Vacations are great, and according to researchers, there are hacks you should take advantage of to boost up the fun-level. Here are eight techniques you can employ to make the most out of your vacation.
1. Planning
The anticipation aspect of any activity is one of the most significant factors for human happiness. According to a study, vacationers were much happier than those who didn’t travel at all.
Surprisingly, most of the joyful emotions they felt begun even before the vacation itself. When you think about the upcoming fun, you feel as much joy as you’d have on vacation. The difference between these two is that this happiness boost will last much longer.
2. Quality Over “Once in a Lifetime”
We wouldn’t blame anyone wanting to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unfortunately, these moments are quite limiting in terms of contributing to your overall happiness and enjoyment. Research has shown that after this happiness “high,” we go back almost immediately to normal happiness levels.
As a result, smaller pleasures happening frequently are much preferred over major events happening less often. Another study shows that peak joy is experienced at around eight days. With that in mind, try to plan out vacation on shortened work-weeks to try and achieve several eight-day holidays (combining workweek and weekend) in a year.
3. Do Something New
When you were just a kid, summer seemed to last forever. In your adult life, it is as if it never happened. How do you make time go slower? Do it like if you were only eight. A youngster’s mind takes a lot of time to process new experiences, giving the illusion that times slow down.
Adults stick to planned routines, meaning their brains aren’t too busy doing that. When you go on vacation, don’t ignore the new and unique opportunities that lay in waiting. Go kayaking, make cheese, and do whatever else that you’ve never done before.
4. Do the Things You Love
People who were asked about what made them most happy during the day stated that relaxing, exercising, eating, socializing, and doing spiritual activities made them so, including having an intimate relationship.
When planning out your vacation, make sure to divide some time to enjoy tasty meals, read a book, and contemplate in peace. Do not forget to connect with those traveling with you, especially if you’ve brought along your loved one.
5. Manage your Work
Some believe that happiness comes from not having to do any work during a vacation. Unfortunately, most people end up having to do work on holidays, creating feelings of resentment.
To negate this, schedule some time to do some work, preferably in the morning when everyone’s asleep. This way, you’ll be able to focus on your vacation for the rest of the day. Besides, great ideas come when you’re having fun, and you would be surprised at how many “eureka” moments business people experienced while on vacation.
6. End on a High Note
Your brain emphasizes on things that happen last. The “recency effect” means that you’ll remember much better what happened near the end of your vacation. With that said, if you’re going to splurge out, do so towards the end. Book a first-class flight back home or plan a luxurious dinner for your final night. Save the best things for last.
7. Manage the Transition
Don’t we all dread that frantic feeling when we try to squeeze as much vacation time as possible late Sunday night and are overwhelmed the next day? Here’s a simple fix: come back earlier. The earlier you arrive from vacation, the more time you have to get things done—buying groceries, washing the laundry, etc.
8. Build Your Story
Memories are built on how you remember them, so make sure you retain your vacation as something positive. Tell friends and family funny stories about what happened and show beautiful photos and videos. The more you tell others how much fun you had, the more you believe it.
By following our tips, we guarantee that you’re going to boost that fun-factor sky-high! With that, remember that vacation is all about you. Do what you love and have fun!
After you’ve worn yourself out under the sun, don’t forget to come back and relax in the cool comfort of your hotel room at Diamond Cliff Phuket. If you’re looking for a luxury resort in Phuket, get in touch today to book your stay!
