Five Ways to Guarantee You’ll Have a Memorable Vacation Experience

We all dream of getting away from the grind and going awayon vacation, but did you know there are actually scientifically-backed reasonsto g...

We all dream of getting away from the grind and going awayon vacation, but did you know there are actually scientifically-backed reasonsto get away from the office? Takinga vacation is awesome for you because:

• It reduces stress long after the vacation isover
• You’re 30-percent less likely to suffer a heartattack with a yearly vacation
• It can improve your productivity when you returnto work
• It can interrupt bad sleep habits, helping yousleep better when you get home

You just have to ensure you make your vacation count, whichmeans finding ways to have a relaxing, memorable experience. Here’s how to makesure that’s the case!

Experience Something Brand-New

Have you ever driven home after work and realized thatyou’ve arrived at your destination without remembering exactly how you gotthere? That’s because it’s something you do every day. It’s easy to forget, ornot notice, the things we’re used to.

Make sure your vacation is more memorable by doing somethingbrand-new that there’s no way you can forget! For example, Nashville has many funactivities, if you are vacationing in the area. A show at the Grand OleOpry is sure to be unforgettable.

Thrilling activities are sure to get your heart pumping andcreate long-lasting memories. Learn how to surf if you’re vacationing on thebeach, go sky diving, or ride the scariest roller coaster at the theme park.You won’t forget it!

Climb a mountain

Pay for Experiences, Not Stuff

Maybe you’ve heard that you should spendyour money on experiences and not things. Not only is that true for yourday-to-day life, but it is also true while you’re on vacation.

Although you may want to save up so you can shop to yourheart’s content while you’re on vacation, it’s not the best way to ensure youtake your memories home with you. That’s especially true if shopping issomething you do regularly anyway. Buying crummy souvenirs is even worse!

Instead, spend your money doing things that are memorable.That might mean making reservations at a fancy restaurant or catching a show.If you just can’t resist the shopping bug, at least look for a unique shoppingexperience at malls and stores that you will never forget.

Put down the Camera

Taking pictures is one of the best ways to remember pastevents. Or is it?

It turns out, takingphotos decreases your memory of experiences later on down the road.Multiple studies have shown that the participants who don’t take pictures arethe ones who remember an item, location, or event better later.

If you really want to have a memorable vacation experience,put down the physical camera and use your mental camera instead. If there’s anobject, a location, or an experience you never want to forget, take a mentalpicture of it by inspecting all its details. You’ll remember it better than ifyou snapped an actual picture.

Travel with friends

Make a New Friend

Traveling by yourself is great because you can do whateveryou want. Unfortunately, it can get a bit boring. Not to mention, many of ourstrongest memories are formed with other people! Makefriends while you’re traveling and you’re sure to have clearer memories ofyour trip.

Don’t think you have to be traveling solo to make friendswith others! For example, finding other families so your kids have friends toplay with on vacation can be a great way to create memories that will last alifetime.

Slow Down

It’s normal to want to soak up everything an area has tooffer. That means packing in as many activities into your day as possible.Although you’ll have fun, and you’ll definitely be busy, you aren’t likely towalk away with very many clear memories.

Instead, travel slow. Plan afew things here and there, but schedule in plenty of downtime so you can lickan ice cream cone while walking on the beach or sip on a cup of coffee whileyou watch the locals stroll by. You’ll enjoy your vacation more, you’ll returnhome more rested and relaxed, and you’ll have better memories of your timespent away from home.

What’s the use in planning a vacation that you won’t reallyremember a few years from now anyway? Make sure you soak in every moment, andyou have the ability to revisit those moments for the rest of your life byfollowing the tips on this list.