Seven Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Vacations

This may seem like a very strange title for an article. After all, a vacation is supposed to be? a vacation. The title seems to imply that we should strive to make our vacation, somehow strategic or productive. In a way, that is what I am suggesting, but maybe not in the anal-retentive way you might have first guessed.

I write this during a week of my vacation, because I have a weekly writing quota so I don't disappoint my loyal newsletter readers. I could have run a repeat article, or I could have written the article before I left, but since I had already decided to write something about vacations, and because I do like to write, I decided it might be best to write about vacations while on vacation.

Vacations are important to our mental, physical and emotional health. They provide us a chance to relax, change our perspective and reconnect with parts of ourselves that we might misplace during the daily routine. Some people travel great distances, others stay closer to home. Some like to relax on the beach and others choose more active, scheduled vacations. This article isn't about those choices ? you know what type of vacation works best for you. Rather, this article is meant to help you enjoy and benefit more from the vacation, regardless of where you go, or what you do.

Think about how you got there. Most people spend a huge amount of time thinking about, planning, and preparing for their vacations. And they get a tremendous amount of work done in the few days (hours?) before they leave. In other words, when it comes to vacations we are all good project planners and time managers. This experience of planning and preparing is the first lesson we can take from our vacation. While you are on vacation reflect on how productive you were in the days leading up to your departure. You will find lessons you can apply on other days to help you be more productive ? and therefore give you more time during your regular life for leisure and relaxation.

Start when you leave. I have heard people say things like, "I need a two week vacation, because it takes me 4 or 5 days to start enjoying the vacation." To this sentiment, I simply ask "Why?". Resolve that when you are on vacation, you are there. Don't tell yourself it will take 2 days or 1 day to "get relaxed." Relax already!

Immerse yourself. Whether you are sitting on the beach, on a tour bus or walking through a local shopping bazaar, be there. Experience the things around you. Be in the present moment. Even if things aren't going like you planned, if the water is cold or it is raining, be where you are. Vacations are huge anticipation machines. We build them up in our minds until there is almost no way the real thing can compete with the image. Immerse yourself in what it is. Be present and enjoy it, regardless of what happens.

Recharge. Academic institutions have known for a long time the value in spending time in a new situation. That is why sabbaticals are a part of the lives of faculty members in much of the world. Sabbaticals are, in some ways, like long vacations. A vacation puts us in a new environment, changes our routine, and gives us a chance to recharge our batteries. This quote from the book I read on this vacation states it better than I can:

"You have to think more like a fish than a man and look for the slack tides and the pools and eddies in life so you can catch your breath and reflect on the good moments."

- Jimmy Buffett in A Salty Piece of Land

Learn Something. No this isn't like homework; I'm not suggesting you send me a report on "What You Learned on Your Summer Vacation." But I am serious about learning something. Learn something in a museum. Learn something from the local people or customs. Learn something about the tides. Learn something from someone in the seat next to you on your flight. As humans we are most alive when we are learning, and vacations should be no exception.

Make memories. Vacations are a wonderful way to expand our experiences and to create memories. New memories will enrich our lives both now and in the future. They also serve as the spawning ground for new ideas and insights that we may benefit from in all areas of our lives. After you make the memories, capture them. Record the events in your journal, purchase postcards, take pictures. These activities will help preserve those precious memories.

Take them. If you stay at work without vacationing because you are "indispensable, but are never fresh and always burned out, what have you gained? Besides that, research says that people that take vacations live longer than those who don't. I don't think I can make a more compelling argument than that.

If you have already taken a vacation in recent months, think back on it and see how many of my suggestions you followed. If you have an upcoming vacation, I encourage you to consider my ideas, and apply at least one or two of them to that vacation.

All of these suggestions will help make your vacation more valuable, more entertaining and more fun. Plus, the vacation itself will help you live longer.

Have fun!

Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company. To receive a free Special Report on leadership that includes resources, ideas, and advice go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/leadership.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.

In The News:

---

Ten Cheap Vacations

Cheap vacations can still be relaxing, fun and whatever else... Read More

Palmetto Dunes Plantation ? Hilton Head Island

An Award Winning Vacation, Golf, Tennis and Beach ResortIf you... Read More

Vacation Getaways and Healthy Living Tips

Going away on a vacation brings numerous benefits. It refreshes... Read More

Tips to Visit Valencia, a Lovely City of Spain

Valencia is the third city of Spain, by number of... Read More

Ormond Beach, FL: A Small Piece of Paradise

Within Volusia County, Florida, the small community of Ormond Beach... Read More

Hotels In India

With India being a major world tourist in the world,... Read More

Vacational Rental Property Guide

Once you make up your mind to on a vacation,... Read More

French Property - Looking to take a holiday in France ?

Aquitaine with its 5 departments; Dordogne, Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.Weather:... Read More

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel: Tip #3 Insurance

Car rental insurance has to be one of the most... Read More

How to Have 25+ Romantic Honeymoon Trips a Year, for a Lower Cost Than the Price of One

As our wedding anniversary looms near... and this one will... Read More

Townhouses ? Rooms for Rent for Every Family!

Rooms for rent! No, not the kind where you are... Read More

A Road Trip in Cyprus -- Blessed by the Gods

Aphrodite's Hot SpotEuropean Road Trip AdventuresCyprus. Yes, it is a... Read More

Mindfulness and Retirement: Considering Brazil

I have a 17-year-old daughter who is finishing up a... Read More

Looking For Maui Rental Property?

Maui is one of the islands found in Hawaii. It... Read More

What You Need to Know about Vacation Rentals before You Go

That time of the year is finally here. You know... Read More

Rent a Town Home in Orlando, Florida for LESS than Hotel

When you venture to Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee, Florida, why... Read More

A Review of Popular Punta Cana Hotels

Punta Cana is an affordable destination in a magnificent tropical... Read More

Coastal Vacations Club Offers Up to 85% off Week Long Condo Stays

When vacation time rolls around, some people choose to stay... Read More

Boston, a Bargain Travel Guide

Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, and... Read More

Amazon Expeditions with Time Magazine ?Hero of the Planet Year 2000? - Dr. Marc van Roosmalen

The Amazonat Jungle Lodge is offering in addition to her... Read More

Keys to Contentment

Most of us take vacations for the express purpose of... Read More

Florida Beachfront Rentals - Finding Florida Beachfront Vacation Homes

Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a... Read More

Top Ten Reasons To Pick A Vacation Rental

We are planning a family trip for just a few... Read More

The Inn at Woodstock Hill: Classic New England Atmosphere in Beautiful Northeastern Connecticut

Many vacation spots purport to offer true relaxation, but upon... Read More

Why Should You Rent Town Houses Instead of Staying in a Hotel Room?

So you decided on Orlando Florida for your family vacation... Read More

Vacation / Honeymoons 101 - Planning for Perfect Weather on Your Trip

Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More

Why an Algarve Vacation?

If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure... Read More

Family-Friendly Vacation Condos on Hilton Head Island

Many vacationers on Hilton Head Island have discovered a simple... Read More

Vacation Rentals in the Bahamas

The Bahamas serve as the perfect relaxation destination. With pristine... Read More

Buying Real Estate in Cozumel

As beautiful and modern as Cozumel is, visitors must remember... Read More

How To Close A Timeshare Sale ? Minimize The Hassles

Making the decision to dive into the world of timeshares... Read More

All Inclusive Resorts - Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana

Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana is located on the north... Read More

Looking Closely at Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages

Vacation packages are a great way for travelers to book... Read More