Have you discovered any "ingredient" that's key to a great vacation?

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   buckleupdorothyposted 11 years ago

   Have you discovered any "ingredient" that's key to a great vacation?
   
   Do you always bring something in particular? Or make certain kinds of plans? Or is there anything special you do to prepare?

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2. 67

   Jenniferteacherposted 11 years ago

   I do lots of research about the weather at the time I'll be travelling and reviews of places to stay/ eat/ see from other travellers.
   
   I also have a "roll with it" attitude that makes it easier to deal with things that don't go according to plan. :-)

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3. 67

   TravelAboutposted 11 years ago

   Once I book a cruise, I research all of the off shore excursions that are available in each destination we are in port.  There are so many choices including excursions you can book through excursion companies that are separate from the cruise lines.  I don't like feeling rushed to do it on the ship and then waiting in line to book it.  Also, when I did not book in advance and there was a particular excursion I wanted to do, I was disappointed when I found it was completely booked.  I would just suggest researching and planning in advance for something that you spefifically want to do.

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   odie_driverposted 11 years ago

   I think "finding the fun in things" is probably a good ingredient... If you're waiting in a car, find something fun to do or talk about - if its raining, find something indoors to do.
   
   If everyone is bored and complaining, it doesn't matter if you're in Disneyland or on an expensive cruise - the trip will be no fun.

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5. 60

   cruising.grannyposted 11 years ago

   My life is a vacation. 
   I was forced to retire at age 56 because of health issues.
   I was living in an older caravan, on-site in Broome, WA.
   I upgraded to a more modern caravan so I could take to the road to see Australia.
   I have only travelled overseas to Kangaroo Island and New Zealand.
   I want to know as much about Australia as I can to be a worthy ambassador if or when I travel OS.
   I can also go camping using the awning attached to my car, under which I set up my camp bed.  This is know as my "spare room".
   So, the key to a great vacation is to leave home and SEE what you travel through.
   I'm not on holidays, I'm on a lifestyle.

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   1. 69

      buckleupdorothyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm sorry to hear about your health issues, but I Love the way you've dealt with them!

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      cruising.grannyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You bet. As long as I can put both feet on the floor in the morning, travel is possible.
      I also travel with work. I escort wide loads around the country. I can never get too much driving/travel.

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   Ciel Clarkposted 11 years ago

   Pack light, and be able to carry your own bag. 
   I always bring a notebook, a camera, and books. 
   I like to research what I might want to see, but prefer to arrive and see what happens.  Some of the best travel adventures are the unplanned ones! 
   Before I travel I make sure I have all the shots for certain parts of the world, and I like to learn the basic phrases of the language, and the customs of the country.

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   1. 69

      buckleupdorothyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That sounds like the perfect blend of preparedness and flexibility - how long do your trips like this usually last?

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7. 68

   GypsyFootedWomanposted 11 years ago

   In the most general terms the best ingredients for a great vacation (excepting the magical spontaneous ones) are plan ahead and then let it be.
   
   Basically get all the logistics out of the way ahead of time, all that you possibly can, then once you embark on your trip roll with what happens and relish all the experiences.
   
   The experiences are the purpose of the trip after all, I talk about this in my Hub called Tips and Tricks for International Travel, but the basic principles can be applies to all trips. It’s about the journey not the destination.

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   pstraubie48posted 11 years ago

   The one ingredient that I have found makes a vacation g r e a t...that is to not 'over expect' what will happen. Plan it, go there, and let what happens, happen...
   If you leae home in a snit, the snit will come along on the vaca ...if you leave home expecting the vaca to make you feel like a brand new person when you have not left your job at home...it just won't happen.
   Going on vacation means going on vacation...not going away and taking work....

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9. 67

   angied83posted 11 years ago

   When travelling I make sure I have enough cash for a few necessary purchases (to force myself to stick to this budget). My credit card (for those unforeseen and extra expenses). My mobile (need to update my friends or family where I am). My camera (to take photos of course). A change of clothes depending on how long I'm going to be staying. These are the material things. To really enjoy your vacation you spend it with your loved ones so you can make wonderful memories together. :-)

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