There’s something ironic about spending a fortune on a summer vacation that ends up leaving you more exhausted than when you left. Just think about it for just a moment; early mornings, tight schedules, uncomfortable beds, and hours of walking in circles because you got lost looking for that “hidden local gem” someone on the internet swore was worth it. Well, it all adds up and honestly,, home sounds better than the beach.
If the goal is to come back relaxed and recharged (which is the whole point), then it’s worth putting your money where the comfort is. Some things just make the experience smoother, calmer, and way more enjoyable.
Choose Private Tours Instead of Group Herding
Alright, so it’s definitely best to start off right here; there’s something soul-draining about being shuffled around with thirty strangers, trying to hear your guide over traffic while someone elbows you to get a better photo. Well, that’s not a holiday, that’s a field trip. Where’s the relaxation at? Why do that to yourself?
Well, if the location’s rich in history or culture, skip the stress and book a private tour of Israel or wherever you’re headed. Well, Israel is an example, but you should book a private tour wherever you’re going. It’s hands down worth it. Besides, it means you actually get to enjoy the experience, and that includes no shouting, rushing, staring at Google Maps, you get the idea.
Five-Star Hotels Over “Charming” Rentals
Okay, sure, the Airbnb description sounded cute. Usually, you’ll see something like “Cozy loft in a vibrant neighborhood,” and that usually means paper-thin walls, creaky plumbing, and a mattress that feels like it came free with a pizza. That kind of charm wears off really quickly after a red-eye flight. Seriously, why choose an Airbnb, especially with the awful customer service?
A good hotel, on the other hand, has blackout curtains, crisp sheets, and room service too. Well, there’s a lot more that five-star hotels offer, and seriously, getting that good night’s sleep is absolutely worth its weight in gold.
Look into Personal Drivers
Yep, this is definitely a major one! So, using public transport in another country sounds brave and adventurous until you’re on the wrong bus, headed somewhere called “maintenance depot,” and your phone has no signal. Like, that alone sounds like nightmare fuel, right? Well, the local train system may be efficient for locals, but if you’re only there for a week, figuring out all the zones, lines, and rules eats up way too much brain space.
It’s really not worth it, so you’re definitely better off just getting a chauffeur or looking into a riding coach (sometimes you can discount by sharing with others). But you won’t have to worry about missed connections like this, and it’s definitely worth it.
Lounge Passes at the Airport
Even though this is last, it’s certainly not the least important! Airports are a test of patience on the best of days. If you can, it’s definitely a great idea to look into investing in a lounge pass, since this alone can flip that whole script. Just think about it; instead of sitting on a sticky chair at the gate, you’re getting to sit at the lounge and have a nice warm meal (which is free in the lounge anyway).
