With promises of pristine beaches, sunshine, and cultural landmarks, destination getaways are among the most popular for tourists every year. They offer people an experience they can’t find elsewhere, but what makes the difference between a great getaway and an unforgettable one? Your chosen destination has a lot to do with it, but you’ll be happy to know there are a few other, golden ways to maximize your trip.
Follow these, and you can wave goodbye to stress and create some incredible memories.
Start planning early
Unless you find booking last-minute retreats stress-free, you’ll need to get a head start on planning if you want to relax on your getaway. Generally speaking, the earlier you plan, the less you’ll need to organize when it comes to jetting off on the day; you can start this planning anywhere from few months to a year before you depart. Sweet spots in the flight booking process will help you to save money, and you’ll easily reserve the best rooms before they sell out. Don’t worry if you can’t plan this far in advance, as there are countless last-minute deals for when you want to fly away at a moment’s notice.
Embrace luxury
Destination getaways can be had on a shoestring budget, but this often requires meticulous planning and extra stress. The ticket to making sure none of this gets in the way of your getaway is embracing luxury whenever you can afford it. There is no better way to add a special touch to any kind of exotic escape. Whether it’s having a massage on the beach, trying world-class cuisine, or sleeping between Egyptian cotton sheets, embracing luxury is easy when you book a resort package. This is true even for traditionally expensive destinations like the Caribbean. Staying at an all-inclusive resort in Grenada, for example, will enable you to fully relax in a beautiful setting for only a fraction of the price.
Spend time outdoors
Resorts have everything you need at your fingertips. This is great for convenience, but it means some people don’t go outside to make the most of their destination. Most destinations boast a stunning natural world that is easily accessible to tourists, which is ideal for when you want an active getaway. With rainforests, volcanoes, and island beaches to discover, reserve a few hours each day to explore. If you’re worried about rainfall, remember that tropical destinations usually only have rainfall for short bursts in the afternoons. After this has passed, you can expect refreshing sea air and more vivid sunsets.
Explore tourist hotspots
From the Taj Mahal to Machu Picchu, tourist hotspots are located all over the planet. Though busy crowds can make it harder to enjoy these sights, they are known for their magical qualities, and therefore shouldn’t be missed. There are also some ways to enjoy these spots without the crowds. One traveler favorite is planning your sightseeing for sunrise, as many people will still be asleep at this time. You’ll also catch sight of some magnificent sunrise views by trying this tip. Once you’ve ticked these sights off your list, you can focus on getting to know the hidden gems of your destination.
Travel during shoulder season
Traveling during the shoulder season is also a great way to escape these crowds. Every destination around the world has its own peak season. Though you can often expect lots of sunshine at these times, you’ll likely find larger crowds and more expensive rooms. Many travelers are now embracing the shoulder season, which is the short window between peak and low season. The best part about it is there is no catch; traveling during this time rarely means you’ll miss out on anything. Instead, you’ll enjoy lower hotel prices and airfare, smaller crowds, and a milder climate. With more bang for your buck, it’s a foolproof way to maximize your getaway.
Go off the beaten path
It’s true: tourist hotspots are hotspots for a reason. Unfortunately, there will be times when crowds are too high to enjoy these sights, or when your budget doesn’t stretch that far. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a memorable getaway. Once you’ve enjoyed a few of the main sights, make an extra effort to go off the beaten track. Your destination will have plenty of nearby attractions that won’t be in the brochure. From food markets to hidden beaches; romantic restaurants to rainforest hikes, there’s a whole world out there to discover beyond the walls of your resort.
Don’t stick to a schedule
The whole point of an exotic getaway is to let go from daily stresses and relax. Though you’ll want to cram in as many activities as you can, it’s easy to add extra stress to your getaway by trying to follow a strict schedule. Luckily, this is an issue that is easily resolved. Aside from the main tourist spots and activities, remember to leave some windows with nothing planned. This way, you can spend time lounging on the beach, indulging in delectable evening meals, or trying out a new, unplanned activity. The best memories from getaways are usually to unexpected ones, so try to go with the flow as much as you can.
