Best Things to Do on Vacation: Top 5 Fun Holiday Activities

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The ups and downs of everyday life take their toll and often leave us feeling drained. Taking a vacation is a great way to revitalize your body and declutter your mind. A good holiday will give you a fresh start when you get back to real life and the energy boost you need to keep powering through.

To a great extent, the best things to do on vacation depend on your personal preferences and situation. Are you a food lover looking for the ultimate culinary trip? Or would you prefer a peaceful nature vacation in a scenic and relaxing setting? Are you eager to cross that cultural tour off your bucket list or see the Northern Lights?

No matter what you have in mind, we have got you covered. We have compiled the ultimate list of vacation activities for all personality types and individuals. Whether you are looking for holiday ideas for families, couples’ getaways or solo trips, there is something for everyone. Take a look at the top nine holiday ideas for your next trip.

Take a Foodie Vacation

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Food is undoubtedly one of the top highlights of any trip. Traveling to new places is a great excuse to awaken the senses by trying out the local cuisine. A foodie vacation is not just delicious, it is also an opportunity to explore a variety of cultures.

There are many ways to plan your tour. One of the easiest is to add the top food cities around the world to your bucket list and tick them off one by one.

Popular food destinations

Some of the world’s most popular culinary destinations include:

  • Mexico City in Mexico,
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Paris, France
  • Marrakech, Morocco
  • Mumbai, India
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Rome, Italy
  • Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Crete, Greece
  • Sao Paulo, Brazil

Notably, you do not have to stick to these popular destinations. You can also enjoy venturing off the beaten path to less known culinary destinations such as Cuba, Verona and Singapore.

Other ideas for food vacations

  • Take part in culinary events such as international food festivals, wine tours or street food tours
  • For the ardent food enthusiasts, how about taking cooking classes while you are at it? Besides learning about new recipes and food pairings, you will also enjoy spending time with a variety of people who share your passion for food.

Tips for planning your food trip

Here are some handy tips to help you make the most of your trip:

  • Research the food culture and the local cuisine of the destination
  • Look for restaurant recommendations on apps and online boards
  • Have a flexible itinerary to accommodate recommendations from locals
  • Explore popular food streets in your destination and watch the preparation process
  • Tour local markets to sample the best local foods and interact with passionate vendors. Go for meals that are prepared as you watch
  • Try both day and night markets. Foodies hail destinations like Taiwan and Thailand for their night markets
  • Learn local dining customs and etiquette
  • Take note of opening and closing hours, as well as weekend restaurant schedules

Nature Lovers Vacation Ideas

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For the nature lovers in the house, there is simply no limit to potential things to do on holiday. Simply being outdoors, taking in the scents, sounds and sights is in itself a treat. But with a little creativity, you can take your outdoor experience to the next level.

The activities for your nature-themed trip will largely depend on whether you are traveling solo, as a couple or as a family. For outdoor family vacations, plan activities that take into consideration the ages and abilities of family members.

Activities for nature vacations

Here are some of the possible activities to choose from:

  • Mountain biking
  • Boat tours
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking and trekking
  • Watching sunsets and sunrise chasing
  • Moon watching and stargazing
  • Nature trailing
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Photography
  • Horseback riding
  • White water rafting, canyoning

How to plan your nature-themed vacation

  • Once you have created a list of activities, look for suitable destinations and make your pick. Choose a destination that fits your budget
  • Keep in mind include the amount of time you have and weather conditions
  • Find suitable accommodation close to the destinations
  • Plan vacations during off-peak periods to avoid overcrowding and high costs or choose lesser-known places
  • Plan your itinerary in advance to determine how much time to spend on different locations and activities. Remember to schedule some downtime to avoid burnout
  • Find out if there are any advisories before traveling
  • When packing, keep in mind the planned activities and include necessary clothing items and equipment

Take a Northern Lights Vacation

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One of the most sought-after holiday experiences is an opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis is a fascinating phenomenon that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Many describe it as the most spectacular light show that nature has to offer. It results from a collision between particles in the atmosphere and particles from the sun. The collision creates remarkable curtains of scarlet, yellow and emerald light across the sky.

Northern Lights destinations

The best part about it is that there are numerous destinations where you can watch this natural show across the US and Europe. These include:

  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Canada
  • Greenland
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Alaska

How to see the Northern Lights

It is not possible to predict the timing of this natural show. However, you increase your chances of seeing it by traveling to locations where it commonly appears. To make the most of your experience, travel as far as possible from human civilization. The idea behind this is to avoid artificial sources of light.

When planning your trip, check relevant forecasts. Though the Aurora appears almost every day, it is not always visible. For instance, the light of a full moon will dull the display so it is best to avoid moonlit nights. Avoid nights when there is cloud cover. Note that Svalbard, Norway is the only inhabited region worldwide where you can see this show during the day. However, this only happens during periods of perpetual darkness.

Cultural Vacations

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If you happen to be a culture-buff, then you will certainly enjoy an opportunity to take a cultural trip. Cultural tourism basically involves an immersive experience that lets you learn about how different people live. It covers a wide range of experiences, from history and art to music and architecture.

Whether you are looking for an out-of-box vacation idea or love cultural travel, there are plenty of activities to try out. Consider a few:

Things to do on a cultural vacation:

  • Visit museums and World Heritage Sites
  • Learn a language
  • Take dance and music lessons
  • Participate in traditional arts and crafts
  • Learn to make exotic food
  • Visit iconic landmarks and learn their history
  • Visit temples and shrines
  • Visit animal conservation projects and wildlife sanctuaries

Best cultural holiday destinations

As you can tell from the above list, there are plenty of possibilities to fit every personality. If you are looking for opportunities to connect deeply with different heritages, here are the best places to visit:

  • The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
  • The Maharajas in India (the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho and Varanasi)
  • Inca citadel and trail to Machu Picchu in Peru
  • Acropolis of Athens and ancient ruins in Greece
  • The Colosseum, Pantheon and Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy
  • The Golden Bridge Hands in Danang, Thuan Phuoc Bridge and Dragon Bridge in Vietnam
  • The Netherlands and Belgium (medieval cities of Ghent and Bruges, and various museums)
  • Guatemala’s Tikal and other Mayan sites in central America
  • Valley of the Kings, Pyramids of Giza and Aswan Temple in Egypt
  • Turkey’s Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia

How to prepare for a cultural trip

When preparing for a trip to any cultural city, remember to:

  • Research the history of the destination and its people
  • Prepare questions to ask guides and locals
  • Learn local greetings
  • Talk to friends who have been there (if applicable)
  • Check for upcoming festivals or events in the area and plan your timing accordingly
  • Find out if there is a waiting list for events – some cultural events like the Bayreuther Festspiele have a waiting list of up to three years
  • When traveling with kids, prioritize destinations with children’s activities. If not, prepare to keep them engaged with music or coloring books

Beach Vacation Ideas

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Whether you are planning a solo holiday, a family trip or a couples’ weekend, few things can beat a beach vacation. Here you get to soak up the sun with waves of warm water lapping against your feet. The cool breeze from the ocean takes all your worries with it while the sound of rustling palm leaves offers a calming lullaby. There is nothing like a quick run on the soft sand to bring out your inner child.

Fun things to do on your next beach holiday:

While that’s a great way to spend your summer vacation, how about spicing things up with a few activities:

  • Building sandcastles – contrary to popular belief, people of all ages can enjoy this activity. In addition to testing your creativity, it offers a great opportunity to bond
  • Treasure hunting – this is a fun activity for groups of friends or family. Simply hide things in the sand and give clues to help your friends find them
  • Beach camping – if you happen to love the beach and camping, how about blending the two for double the fun?
  • Beach party – all you need is some music, a barbecue or snacks and good friends
  • Collect beautiful rocks, seashells and driftwood – the beach is a collector’s paradise, and in most cases, this is a free activity. Remember to check local rules and regulations beforehand
  • Indulge in ice cream and fruity cocktails – quell the effects of the hot summer sun with a cool scoop of ice cream or an exotic tropical drink
  • Swim with dolphins – join these adorable sea creatures in the sea for a quick swim
  • Watch the sunrise or sunset (or both) – few sights are quite as entrancing as the sun rising or setting against a backdrop of the sea
  • Enjoy seafood – at the end of your long day at the beach, take a moment to fill up on delicious seafood
  • Stargazing – spend time with loved ones under the stars, with a cool breeze from the sea

Best destinations around the world to add to your beach bucket list:

There is no end to the number of great beach destinations you can visit in a lifetime. These are some of the ultimate beaches that you simply cannot miss:

  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Pembrokeshire, Wales
  • The Caribbean
  • Hydra, Greece
  • Nassau and Pig Beach, the Bahamas
  • Maui and Kauai, Hawaii
  • Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles
  • Algarve, Portugal

How to make the most of your beach holiday on a budget:

Due to their overwhelming popularity, beach trips can be quite costly. Here are some tips for planning one without breaking the bank:

  • Make trade-offs such as forgoing that oceanfront view for accommodation a few minutes away from the beach
  • Stay in a homestay or with friends or family
  • Visit a beach near you to avoid airfare and car rentals
  • Plan for a weekday or off-season vacation
  • Make advance bookings for accommodation, activities and meals
  • Shop for deals on accommodation and airfare
  • Choose less crowded beach destinations

Planning Vacation Activities for Your Next Holiday

These are some of the most fun things to do on vacation. Our comprehensive guide has covered a wide range of options for everyone. Whether you travel as a family, solo, with friends or with your significant other, there are limitless possibilities. These unique vacation ideas will take any holiday experience from average to awesome. No matter your preference or personality, you will be sure to make unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

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