejection stage). I took that rejection and subsequent motivation and ignored selling my article to someone else; I decided instead that I’m just going to publish it myself (To be fair, it was much easier selling to myself than I thought it would be. I drive an easy bargain).

Here it is. My first foray into writing.

6 Tips to Make the Most of Your Vacation, from an Outdoor Adventure Tour Guide

When I was a kid, I loved exploring and the idea of epic quests, so naturally, when I grew up, I wanted to be an adventurer. And I did just that.
I now work in outdoor adventure tourism leading guided trips, from open ocean kayaking to off-road safari-style adventures, all the while becoming an expert on the intricacies of tourism. I’m spending this summer season in the Outer Banks, a busy stretch of sandy barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina.
With over a year of postponed trips and slowed tourism however, we might need a few clues on how to make the most of our vacations. So, no matter where you decide to go this summer, here are 6 Tips on How to Make the Most of Your Vacation:

1. Schedule a guided tour for your first full day.
   I may be biased (I am), but booking a guided tour for your first day is the single smartest thing you can do to take advantage of your vacation. Here’s why.
   Your tour guide will show you things you’d miss if you were on your own. Every guide has their own style, so if there’s something in particular that interests you, call ahead and request a specific guide, or mention it so your guide can be more attentive to your interests.
   Additionally, use your guide as a resource for recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Nobody knows an area like a local, so asking questions about what you should do (and what to avoid) can help you get the most of your vacation, saving you time and money.
2. Read internet reviews with a keen eye.
   As someone whose job and reputation depend on internet reviews, I’ve learned that not all reviews are created equal. Here’s a quick guide on how to understand reviews worth reading, and which can be ignored (And for good reason)
   – First, check the total number of reviews. You want a company with more reviews compared to competitors, and with a good distribution of 5-star reviews compared to lower 1- and 2- star reviews.
   – Second, read the first two pages of reviews to see what people are saying right now. This is the most up-to-date information.
   – Last, read the 4- and 3-star reviews, for a more balanced opinion from previous travelers.
   In short, my rule is this: One bad review is an opinion, a few bad reviews are a pattern, many bad reviews are a problem. (Here is an example of a good review about an awesome person).
   • For my full guide, check out How to Understand TripAdvisor Reviews
3. Leave at least 1 day with no plans.
   Nobody can plan for everything, so leaving one day open provides a little spontaneity. Use this day to do something that you loved for a second time, or take advantage of the suggestions made by your tour guides.
   Additionally, leaving a day open provides flexibility should your plans change. Too many times I’ve seen plans sadly canceled when they could’ve been rescheduled, and an open day means you won’t miss out.
4. Avoid peak hours at restaurants and grocery stores.
   Restaurants and grocery stores in vacation towns can get packed fast, so knowing when to go and when to stay away can be advantageous.
   Go to the grocery store early in the morning or late at night, and avoid going on the weekends. When you go at peak hours, you’ll use up your precious vacation time jostling for that one grocery item. Order a pizza and watch the sunset instead.
   Though it may seem obvious, going for a meal at off-peak hours can help you avoid long waits and overcrowded restaurants too. A late lunch or early dinner helps you get in and out quicker, and your restaurant staff will love you for easing the rush. If you do have to wait, you can use that time to shop at nearby stores. Two souvenirs with one stone.
   Better yet, make dinner reservations in advance, when you can.
5. Be kind to your hospitality staff. It’ll do wonders for you.
   Hospitality staff are often overlooked as sources of free-of-charge satisfaction. Take time to smile and offer small talk and you might walk away with a little extra, because many businesses allow wiggle room for their employees to ensure a guest’s satisfaction.
   I once worked in a retail store where I was able to give away small items for free at my discretion. I’ve also added additional time to my guided tours, giving likeable guests extra adventures, and I’ve even had guests meet me after a tour, off-hours, to show them around like a local.
   You might get an extra scoop of ice cream by being polite, but you might get so much more.
6. And finally, remember to slow down.
   Your vacation shouldn’t be a chore. We are pressured to see and do as many of the popular things as possible, and while rushing from one photo spot to another gives the best social media posts, it can be exhausting. The best way to enjoy your vacation is to slow down and relax.
   Go for an early walk and catch a sunrise. Listen to the wildlife. Spend some time at the local’s bar. When every moment is rushed and stressful, your vacation won’t feel as satisfying.
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Is it a very good article? Who knows. Would you read it? Well you made it this far. Either way, I went from “struggling to sell an article” to “screw off, I’ll publish it myself.” It was a bit of an overreaction, but it worked out.

Stick around, it’ll be epic.