3 ways to get the most out of your next holiday

(NC) Holidays are something many of us cherish. But it can be easy to build something up in your mind and pressure yourself to have the best dream vacation every time you go on holiday. Here are some tips to help you stop fretting and get the most out of your time away.

Consider when to splurge and when to save

It can be tempting to treat yourself to every little thing just because you’re on holiday, but you also don’t want to miss out on amazing experiences because you were too busy pinching pennies. How you choose to spend or save your money on vacation is entirely personal, but for your best shot at coming away content, spend a little time thinking about what you want most out of your trip, and what you’ll be okay either compromising on or shelling out for.

Ask the locals for recommendations

While research is paramount for any great vacation, there’s a limit to what the internet or a guidebook can teach you about a place. The most interesting and exciting sites are often those that don’t solely cater to tourists. If it’s safe, ask the locals where the best food, entertainment or vista can be found. Get a second opinion and be careful you’re not getting scammed. A concierge is often a great person to ask, they may even have a list ready for such a question. By talking to people who live there, you’ll get a better sense of the culture and style of the place and have a more rewarding time because of it.

Choose memorable experiences

While being anywhere new can be exciting in and of itself, choosing one or two special, unique or once-in-a-lifetime experiences is a great way to make the most of your time away. For example, try taking a class on how to cook a local dish – you’ll see your favourite foods cooked first-hand, and you’ll bring back knowledge to make something different for yourself at home.

But, if you’re looking to bring home memorable food items, check what you’re allowed to bring back, and do not pack any pork products. Pork could be contaminated with African swine fever, also known as ASF. It’s a virus that’s contagious and deadly for pigs, though it’s harmless for humans. If even just one case of ASF were to be found in Canada, it could shut down the entire pork industry, affecting livelihoods and the economy, in addition to the animals.