What Do People Do On Vacation?

When individuals embark on a vacation journey, the possibilities for exploration and adventure are practically endless. The quick and dirty answer to "What do people do on vacation" whilst traveling is almost anything your heart desires. The fact is that an amazing everyday outdoor vacation awaits everyone. Fun travel is the name of the game.

What are the things to do on vacation travel?

Let's get down to the things that you can do on vacation travel. There are a myriad of enjoyable activities to indulge in while traveling. Yes, you can! I speak from personal experience, having engaged in these pursuits for the past three decades. Whether it's during business trips, family vacations, or soul-searching solo adventures, there are endless possibilities to explore. Whatever you may be seeking, there are hidden gems everywhere.

I am not including the hotel room vacation. But then it can be fun too, with room service and Netflix, not to mention that you get to play games on you computer all night.

You may fall into one or more of the following different groups doing fun things. Now get your bag and gears ready for the time of your life !

Relaxation Fanatics

For those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relaxation vacations provide a much-needed respite. You can head to tropical destinations, such as Bali in Indonesia or Phuket in Thailand with pristine beaches, where you can soak up the sun or engage in spa therapies. Even a game of mini-golf in a distant country can be therapeutic.

Adventure Seekers

For adrenaline junkies looking for a thrill, adventure vacations offer an opportunity to push boundaries and try new things. From bungee jumping and skydiving to white-water rafting and rock climbing, there is no shortage of heart-pumping activities for you and your group. Hit the theme park, and the water park too. We are all young at heart!

Foodies & Culinary Adventures

For those who are passionate about food or intrigued by different cultures, culinary vacations allow for a deeper understanding of local food and customs. You can take cooking classes, visit local markets, join a food tour, or dine in fancy restaurants to fully immerse yourself in the culture of your destination.

Culture Enthusiasts

For those with an appreciation for history and the arts, cultural vacations provide a chance to explore unique landmarks, visit museums, and galleries. You may also attend festivals or events to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and visit local attractions. It is a great educational tour for a family vacation with kids.

Nature Lovers

If you seeking a peaceful escape from the chaos of city life, nature vacations are the perfect opportunity to unwind. You may choose to hike in national parks, go bird-watching, camping, or simply relax in a picturesque setting surrounded by natural beauty. Visiting State Park is one of the most serene thing a traveler can do. Hunt for those hot spring for a rejuvenating dip (mind the water temperature).

Shopping Addicts

For those who love to shop till they drop, shopping vacations offer a chance to indulge in some retail therapy. You may visit bustling markets, designer outlets, or luxury boutiques to satisfy your desire for unique and fashionable finds.

Volunteer Travelers

For those who want to give back and make a positive impact, volunteer vacations allow travelers to engage in meaningful activities that benefit local communities. You may participate in conservation efforts, teach English, or help with community development projects. These are soulful activities for travelers, in particular, lending a helping hand to improve the lives of fellow human beings and living things.
I, for one, have not participated in such activities. But I am going to include this in my bucket list. The following info I have gathered from my research and I will update my blog as soon as I have been able to contribute to these projects.

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5 exciting and soulful activities you can indulge in each group:

Relaxation Fanatics - 5 Activities You Can Enjoy!

Sunbathing: This is a popular activity among relaxation vacationers - beach vacations. You can lounge on the beach, basking in the warmth of the sun, possibly with a good book or refreshing beverage in your hand. I am not a fanatic on this but it is relaxing and calming, from the few times that I have had the luxury of indulging in this.

Spa Treatments and Detox: Many relaxation travelers indulge in spa therapies and detox programs, including massages, facials, or body wraps, which are often offered at hotel resorts or specialized wellness centers. Just remember to check the review for that wellness center.

Yoga and Meditation: These activities help travelers relax both physically and mentally. You can participate in a beach-side yoga class or practice meditation, taking advantage of the peaceful surroundings.
A good example is Zen meditation in Japan, which provides an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. Take advantage of the session and practice your breathing and self-reflection.

Leisurely Walks: Walking along the beach or on nature trails in a state park can be a calming and invigorating experience. It allows you to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings at a leisurely pace. Join a walking tour or a bus tour. Especially if you are with your loved one or among friends.

Reading: A relaxation vacation offers the perfect opportunity to catch up on some reading. You can immerse yourself in a captivating novel or a light-hearted magazine while enjoying the serene ambiance.
Reading not only entertains but also helps you to unwind and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. When was the last time you read a novel? Now is the time to catch up.

Adventure Seekers - 5 Activities You Can Enjoy!

Bungee Jumping: A heart-pumping activity, bungee jumping involves leaping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound.
There are many bungee-jumping facilities in different cities. Choose those that are over river and not on solid ground, such as those hanging from a crane. My take is that if the cord should break, at least you will land in the water and not on solid ground.
I have personally jumped twice (in Australia & New Zealand). Once they "push" you off the platform, there is no time to think of anything. Fearless, they said. Yes .. because my heart and mind were still on the platform. Truth be told, the thrill and the fright are out of this world. You must try it at least once - add that to your bucket list!

Skydiving: For those unafraid of heights, skydiving offers a unique sensation of soaring in the sky. It's an experience of a lifetime that combines exhilaration and the beauty of aerial views. In all honesty, I have not tried this. It is still on my bucket list.
Perhaps you may want to consider a hot air balloon ride, especially if you are traveling to Cappadocia, Turkey or somewhere closer to home, Albuquerque, New Mexico

White-Water Rafting: This water-based activity offers a thrilling ride down a turbulent river in an inflatable raft. It's a fantastic way to test one's endurance and teamwork skills, all while enjoying the surrounding nature.
I rafted down the Colorado River about 5 years ago and also did it twice in Bali. The water in the Colorado River is much nicer, cleaner and stronger, not for the faint of heart. The river rafting in Bali Ubud and the Telaga Waja River is equally fun though less intimidating.

Rock Climbing: Whether indoor or outdoor, rock climbing presents a physical and mental challenge. It's a test of strength, endurance, agility, and balance as you navigate your way up a vertical rock face. Make sure that the weather is good if you are going for the outdoor climb. Or perhaps you may want to consider indoor rock climbing. The fun is different, but equally thrilling.

Mountain Biking: For those who prefer land-based excitement, mountain biking offers an opportunity to traverse rough terrains at high speeds. It combines physical exertion with the thrill of adventure and the beauty of the great outdoors.
Mountain biking in your travel destination means that you will probably be renting a bike. Make sure the brakes and tires are in good condition.

Foodies & Culinary Adventures - 5 Activities You Can Enjoy!

Cooking Class: You can learn how to cook local dishes through cooking classes. For example, in Italy, you can learn how to make authentic pasta in Tuscany and pizza in Naples. Surprise your family on your return and prepare a mouth-watering pizza for them.

Wine Tasting: Wine enthusiasts can explore the world-renowned vineyards of Bordeaux in France or the Napa Valley in California, USA, for wine-tasting experiences. These regions offer tours that include wine tasting and vineyard visits. You can make several stops in these wine regions and taste to your heart's content.
Do note that some winery charges a small sum for the tasting. They throw in the cheese and crackers though. I have done these wine-tasting trips in Tuscany Italy, Napa Valley and Tasmania. Beautiful moments. Got to do that again soon.

Street Food Tours: Sampling street food is an essential part of any culinary adventure. You can join street food tours in cities with vibrant food scenes like Bangkok in Thailand or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Eating street foods can be quite a challenge especially if there is a language difference, and leave you wondering what you have just swallowed.
Do you know that there is a 1-Star Michelin hawker food in Singapore with many MICHELIN Bib Gourmand hawker stands? Taking about affordable fine dining.

Farmers Market Visits: Farmers markets offer fresh and local produce. You can consider visiting places such as the Marché Bastille in Paris or the Union Square Greenmarket in New York to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies. Most cities have their version of Farmer's Market.

Fine Dining: For a luxurious culinary experience, you can dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. Cities like Tokyo, Japan, and San Sebastian, Spain hold the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, promising an unforgettable dining experience. There are almost 200 Michelin Star restaurants in the United States. You will be spoilt for choice.

Culture Enthusiasts - 5 Activities You Can Enjoy!

Museum Tours: Visiting local museums provides an opportunity to dive into the region's history and artistic heritage. Whether it's the Louvre in Paris or the British Museum in London, this activity will enrich your understanding of global cultures.

Historic Landmark Visits: Historic landmarks like the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru or the Colosseum in Rome offer immersive encounters with the past, allowing travelers to appreciate the grandeur of ancient civilizations. A good way to catch up on your history knowledge and enjoy the local walking tours.

Festival Participation: Local festivals, such as the colorful Holi in India, the vibrant Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or the traditional Oktoberfest in Germany, are exciting opportunities to take part in local traditions, meet locals, and learn about their customs. Check the schedule for the different countries to ensure that you don't miss it.
I recommend joining the Oktoberfest in Germany for that loud, vibrant and immersing experience, with tons of beer on the flow. The festival is normally held towards the end of September into early October.

Theatre Performances: Attending local theatre performances is a great way to understand a region's culture. Whether it's a Broadway show in New York, Kabuki performances in Japan, or the famous Shakespeare plays in London, these experiences are not to be missed and a surreal experience that you will remember. A good mental souvenir for your travel.

Art Gallery Visits: Art galleries offer a window into the artistic soul of a society. From modern art museums like MoMA in New York to traditional art galleries like the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, these visits can provide inspiring and eye-opening experiences. Also, check their exhibition schedule. They may display famous art pieces on loan from different countries.

Nature Lovers - 5 Activities You Can Enjoy!

Hiking: Trekking through nature trails is a great way to connect with the natural world. Whether it's ascending the rugged terrains of Yosemite National Park in the USA or navigating the scenic paths of the Lake District in England, hiking offers you an immersive and rewarding experience. Just be sure to bring along a good pair of hiking shoes and the appropriate clothing.
A great combo with hiking is camping. Explore the different types of camping for your travels for that ultimate joy of living with nature.

Bird-Watching: For wildlife enthusiasts, bird-watching can be a tranquil and fascinating activity. Places like Costa Rica or the Danube Delta in Romania are perfect for spotting a diverse array of bird species in their natural habitat. Don't forget to bring along your pair of monoculars or binoculars. Seeing your feather friends up close is a calming epic feeling.

Wildlife Safari: Venturing on a wildlife safari, such as in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania or the Ranthambore National Park in India, provides an opportunity to observe wildlife species in their natural environment. Make sure you have a good safari tour guide with you.
For those faint-hearted, there are also several huge and mentionable zoos in many cities, including those in Surabaya, Indonesia and Singapore, which come with a night safari tour.

Nature Photography: Nature vacations offer abundant opportunities for photography. From capturing the majestic landscapes of Iceland to photographing the Northern Lights in Norway, this activity can provide a creative outlet and lifelong memories.
With the handphone now replacing, in a way, the DSLR and compact Cameras, it is so convenient and affordable to indulge in nature photography. The only setback is that you may have to crawl to get near the animal (since the zooming capability is limited) without scaring them away. Just don't be eaten by the lions ... seriously.

Botanical Garden Visits: Visiting botanical gardens, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England or the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa, enables travelers to appreciate the diversity and beauty of plant life, often featuring exotic plant species and unique to the region. If you are a flower person, such visits surely will warm your heart to be amongst the many different plant species.

Shopping Addicts - 5 Activities You Can Enjoy!

Vintage Market Shopping: Travelers can explore various vintage markets worldwide, such as Portobello Road in London, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris or the Stanley Market in Hong Kong. These markets offer a variety of unique, antique items that can add a dash of nostalgia and charm to your shopping experience. You can probably bargain in most of these markets. Just don't go overboard.

Designer Boutique Visits: Cities like Milan, Paris, and New York are known for their high-end fashion boutiques. Visiting these designer outlets can be a dream come true for fashion enthusiasts, enabling them to own a piece from their favorite designer's latest collection.
You just have to contend with the queue outside these branded stores and be restricted to buying limited numbers of items in such stores including Hermes and Loius Vuitton.

Local Souvenir Shopping: Buying local souvenirs can be a delightful way to remember the trip. Whether it's traditional crafts, local delicacies, or artisanal goods, these souvenirs often embody local culture and are a great way to support local businesses.
You can bring back some of these souvenirs for your friends or colleagues, and for your bosses to prove that you did visit the place.

Bookstore Hopping: For book lovers, visiting bookstores can be an exciting activity. Cities like London, New York, and Tokyo have some of the world's most beautiful bookstores, offering a vast collection of books that cater to all tastes. Sadly most of the cities are seeing a dwindling in the number of bookstores as most readers now take to the internet and ebooks. If you find a good one, please do share it with me. I am a book lover.

Luxury Mall Shopping: Visit luxury malls such as The Dubai Mall in Dubai, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, or the Mall of America in Minnesota, USA. Also explore the huge stores in Asia, such as the Galaxy Mall in Surabaya, Indonesia, Vivo City in Singapore, or the Iconsiam in Bangkok, Thailand.
These malls offer a comprehensive shopping experience with a blend of luxury and high-street brands, dining experiences, and entertainment options. Retail therapy is truly God's sent but also a bank buster. You should go shopping otherwise you will regret it when you are back home.

Volunteer Travelers - 5 Activities You Can Participate!

Conservation Projects: You can participate in conservation projects, such as wildlife rehabilitation in South Africa or rainforest conservation in the Amazon. These initiatives not only provide a hands-on experience but also contribute to preserving biodiversity and the environment.

Teaching English: Teaching English in non-native English-speaking countries, like Cambodia or Costa Rica, can be a fulfilling experience. This opportunity allows you to interact with local communities, helping them enhance their language skills and career prospects.

Community Development: Engaging in community development projects, such as building schools or improving water sanitation in rural areas, can make a significant impact on the communities. Places like Kenya or Nepal often have such initiatives, providing basic infrastructure and improving quality of life.

Healthcare Volunteering: You can volunteer in healthcare initiatives, such as assisting in local clinics in developing countries or participating in public health awareness campaigns. This contributes to improving the health and well-being of the community members. A couple-hours of involvement can be so uplifting.

Cultural Exchange: Participating in cultural exchange programs can be a unique experience. You can live with a local family, learn their language, and understand their customs and traditions. This fosters intercultural understanding and forms deep, lasting connections.

Back To The Different Group

To Wrap it Up

Traveling is a treasure trove of experiences that goes beyond just sightseeing. It's the thrill of the unknown, the joy of indulging in new foods, the excitement of shopping, the fulfillment of volunteering, and the sheer pleasure of immersing oneself in another culture.

Each journey you embark on is a chance to engage in a plethora of activities that not only broaden your perspectives but also create a kaleidoscope of memories that you'll cherish forever. So, dear travelers, embrace the opportunities that your travels present, dive into the experiences, and create your unforgettable narrative of exploration and discovery.

After all, every journey tells a story and it's the travelers who make it enchanting.

Don't hold back. Enjoy yourself and tick off your bucket list. Now that the pandemic is over and the world is again open for travel, time to hit the road less traveled. Hit the theme parks, if nothing else! It is also a form of outdoor adventures and fun activities.

Start planning for your next vacation and make your next trip aboard your own business, for that fresh air and thrills that you have been longing for.

Pro Tips: Embarking on a journey with fellow travelers can bring a sense of fulfillment, as their presence can instill the courage to venture into new experiences that might otherwise remain unexplored when you are traveling alone - think scuba diving, local nightlife and many more.

Safe travels and happy exploring!

Something you must know

I would like to share an important rule for visitors to Singapore. It is strictly prohibited to chew chewing/bubble gum unless you have a valid medical reason to do so. Failure to comply may result in penalties and fines - seriously!

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