Hi everyone!! I’m Biana and I blog over at B~Loved Boston!! I was so happy that Amanda asked me to guest post for her while she is off enjoying her wonderful Greek Honeymoon because I get to talk about one of my favorite things…travel!! Can we all pause for a moment and agree that we are insanely jealous and can’t wait for all the photos that Amanda is going to share!! I think we all feel that going on vacation is memory making enough, but I thought it would be fun to share a few tips I have on making your vacation even more memorable!
1. Research and Plan
This one may be a no-brainer, but you are obviously going to do research into your destination! Whether you choose to go the travel guide route or plan it all yourself, the information out there is endless, but don’t get too wrapped up in making plans! Buy a guide book and let it help you do the work! I personally love all of Rick Steve’s Travel Guides because they tell you best times to go places, what to skip, what to look for and everything in between! While making your itinerary try not to plan out every single minute of the day/trip because you’ll ultimately feel exhausted instead of rejuvenated after your vacation!
2. Buy a selfie stick!
Photo taken via Selfie Stick!
Maybe you think they are goofy, but trust me there is nothing better than not having to rely on others to take a photo of you and your friend or significant other. It was one of the best purchases we made before going to Europe and have used it on every vacation since – they even come with fancy clickers now so you don’t have to put your phone or camera on a timer!
3. Indulge!
I’m willing to bet that you worked out hard core before your trip so you could look great in all those clothes and on the beach (if it’s a tropical destination) – well now it’s time to let yourself indulge!! Taste the local cuisine, have that piece of cake you usually say no to and drink that 2nd glass of wine! There is a reason for the saying “When in Rome,” just substitute for whatever city you’re in!
4. Be a tourist!
You are in a place you’ve never been before, go to all the places that are “touristy!” My piece of advice is that if you’re planning excursions or tours – check to see if there is a “skip the line” option because there is nothing worse than waiting three hours for a tour when you could have been seeing other things in that time frame too!
I think these four tips are a sure fire way to enjoy your vacation even more! What tips do you have for making a vacation memorable?
Thank you guys for reading and hope you’ll stop by and say hi!
What perfect timing! I’m headed to NYC Thursday to visit my brother! However, my parents are PROS at traveling. They have it down to a science! Great post!
Great tips! I wish I bought a selfie stick for my recent trip to Mexico! We got so many photos but not a lot of us together!
Agreed completely about the selfie stick.. even though they’re kind of silly looking they’re so great to have when you travel!
I swore to myself I’d never buy a self stick and now I really wish I would have had one when we went to Europe. I think we definitely need that selfie stick for Charleston girl!!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
Absolutely bringing it! :)
Great tips, B!!! I especially like the indulge part :)!
Great tips! I want a selfie stick for sure!
Great post! We are going to Hawaii next month and i’m already putting pressure on myself to improve my camera skills etc.
xoxo, Traci
waltzmetoheaven.com
Loving these tips girl! And can I please just co-sign the first pic that it’s a big world out there and to go explore!? I’m always amazed by how many people don’t even have a passport/left the country. Life isn’t meant to be lived in one place!
And it may be time to invest in a selfie stick, as much as I giggle when I see them it would be nice to not have to stop what we’re doing and ask a stranger for a picture that may or may not come out blurry or with the right background. When we were in Europe last year there was also the language barrier when asking to have our picture taken :-P
Great post girl <3
Um yes to indulging! I’ve read all of these articles and tips about how to stay on track and eat healthy on your trip and I’m thinking that’s nice and all but when I’m on vacation I want to experience all of the food the place has to offer! :)
Great tips! Loved seeing all of your pictures from past trips too! :)
Have also been loving seeing Amanda’s photos while she’s been away. Oh my word–stunning!!
ah love this list! i think it’s still funny that selfie sticks are now socially acceptable but i don’t hate it! and i think number 1 may be the most important! :) xo
cheshirekatblog.com
Awesome tips B!!! The only thing I would add is to unplug… It takes a little while to disconnect from the stress you left behind – don’t ruin your vacation by continuing to be caught up in life back home. Be where your feet are! :)
Okay, I’m seriously dying to buy a selfie stick because I get so annoyed when I have to ask other people to take a picture of Ryan and I while we are on vacation. However, Ryan thinks they are incredibly embarrassing and is refusing to let me make the purchase. Ha! Maybe I’ll show him this post and say if you think it’s okay, then it is! :) These all are great tips – I definitely have no problem indulging in treats and alcohol on vacation!
All great tips! I have yet to go the selfie stick route but it is a good idea and it’s definitely recommended to indulge so you can experience the particular place and culture to the fullest.
Heck yes! Love B! And these travel tips seriously rock. I think sometimes people are afraid of BEING an actual tourist for fear of looking like a “typical tourist” but me? I could care less! Love it! And yes, indulging is the best part :)
Okay I really probably should get a selfie stick. It just makes sense. And yes to planning! For small trips I just like to go with the flow and explore, but for larger trips I am definitely a planner.
I love all your suggestions!!! You better believe I indulge on vacation and want to do some of the touristy things. Because…there are a reason they are so popular. Duh!!! You have me rethinking my view on selfie sticks now too.
Great tips, Biana! As goofy as I think selfie sticks are in every day life, I think they are genius for travel. Neither me or Cory have long arms as we can never get good pictures with any kind of background!
love this post B!!! I agree with everything, except the selfie stick – but only because I don’t have one yet. But you’ve convinced me!!
Love this post!! Great tips. So need a selfie stick!!
I have totally been thinking we need a selfie stick… I mean, they look crazy, but it’s a PAIN to ask others to take photos of you.
Research and planning are definitely key!! And i really need a selfie stick!
I bought my sister a selfie stick as a joke for her bday and she’s obsessed with it. Funny thing, her photos turn out stunning. We are visiting Atlanta this summer and I’ve already been scoping out some local eats! (:
Perfect tips, Biana!! Skip the line options is such a good idea – I will for sure be looking for that when booking tours for Europe!!
Love your suggestions for this! I still have the e-mail you sent regarding your Paris trip with all your tips! :) xo