When you don’t have long to explore, you often end up doing the same touristy things that all the other tourists do. While this can help you see everything in a top 10 list, it doesn’t let you make the trip on your own, and it certainly doesn’t let you get a real feel for the place you are traveling to.
The good news is that there are ways that you can do more and improve your experience, even on a short vacation. Your vacation may be a week or weekend, but with this guide, you’ll be able to do more and build your own personal travel plan with ease:
· Book Tours for Your Top Activities
There are so many reasons to book and go on tours during your short vacation. Not only will you usually be able to skip the line or go straight to the gate with your tour, but you will also learn while you explore. This is a great way to soak in the museum or experience you have paid for. In some cases, it may even be the only option. Take Alcatraz, for example; since it is on an island, there isn’t public access, meaning you’ll need to book Alcatraz Tours if you want to see the infamous prison up close. As a bonus, you’ll learn about the area and usually be able to do more, like enjoy a cruise under the Golden Grade Bridge and get some excellent photos.
· Look for Events in Advance
Events like live music, comedy acts, or other season-specific event is an excellent way to enjoy your vacation. Some of the bigger events will sell out in advance, however, and smaller events can be hard to find. That is why you need to look ahead of time for events and activities to do that are time-specific. Even if you still buy your ticket on the day, you cannot underestimate how important it is to know that the event in question is there in the first place.
· Leave Time for Wandering
One of the best ways to make any trip feel special is to feel like you’ve “discovered” something. Even if this place that you have discovered is actually a popular local spot and everyone knows about it, discovering it still feels fantastic. You won’t get that experience if you plan every second of your day.
That being said, you do want to direct your wandering. To do this research top neighborhoods in the area in advance. You could even make a general walking tour for yourself and stroll around to see the top sights while also leaving you free to explore on your own.
· Eat Well
One of the best ways to improve a short trip is to engage all of the senses. To do this, eat well. Go to markets, top restaurants, or even just local eateries. If you have a service where you are going, you can look up reviews and menus of the places you go by, but more importantly, you can use your nose. Find places that engage all your senses, from your sight to your smell to your taste.
