Top 9 Things to Do on Vacation: Activity Ideas to Improve Your Next Trip
by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Do you have a destination chosen but not sure which activities to include on your vacation checklist? Thanks to my travel experience (43 states, 34 countries and counting), I’m sharing these tried and true trip activities that you don’t want to miss - and you can try them no matter where you go! If you need some help planning your trip, read this post about taking a tour or check out our travel services (including our newest service - Curated Travel Activities) and get in touch; otherwise have fun with these activities!
1. Walking Tours
An “on the ground” way to get a feel for a new city, particularly if it’s on the small side, walking tours give you so much to look at. I always like to do a walking tour right when I arrive in a destination so I can get to know my way around. It’s also an easy way to meet fellow travelers and learn from your tour guide (most likely a local!).
Choose from multiple tour options that can be purchased as well as several companies that offer FREE walking tours (it’s recommended to tip the guide after the tour ends). Be sure to check the company websites to see if you need to reserve a spot or if you can just show up.
Pro-tip: Some tours are language specific, so make sure to select the correct one!
2. Segway Tours
Providing an alternate view of a city (and a faster one!), Segway rides combine an activity and a tour all in one. Segway tours are a great activity choice for adults of all ages and older teens (check the minimum age requirements) and there are typically options for either a downtown or neighborhood ride.
Pro Tip: These tours are available in lots of cities so if you’re looking for a “theme” for your vacations, give this a try in multiple destinations!
Related: How to Plan a Birthday Vacation
3. Hop on, Hop off Bus Tours
Always a strong start to your trip (especially for big cities) that some consider “too touristy,” but I love these bus tours because they provide a broad overview of the city layout and major sites. These bus tours are also helpful to use as transportation to get you to faraway attractions. Order tickets online in advance or purchase in person at a local tourist office or from an employee at a major bus stop. City Sightseeing and Big Bus Tours are two companies with sightseeing buses around the world.
Pro tip: Download the phone app that many companies now offer to track the bus locations and easily map out the stops.
Related: How to save money while traveling
4. Cooking Class or Food Tour
Food and fun? Sign us up! As an alternative to eating yet another meal in a restaurant, take a cooking class or choose from a variety of food tours for a local foodie experience. My favorite cooking classes (in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Lisbon, Portugal) both took place in the chef’s home, which added to the local perspective.
Pro tip: A food tour is typically also a walking tour to local eating establishments, so this can be a two-for-one activity!
Related: 8 Romantic Midwest Getaways in Minnesota & Wisconsin
Don’t forget that Global Game Plan can curate a list of travel activities just for you and your travel companions!
5. Experience the Local Flavor
Getting out of your comfort zone should be a must, but it’s also fun to experience your favorites locally. Let’s say you love chocolate (don’t we all?)…find a chocolatier at your destination and try theirs to see how it holds up to your favorite. Maybe you’re a fan of coffee or tea? Wine or beer? There are sure to be tons of local coffee or tea shops, wineries, distilleries or breweries (like this ultimate guide to breweries in Charleston, SC) in almost every destination on your list.
Pro tip: Check for samples or related tour offerings – and pick up a souvenir or gift while you’re there.
6. Airbnb Experiences
You’re probably familiar with the company Airbnb for their Airbnb rentals, but did you know that their platform also offers experiences provided by locals? This is essentially a search engine for more unique and local activities, including food tours and activities with animals.
Experience hosts are required to submit forms of identification per the Airbnb guidelines for safety, but it’s always important to fully read the listing and reviews by previous participants to understand more about the experience.
Pro tip: Interested in booking an Airbnb rental for your next vacation? Learn how to be a great Airbnb guest or hire Global Game Plan to search for you.
Related: Interested in becoming an Airbnb Host? Click here for helpful information and resources!
7. Remember the Great Outdoors
The air feels different in new places all around the world so it’s time to experience it! Rent some bikes (or take a guided e-bike tour), have a picnic in a neighborhood park, paddle a kayak or sail on a schooner from a nearby harbor, go hiking in a state park, swim in a hot spring (even in cold weather), or sunbathe at a local beach. If you’re traveling with the kids, stop at the local playground to break up the day.
Pro tip: Remember to pack a swimsuit and proper footwear for these outdoor adventures.
Related: Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to the National Parks
8. Day Trips
Day trips can really make your vacation! Take advantage of surrounding areas that showcase the region in a different way than a big city can. There are always hidden gems, likely not more than a few hours from where you’re staying. Not sure what’s nearby? Ask Global Game Plan, search on Get Your Guide or simply google it (e.g. “Best day trips from Munich, Germany”).
Pro Tip: You can usually take a bus, train, off-roading vehicle or use public transportation to these nearby day trip destinations. Or, purchase a tour that includes transportation. If you will use your own vehicle, check out these audio tours - its like having a guide with you in the car!
Related: What to Consider When Choosing Your Vacation Destination
9. Airport Layover City Visit
It’s easy to dread an upcoming long layover, but it’s actually an often-overlooked way to include some excitement during a long journey to your final destination. Depending on your flight path, your layover airport may offer cool tours of the closest city (typically with a 4+ hour layover). Or, if you have a 4-hour layover anyway, why not make it 10 and ensure you have enough time to visit more than one attraction? For a list of some ideas, check out our helpful blog post and our Airport Layover Pinterest Board.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind you’ll have to re-enter airport security, so plan your time accordingly.
Virtual Travel
If you would rather travel virtually you can visit Japan or Ireland from your home right now. Celebrate your birthday at home, visit Hawaii on a virtual date night (a curated evening of Hawaiian food, drinks and entertainment right from your home) or customize your own virtual date night where you can choose the travel theme or destination.
Related: How to Spend a Virtual Valentine’s Day in Paris
——————————————————
If you liked these ideas, there’s more where they came from. Check out our quick guide to travel cameras, useful travel gifts for all types of travelers and also the travel planning services that Global Game Plan offers…it’s our job to make travel easier for you! We can’t wait to help so contact us today!