TRAVEL
BY MARIETTE WILLIAMS
WE’VE ALL MADE that joke about how we need a vacation after our vacation. It’s funny because it’s true! On some trips, you work so hard at maximizing each moment, you run yourself ragged. On others, you feel like you didn’t get to do half of what you’d hoped. The solution is balance, says Jerry Justin Alexidor, founder and CEO of Black Zama, a Tulum, Mexico–focused travel company. “Doing activities and exploring the culture of a place are important, but you should also give yourself time to actually relax,” he says. Here are tricks for nailing that vacation vibe every single day you’re away.
Departure Day
You’ve wrapped up as much work as you possibly could, set your out-ofoffice message, and put pinch hitters in place. (We know this because you’re a REAL SIMPLE reader!) Now, for anyone who needs to hear it: Do not feel guilty about having boundaries, says globetrotter Tracey McGhee, founder of the travel-accessories line Ms. Jetsetter. You’ve earned this time! If you absolutely have to check email, designate certain hours for doing so, and stick to them. “Some people may try to push the limits,” McGhee says. But if you start responding to messages, your coworkers will take that as a sign that you’re on. Then they’ll respond to your responses!
Once you’re packed, and if time allows, do some cleaning, says Shayna Mizrahi, founder and CEO of the luxury travel service Vive Voyage. Wash the dishes, change your sheets, and tidy up so you have a nice space to come back to, she says. Then pour yourself a drink (whether a martini or chamomile tea) and relax. Vacation has officially begun.
Instead of trying to take in everything and burning yourself out, make a list of musts for the trip and aim for just a few activities a day.
First Day There
Keep your arrival day simple, because a delayed flight could make you miss out on something. Getting settled in your accommodations is your primary task. Can’t check in yet? Stash your luggage at the hotel or in a locker. “Pack a day bag with your wallet and necessities—hand sanitizer, water, a snack—and explore,” Mizrahi says. If you’ve crossed any time zones or you’re just bleary from the plane, a walk in the sunlight can help get your body’s circadian rhythm back on track. Avoid napping! It could prolong your adjustment. Alexidor says to drink lots of water and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can further disrupt your sleep. And resist the urge to turn in early. “You want that first night to be as normal as possible, so go to bed at your usual time in your new time zone,” he says.
Sightseeing Days
Instead of trying to take in everything and burning yourself out, make a list of musts for the trip and aim for just a few activities a day, advises Tom Marchant, owner of Black Tomato, a New York City–based travel company. Consider booking a curated tour early in the trip (just not that first day!), and take note of any spots you want to return to later. If you’re someplace warm, plan outdoor activities for the mornings, before it gets too hot. Book attractions for lunchtime (sights are usually less crowded when others are eating), and decide if you need to spend time walking around a landmark or if a drive-by will do. If your itinerary is especially packed, try to start at the spot farthest from your hotel and make stops on the way back. And schedule the busiest days for the middle of your trip so you have time to recharge before heading home.
Low-Key Days
The secret to a seamless stretch of time splashing around in the pool or ocean: a little prep. A day or so beforehand, call your hotel and ask if you can reserve a prime seat or a cabana. Some beaches even allow you to reserve chairs. As you luxuriate, make sure you hydrate. Erin Lofton, founder of The Traveling Counselor in St. Petersburg, Florida, recommends drinking one bottle of water for every adult beverage you finish. Want to relax extra hard with a spa treatment? Book it early to nab your ideal time slot, says David Hawkraven, owner of DesignedTravel in Seattle. “If you’re staying in an Airbnb, call nearby hotels and see if anyone works on contract and is willing to come to you,” he says.
After Dark
Maybe you’re an in-bed-by-9 type on most nights. On vacation, it’s worth rallying and staying up late at least once to experience the nightlife—which is often how a place will reveal itself to you. (You don’t want to miss the famous reggae band that doesn’t come on until 10, or the renowned paella place that opens at 9.) The staff at your hotel’s front desk can suggest where to go and give any safety advice. “I’ve found some of the greatest offthe-beaten-path places just by asking the bell captain,” McGhee says. When hunting for a fancy dinner, keep in mind that a stellar view and sky-high prices don’t ensure great food, says Shaiy Howard, owner of Travel by Shaiy in Miami, Florida. Look at reviews from multiple sources. And ask around for recs—your fellow hotel guests might have some good ones.
The Last Day
How you end a vacation matters as much as how you start it. If your return flight is later in the day (yay for more time!), request a late checkout from your hotel, or return your keys and stash your bag until it’s time to leave. When you get to the airport, keep the vacation vibe going by popping into a lounge, where you can kick back with free nibbles and drinks. You can often get in even if you’re flying in coach. “Certain credit cards grant access to VIP lounges all over the world,” Mizrahi says. Once you’ve boarded and you start to miss Vacation You, just remember you’re headed back to a tidy home and you know how to vacay again next time.
Illustration by Grace Lee