The best way to make you vacation interesting in Kona is to board the Hoku Nui for a snorkel or manta ray tour. Here are some other general tips to help make your visit more interesting by Louis Davis for Lives On.
Most people look forward to their vacations all year long. However, sometimes the excitement of a vacation can wear off if you don’t do things right.
There’s no need to spend your vacation cooped up in a hotel room or sitting on a beach all day. If you’re looking for a more exciting way to spend your time away, check out some of these interesting ideas. From exploring new cultures to learning about the local wildlife, there’s something for everyone.
1. Get lost in a new city
One of the best ways to see a new place is getting lost in its whereabouts- figuratively speaking, of course. With no agenda and no plan, you’ll be able to stumble upon hidden gems you would never have found otherwise.
For instance, imagine getting lost in New York’s busy streets as a first-timer! There’s so much to see and explore. Or, if you’re adventuring in the Great Smoky Mountains, you can discover a less-treaded trekking trail and see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Or you can try camping to spend the night if you’re caught out after dark. But it would help to lookup for Gatlinburg cabin rentals to have a place to stay with all the necessary amenities just in case.
2. Eat your way through a new culture
Food is one of the best ways to get to know a new culture. From sampling street food to trying popular local restaurants, you’ll be able to experience the flavors of a new place in just a few bites. Be sure to do your research before you go so you know which foods are the most popular in the area.
In India, for example, you’ll want to try dishes like chicken tikka masala and naan bread. And in Thailand, be sure to sample some of the country’s famous curries. However, it’s important to keep in mind not all new foods will fit your palette. If you’re not sure about trying something, ask a local for their opinion.
3. Take a hike
A great way to see a new place is hiking through its trails. From forests to mountains, there’s a hiking trail for everyone. In the United States, some of the most popular hiking trails are located in Tennessee and California. We already touched on the Great Smokys above, but The John Muir Trail, for example, winds its way through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. If you’re not sure where to start, check out online hiking guides for your destination. They’ll help you find the best trails for your level of fitness and experience.
4. Learn about the local wildlife
One of the best ways to learn about a new place is by learning about its wildlife. In Africa, for example, you can visit a safari and see some of the continent’s most majestic animals in their natural habitat. From elephants to penguins, there’s a wide variety of animals waiting to be discovered. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try swimming with dolphins in Hawaii. No matter where you go, be sure to do your research to know which animals are the most common in the area.
5. Take a cooking class
A cooking class in a new location is a great way to familiarize yourself with that culture’s cooking techniques. From learning how to make local dishes to sampling different flavors, you’ll be able to experience a new culture in no time.
In Spain, for example, you can take a cooking class that focuses on traditional dishes like paella and gazpacho. And in Italy, you can learn how to make dishes like pasta carbonara and tiramisu. Be sure to check online to see what classes are available in your destination of choice when you visit.
6. Go on a heritage tour
If you’re interested in learning about a new place’s history, a heritage tour is a perfect way to do it. You’ll be able to learn about a new place’s past in an engaging way. In Greece, for example, you can visit the ruins of ancient Athens and see where some of the most famous historical figures like Plato and Socrates once walked. Or, in Peru, you can visit the ancient city of Machu Picchu and see how the Inca people once lived.
You can even check for discounts on guided tours online before you go. This way, you’ll save some bucks as well.
7. Visit a local festival
Festivals are a great way to experience a new culture and enjoy a vacation. From music festivals to food festivals, there’s a festival for everyone. In China, for example, you can visit the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival to see some of the world’s most impressive ice sculptures. And in Thailand, you can visit the Songkran Water Festival to participate in the country’s biggest water fight.
8. Take a walking tour
If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to experience a new place, try taking a walking tour. There’s a walking tour for everyone, from sightseeing tours to food tours. In Paris, for example, you can take a walking tour that takes you past some of the most famous sights in the city, like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. And in Rome, you can take a food tour that introduces you to some of the city’s most iconic dishes, like pizza and pasta.
9. Visit a local market
From smelling fresh spices to tasting local fruits, you’ll be able to blend in pretty well. In India, for example, you can visit the Pushkar Camel Fair to see how the locals trade livestock. And in Mexico, you can visit the Mercado de San Juan to try some of the country’s most famous dishes, like tacos and quesadillas.
Conclusion
Regardless of your interests, there’s a way to make your vacation exciting. From learning about a new culture to trying new foods, there’s something for everyone. So be sure to explore your options and choose the activities that sound the most interesting to you. Have fun on your next vacation!
