How To Enjoy Your Vacation

Vacation - 1. Manage Your Expectations

Studies have shown that the people of Denmark are among the happiest in the world—and that this satisfaction is at least partially attributed to their expectations about what’s to come. It’s as simple as this: The Danes have low expectations for the upcoming year, they thus find themselves “pleasantly surprised” when life brings them joy.

Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t look forward to your vacation, but take a tip from the Danes and don’t fixate on perfection. Hope for a good trip, rather than anticipating (and telling everyone you know) that you’re in for the best week of your entire life. Or, instead of imagining stretches of cloudless skies for days, think about what your Caribbean getaway will be like in the rain. This will help to curb disappointment if things don’t go perfectly, and may even inspire you to create a fun plan B in case you run into less-than-ideal vacation conditions.

2. Detox from Your Devices

So, you were thinking of packing your Kindle, iPad, MacBook Air, Blackberry, and iPhone for your three-day weekend to the Cape? Take a few minutes to assess what you actually need. If really do need a computer while you’re away, then bring it. But if you can leave something behind and take a break from the glare of at least one of your screens, do. Your brain (and your travel companions) will probably thank you for it.

Without a device to distract you, you’ll have easier time letting go of your “real life” and tuning in to those can’t-miss-moments like a beautiful sunset or the sound of an ocean breeze (the reason you go on vacation in the first place!).

If you do want to use your phone to take photographs, remember that you can disable your email so that new messages don’t ping you all day long. And if you can’t get away from your online life completely, try to set up one or two times a day to check your email and messages, and spend the rest of the time signed off so you can fully enjoy your getaway.

But also remember this: Your co-workers will most likely be able to survive without you.

3. Pack Like a Pro

If you’re anything like me, the packing and preparation for your trip can really stress you out. I stare at my suitcase, puzzled by what I might bring, lots of ideas of different outfits swarming through my brain. So I start to put things into the bag—one by one—until it’s filled and I can just cram it closed. Then I arrive to my destination with a hodgepodge from my wardrobe that doesn’t work. Plus, I’ve usually forgotten some essential item like a toothbrush, makeup remover, or a bathing suit—and there’s no feeling worse than having to go shopping for essentials upon arriving at your destination.
TheMuse.com