A vacation is a period of time a person or group of people takes off from daily life, work, and studies to relax, engage in leisure activities, and travel. Depending on the purpose, a vacation can be taken for personal, family, or business reasons and may involve travel to places distant from home. Vacations are commonly associated with holidays or recesses in a school year, but they can be any type of leave from regular work activities and responsibilities.
While there are many benefits of taking a vacation, it’s important to not go overboard and forget the purpose of the trip. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon, a summer getaway with the kids, or a solo adventure, vacations can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. In fact, a recent study found that couples who bonded over shared activities on vacation were happier in their relationships.
With so much pressure to “do it all” while on vacation, it can be tempting to cram your schedule with as much adventure and excitement as possible. However, overdoing it can actually make you more stressed and depressed after your return to everyday life.
If you want to get the most out of your next trip, try these strategies for a relaxing and restful vacation:
Spend time with friends. If you’re lucky enough to have friends who live nearby or are willing to drive for you, make it a point to see them while on vacation. This can be as simple as meeting up for a quick chat at a local coffee shop or having a day-long catch-up session at your house. You can even plan a party or event for them, like an art fair, concert, or block party.
Take a break from technology. While it can be hard to resist the urge to check your email or social media accounts, it’s important to turn off your device and fully enjoy your vacation. You’ll be more relaxed and happy once you’re back to your normal routine if you don’t have the distraction of work on your mind all the time.
Get back in touch with nature.
Unlike other Caribbean islands where beach-side resorts dominate, Dominica is all about natural beauty. The country’s extensive system of national parks provides a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic sites. Visit the island’s unique flora, such as the exotic dragon’s blood trees, which resemble giant umbrellas or branch-filled mushrooms. Then, head to the Kalinago Barana Aute cultural center for a glimpse of the island’s rich heritage.
