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Fun Things To Do In Your Holidays

Don’t you all wait for holidays or vacations? But sometimes, I’m sure you must be running out of…
family having things to do on their holiday vacation trip
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Don’t you all wait for holidays or vacations? But sometimes, I’m sure you must be running out of ideas about the things to do during such holidays.

You all know that holidays and vacations are all about getting away from the daily hustle and bustle of life and being with each other.

It doesn’t matter whether you are married, have kids, or if you are single – you all need a getaway break!

If you‘ve read my recent post on holiday fun, you would know why holidays are so important.

That makes it all the more necessary to know exactly what things to do in your holidays.

Here are some holiday fun ideas that can set you rolling and enjoying these holidays.

Things To Do In Your Holidays

Vacations are a wonderful getaway, especially if you are with your family and loved ones. There are plenty of things you can do during the holidays with them.

Choose any of these and just get started!

If you have a family, you can have fun together by doing all or any of these together –

 Just get together and have fun Canyoning, Kayaking, Water rafting, and Mountain biking if you enjoy these.

 Plan out and have a holiday fun game night by just playing various games that interest you all.

 Head over to the beaches, visit parks and other locations while on your vacation. Don’t forget to carry toys, DVD’s, and board games too, just in-case you need them to keep your kids busy.

 Those of you who are headed towards the hills, you’re bound to find lots of picnic spots and walking trails. Choose the ones suitable for your kids and keep taking breaks and having fun.

I had a lot of fun when I recently visited the hills – not to mention the various picnic spots and waterfalls that just took my breath away!

 Camping and hiking are what most kids love, and they are affordable too. So, plan one out for your kids or join them and there’s lots you can do together like raising a tent, gathering firewood, and going for nature hikes. Nature trails were another thing my kids thoroughly enjoyed.

Remember, that when you are out a lot, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat because if you get burnt, you might ruin your fun.

 Don’t forget to teach your kids to give back and helping others in whatever way you can during your vacations too, because there are many who aren’t as lucky as you to go on a vacation.

“Vacation: Two weeks on the sunny sands – and the rest of the year on the financial rocks.” ~ Sam Ewing

Mother riding bicycle with kids at the back on a beach during vacations

If you are home – boredom can set in for your kids, and if you cannot afford an expensive trip, or feel that you would rather stay home and have a family holiday, then here are some things to do you’d like –

• Try out having fun by doing things like making an ornament if you are fond of craft works, or make a Gingerbread house. Just decorating all of these is an activity in itself.

• There are many holiday fun programs and activities too for children in most of the local areas. So, if you aren’t going for a long holiday or prefer staying at home for your holidays, you can try out those.

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They have many activities like dress-up days, craft workshops, movie screenings, indoor and outdoor games that are all designed for children of various ages, and all for a minimal rate, depending on your location.

• As a family, you could even explore places like the local museums, libraries, galleries, sports and leisure center, gardens and other local places of interest that you’ve not had the time so far to visit as a family together.

• Plan out and cook together. Summer holiday fun activities in our house include making ice creams and ice lollies, and even smoothies at times, besides the cakes my kids loving baking.

I can vouch on this one because there are days when as a family we take a break and just get involved in the kitchen and have our share of holiday fun being together.

Do read my earlier post on how you can enjoy family celebrations in your holidays too.

• Go out for a drive and watch a movie and eat out with your kids. Anything that makes you spend time with your children works.

• Keep a look out for coupons for the craft fair, local zoo, heritage sites, and recreational facilities.

“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.” ~ Earl Wilson

Man enjoying things to do in vacations

If you are single or without a family and kids, and plan on having some holiday fun by just being at home and relaxing, there are many ways of doing that too.

Check out these things to do list that I follow at times –

• Find a good book to read and just get lost in it! There used to be a time I loved reading and would read hundreds of pages a day.

Just grab yourself a cup of tea, coffee, or your favorite drink and start off till you don’t end it all!

• Relax yourself by watching a good movie, whether it’s a romantic or action one, depending on the kind you like. Or perhaps a great television show might do the trick for you.

It surely works wonders for me and takes me away from the daily stresses of life. Just put on your pajamas, grab some popcorn, and enjoy your movie!

I can spend hours watching a romantic one, though again, it’s been ages I really relaxed and saw a complete one, so, a good reminder for me too.

• Unwind yourself by listening to music. Just turn on the radio or listen to your favorite songs on your players and enjoy!

Music surely helps me relax and de-stress and I use it whenever I am not writing, especially when I am out for my walks, cooking, dance a step with it, or just otherwise.

• Relax yourself by practicing yoga and meditation. They DO work and if you haven’t tried them, do give them a try because they help lessen your stress.

• Spend time with your family and friends. Yes, this is one of the simple things to do to have holiday fun being at home and with your loved ones, yet it’s the one that’s often ignored.

Switch off the television and other electronic devices and just be with each other, talk and laugh and have fun.

• Go for a long drive because taking a leisurely drive without any motive can be a relaxing getaway too. It calms your mind and helps you feel renewed and refreshed.

• Spoil yourself a little by taking a spa treatment, or just float away to your own exotic place by having a bubble bath! Put on some light music, light a few candles, and enjoy yourself.

• Experiment with various dishes in your kitchen, which otherwise you don’t find time for. I do a lot of those when I want to have my share of fun during the holidays, though I need to make time for it now.

• Decorate and do up your house as you don’t find time for it otherwise. It gives you a ‘feel-good’ feeling when you reshuffle the place or re-do a few things.

• Go shopping! Ah…don’t you love that! I guess if you are a woman, you would, though not necessarily.

But a part of having a little bit of holiday fun includes going ahead and buying something that you might think twice about otherwise. Keep a look out for deals and discounts that are always up during this time of the year.

You might like to read my post on various ways to save money during the holidays.

• Indulge a little because holidays are also time for many things to do like partying, eating, drinking, and making merry. You could do all of these with a few friends, or family, depending on your choice.

• Get creative and pick up some hobby or do something that you’ve been keeping away for later. The holidays are the right time to get into the mood because you don’t have work always on your mind.

Now, I’m sure you will never be short of holiday fun ideas and the things to do on such occasions. There can be many more holiday activities that I’d like you to let me know in the comments.

Remember to make the best out of your holiday moments as these not only recharge you but also help you live life to its fullest!

Speaking of myself, my vacations are coming to an end, but I’m going to cherish the memories of the lovely time we all had as a family.

Next time, I might choose some of your ideas of the things to do in the holidays and make the most of those days. 🙂

Over to you –

What fun things do you do in your holidays? Which holiday activities would you recommend for a family, or the single and married lots? Share your fun ideas about the things to do in your vacations in the comments below.

 

Photo Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos

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  1. Great Fun Harleena Ma’am. Holidays are meant to enjoy. So your are supposed to discover fun in every activity. Glad to read a number of options of enjoyment.

  2. What a fab list, it’s great to gather ideas from others particularly with 4 kids and the summer break just weeks aya! Other i do include, beauty salon and the boys love having their sister glitter them up. Shaving foam or cornflour make good meassy paly or kitchen fun and clean up very easily.

  3. Hey Harleena,

    I LOVE the ‘teaching your kids to give’ back tip! To remind them of how lucky they are! It’s so important we gently teach our kids not to accept good things like holidays for granted!

    Great article.

    Thanks!

    ~Robin~

  4. They are great things to do in holidays. In my holiday, hangout with friends, going cinemas, singing, dancing are my most favorite things to do.

  5. Hi Harleena,

    How true! When my friends and I find some free time, sometimes we go out of ideas too 😉 The thing is that not everyone love travelling, movies etc. However as we can arrange everything in a short notice, we have made it all the time though it took time for ideas 😀 lol…

    I had fun time last weekend with my friends 😉 Now here I find some fabulous ideas to execute next time too.

    As I spend all my time at home, I can’t keep away from music and movies 😉 Why not, video games and blogging too. I used to be a bookholic in my kiddie days too. Keeping myself busy is the best way to not to allow myself to feel boring 🙂 Working from home is like being on a vacation for me Harleena. Earlier, when I was going out to work, I just come home at night and do nothing much as I feel tired 🙂 Having freedom is awesome!

    I think throwing out a party is another good idea, as we can do it without spending too much money but love 🙂

    I can recall my kiddie days with my family Harleena 🙂 We were much together and even going out to a movie was so much fun. Even parents need to act like kids that time, no? 🙂 They all leave sweet memories and that’s what make us feel how much we enjoyed our lives 🙂

    You have a wonderful time with your family over there and have fun all the way Harleena 🙂

    Cheers…

  6. Hi Harleena,

    Basically its the time to enjoy with the family and to move with the family and go to the beaches, meet with relatives so plann accordingly.

    Regards
    Siddhartha

  7. Hi Harleena,

    Holidays provide a good time that we can spent with our family members.
    Also, they might be very helpful in exploring the creativity within us.
    They can really provide a good, quality time to us doing some things that we are passionate for.
    Really an informative article.

    -Yogesh

  8. Hi Harleena,

    Great article and on time with the kids school vacation.

    I love vacations but I haven’t been to one for quite a long time. Indeed, there are so many things to do in vacations. I like to go to the beach. The beach is my favorite place to go to when in vacation.

    For our family this year as it will be the last summer for my daughter before she goes to University, we are planning to go on a cruise somewhere in the Bahamas. It will be a good get together as a family.

    Vacation time do recharge our soul and mind and clear our head from all the clutter and the “daily to do lists” which never ends and steal the precious time which we are supposed to enjoy together as a family.

    Thanks Harleena for a great reminder and for the suggestions of the many things that can be done when in vacation.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat

    1. Hi Neamat,

      It sure is, and as I was also on vacation with my kids, I thought it would be apt this time of the year with kids all over going on their vacations too 🙂

      Ah..the beaches are wonderful getaways, and so are the hills which are my favorite, and all such places have a never ending list of things to do, especially if you are with family or friends.

      Sounds like a coincidence, but it’s my elder one’s last summer with us too before she goes on for higher education too! And I think a cruise would be awesome and something she’d surely enjoy, along with all of you of course.

      You are so right – that’s what vacations and getaways are for. I do hope you leave all your work behind before you leave, and I literally mean that you leave ALL of it, unlike me, who took part of it along, which I realized later wasn’t the right thing to do because your mind isn’t always free from work then – isn’t it?

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us. Have fun during your vacations too 🙂

  9. I just love going out for camps and hangouts with my friends. Your article just excite me once again to do the same.
    Worth reading your article Harleena Mam

    1. Hi Rudraksh,

      Oh yes…camping out friends, or simply spending time with those close to you is fun. If you have things to do while holidaying, it makes it all the more enjoyable. Glad that the post excited you to have fun once again 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  10. Hello Harleena, you making me thinking of going on a vacation right now, even when its not the time….

    Everyday we are always busy, most of us forget we need to have some times for our self and the family, going on a vacation can help solved that out..

    Thank you for this post.. it surely deserve a share..

    1. Hi Temilola,

      Aha…that’s what I really wanted to do – inspire and motivate you to go on one 🙂

      Yes indeed, such holidays refresh us and boost us up with new energy to take on things when we return, beside being a great way to bond better with our family and loved ones. Or those who are single, it’s a great time to let loose and just enjoy yourselves and relax.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing the post. 🙂

  11. I usually get my kids to do creative projects like art or even cooking. We also enjoy having movie nights and playing board games. Every once a year, we go on a family vacation too. In fact, we are in the midst of planning our next trip in December.

    I just enjoy holiday and fun posts! Thanks Harleena for making me smile with your article!

    1. Hi Evelyn,

      That’s wonderful indeed 🙂

      I think if you are home and can see to your kids, especially if they are young still, there are a lot of things to do with them too. I enjoy cooking with my kids as well, though as they are in their teens now, the focus has shifted more onto their studies.

      Trip in December sounds nice, and it might be your kids winter/Christmas break as we have ours here that time too, though it’s limited to about a week to ten days. Glad you liked this post and it made you smile 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views with us 🙂

  12. What a great post Harleena!

    I remember when I had kids and didn’t go on a “formal” vacation, we would spend the weekend at a local hotel with a pool. The kids had a blast and we spent quality time with them.

    For my single friends I always tell them that there are so many things they can do. Join a meet up group that you are interested in. Go for dance lessons. Things like this get you out of the house and meet new people.

    Anything we can do to get out of our routine to me is a vacation! Sometimes my husband and I just go out for a drive to a place we have never been before. It becomes an adventure every time. A new restaurant, observing new towns, or just enjoying the landscape.

    When we get home we are refreshed. I rather go on mini vacations than long ones. Three days here and there is so much fun. But I’m not adventurous but admire folks who are!

    -Donna

    1. Hi Donna,

      Glad you liked the post and could relate so well to it 🙂

      Ah…I can see it brought back old memories! We did something similar, though at my Grandad’s farm where he used to have a huge tubewell, and being kids, we all used to spend our whole day just sitting in and around it – playing happily with the water gushing right onto us. I can never really forget those days.

      I agree with you – there are so many things to do if you put your mind at work, whether you are single, married, or with a family. I guess some people just don’t like to make an effort to reach out and meet new people and that stops them from enjoying life – especially the single lots because they are so used to living alone. While some depend on others for their own share of happiness – I guess you have a whole lot around 🙂

      Oh yes – that’s so well said – anything out of the routine IS a vacation because it brings a change to your life, even if it’s for a few moments or hours, it’s so worthwhile. I’d say you ARE lucky that both you and your hubby enjoy such getaways, and they do rejuvenate you, don’t they?

      I wait for the day when my kids are independent and I too can afford to take mini getaways because those we do need more than the long ones as you mentioned, which happen just once or twice a year, and because of that one tends to make them long ones. Seeing so many new places is kind of an adventure I’d say because you don’t know what you might expect 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and adding more value to the post 🙂

  13. We are gearing up to take a vacation, but we tend to go after the kids go back to school. We found that it was less crowded and all we ended up seeing was Europeans. I guess it was secret “squirrel” tactic to avoid the crowds when we were doing it already. I just hate crowds when I am on vacation. Camping is in my plan and I can’t wait to get to it. Great ideas and I didn’t think of some you mentioned.

    1. Hi Sonia,

      Ah…what fun! I guess it’s a timely post for you then as you might have got some ideas of the things to do on your vacation 🙂

      I like the idea of going when the kids return to school, and yes, the less the crowd the better it is. I love it too with less of a crowd, though we can’t do that as our kids are with us, and we can only leave when they are on vacation, which is the time when the rest of the schools are off too – and it does get pretty crowded. That’s why we head to the hills where there’s more of nature and less of crowds.

      Camping would be fun. It reminds me of my childhood days when we were made to collect firewood and cook our own food collectively as we were a group of friends – it was so much of fun.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us. Hope you have a nice time on your vacation 🙂

  14. Hi Harleena,

    We all need those holidays. Around this house for family we love to get together a BQ. Grandpa has a special sauce he makes.

    Living close to the mountain it is great to drive up there and do some hiking.

    Now as for this summer hubby and I have a trip we are doing in August. Renting a cabin in South Dakota and taking 5 days off to just see some new area and relaxing. Really looking forward to this.
    It is always great to get ideas from you though, many times people want to get away, but can’t figure out what to do.
    Sometimes during the week I like to go visit one of my girls or all of us, get together for lunch. It help even if it for a couple of hours.

    Thanks again for sharing your wisdom and hugs to you always, Harleena.
    Debbie

    1. Hi Debbie,

      Oh yes, we ALL do need a break once in a while 🙂

      I think the family get-togethers are all the more enjoyable as you get to meet everyone, talk, interact, and just be with all of them. Otherwise where does one have the time to catch up to meet with them – isn’t it?

      I agree with you there, mountains are great for trails and hikes, and my kids just freaked out this time when they went uphill.

      Wow! A cabin all to yourself, sounds so romantic – especially without kids 😉 Yes indeed, just being together and doing nothing else but relaxing is what we all need to do, though few are as lucky I would say because either we carry our work with us or have kids to take care of, or have other functions and commitments that become part of our vacations. So, the real me or us time is always missing, which one needs to let-loose, isn’t it?

      I felt that people do go on vacations or sometimes they stay home also taking it off, but they sometimes don’t know what things to do or how best to spend their vacations, so perhaps this post would help them in some ways.

      Thanks for stopping by and contributing your thoughts 🙂

  15. I just knew you would share with us where you’ve been Harleena and what you and your family have been up to. Maybe another post perhaps but I’m just glad you’re having fun even though it’s coming to an end.

    A lot of the trips I take aren’t really for leisure I’m afraid. The two trips I took in May were family functions and celebrations so we were always on the go. No time to rest or just kick back. I hardly had time to get online we were running so much but I just loved being with them.

    My brother, his wife and daughter just got back this past Friday from going on a week cruise with my nephew. He works on the ship and will be home in a couple of weeks so they went off to spend some time with him before this leg of his work ends.

    He’s invited us all to spend Christmas cruising with him this year so we’re all thinking about it. My sister can’t take off so not sure if we’ll do it or not but it would be fun.

    Relaxing, man I haven’t done that since I left corporate America. We all need this time to just unwind I know but also expenses have to be right too and I’m not one to blow and go when I don’t have it.

    Thanks for this awesome post full of really great ideas. You always share so many awesome tips Harleena and I’ll be eager to share this with my friends as well.

    Enjoy your week.

    ~Adrienne

    1. Hi Adrienne,

      You guessed it right then 🙂

      It’s surely nice to be back home as there’s no place like it. We did have a lovely time and I think such breaks everyone needs once in a while. But just as I’ve been mentioning above, I wish I hadn’t taken work along with me, though it was limited but it still does stay at the back of your mind!

      I agree with you – we tend to often go where we are called or required to go, and there too we are always on the run as you mentioned. The real, peaceful time to sit and relax and just be in the moment – literally doing nothing, never really happens. And before we know it, we are back home into the normal days routine.

      Nice to know about your earlier trip, though you were online but perhaps again for a limited time period taking up the comments at your blog. Oh yes…I’ve read about your nephew and him coming over occasionally and that must be a great time to reconnect with each other too. It’s always so much of fun to be with family and loved ones.

      Spending Christmas cruising around! What fun! I hope you all can make it because that would certainly be one of a kind of Christmas you’d all have.

      I agree with you there, we do need to take care about our expenses when we travel and with so many things to do while we are on a holiday, they just seem to be adding up all the time. We mainly visit my Dad once a year for a few weeks, and all of us head for a combined vacation to the hills sometimes, where again my cousin lives, so the expenses aren’t all that much 🙂

      Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing these tips with your friends. I wish you have a relaxed vacation next time, soon – because you deserve it. Have a nice week ahead 🙂

  16. Hi Harleena,

    How interesting that I am landing to this post on my week vacation.

    I am not going anywhere, however, just trying to do both some serious catching up and relax as well.

    Spoiling myself is also something I intend to do with a visit to the hair dresser, buying some new clothes 🙂 and lie down by the pool. This is my favorite season starting and I intend to enjoy it now and next month as well as I am going to take some more small vacations.

    Have a great summer week, Harleena will be more prompt on your posts!

    1. Hi Sylviane,

      Ah…that’s awesome that you found time to come over – I guess you too carry on working while on a holiday 😉

      Yes indeed, we all need time to relax, but my recent holiday taught me one lesson that we shouldn’t try to carry on both things together because even if we don’t want to, work stays on the mind – unless you make prior arrangements and leave it all behind and head for a complete holiday, even if it’s just for a few days, or over the weekend. That complete break is much needed 🙂

      I like that indeed, and I think we owe ourselves a little bit of pampering once in a while too. Perhaps you’d surprise us with a new hairstyle when we see you next! We are just getting over the summer heat and welcoming the rains our end, and it’s surely nice to see the clouds and rains after long.

      Thanks for stopping by, and don’t worry – have fun during your little vacations because you deserve it. 🙂

  17. We went to the spa and stayed at a hotel one night for a weekend getaway from the kids. This year we aren’t planning a vacation but we try to do things together as a family from time to time such as swimming, going to the movies, and other things that are affordable and fun to do.

    1. Hi Christy,

      Sounds like an awesome idea 🙂

      I think just the fact that you were away from the kids for a while on your own must have felt good after long – reminds me of the time when my kids were small too.

      However, having fun as a family is a different and more enjoyable experience because you have so many things to do. Yes indeed, choosing the affordable ways to have fun is what works best for us too, and you’d be surprised at the number of things there can be.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂

  18. Such a nice piece of info, a very great article. i am always enjoying even there is holiday or college .. life is all about to enjoy yourself . great post.

    1. Hi Prince,

      Nice to know that you liked this post on all that you can do for your vacations. Ah…college life IS enjoyable indeed – reminds me of my good old days as well 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  19. Being a Marwari Guy staying away from my village in Rajasthan ,During holidays in summer , i visit my village and keep attending marriage’s (which are always held in my village during the summers 😀 ),visit temples and chat with elderly villagers ..While chatting with them , i always get to know some interesting facts of my culture and my village.I think this life is much better than the urban life 😀

    Regards,
    Pramod

    1. Welcome to the blog Pramod!

      Ah…I can understand that feeling to be away from home and visiting family and friends during the holidays or for occassions 🙂

      I think there are so many things to do when you are together, whether it’s for a marriage, or any other function – isn’t it? What matters most is that you are all having fun together.

      I agree with you there – our elders are the right people to impart the knowledge and wisdom. Learning more about our culture and just being with them when they teach or tell us things is a great feeling.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂

  20. One thing a person can do is, which probably you missed, to hangout in gardens with birds/animals…. This is a wonderful activity that one can do. Hanging and having fun with birds/animals is a nice thing as the former never complains also of anything 🙂

    1. Welcome to the blog Atul!

      Oh yes…there are a lot of things you can add to the things to do when you are on a vacation – I just mentioned a few of them.

      I did mention about hanging out in nature, though not specifically about being with birds and animals, instead with your pets. But I can well understand what you mean by sitting in the garden and in nature – it does have a calming and soothing effect. Yes, animals never complain, though even if they did in their own ways, I wonder if we would understand their language.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  21. A very nice article. I indulge myself in watching movies or books on weekends..makes me believe that I have done something productive 🙂

    1. Welcome to the blog Diwakar!

      Glad you liked the post on the things to do while on your vacation 🙂

      Ah…watching movies and reading books is a nice way to spend time, whether its during the weekends or holidays. Nice to know that you enjoy doing these.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  22. Hi Harleena, Great post!

    We love to mix up our holidays – one with our extended family, and then one with just us. I’m heading out shortly for the extended family vacation – nothing really structured, but lots to do! Family barbecues, attending a baseball game with everyone. Spending two days at a family camp on the lake. Spending another two days in the town we all grew up in, but no longer live near. Mostly, it’s about spending time together, no matter what the activity is. It’s about creating memories where ever our daily adventure takes us. For me, that’s what our holidays are all about – making memories.

    1. Hi Carol,

      Glad you liked the post and could relate to it too 🙂

      Ah…I think you are a lot like us then as we too like doing that. In-fact most of our vacations are spent with our parents or extended family, and less with just ourselves, though we do a little of that occasionally when we have smaller local holidays.

      I know you are headed for your vacation shortly, and I hope you all have a lovely time as well. Yes indeed, the locations and activities do count, but what’s more important is the time we get to spend with each other and the number of things to do when we are with each other – isn’t it?

      Thanks for stopping by, and wish you the very best for your trip, which I’m sure will be full of treasured memories 🙂

  23. Hi Harleena,

    A wide variety of things to help anyone thinking about holidays.

    Yes, holidays are a fun time and for me, holidays means full blasting fun where I like to keep my professional life out of my holidays. Certain days in a year must be kept only for the family and there couldn’t be a better reason to do it during our holidays.

    Since life is hectic and busy for all of us, the need of holidays at certain time during the year is needed by all of us.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am sure, some of the activities mentioned by you will be a part of my next holidays.

    🙂

    1. Hi Ashutosh,

      Absolutely! I wanted to share these list of things to do on vacations with the hope that people can take cues from it and perhaps use some of them for their vacations 🙂

      Yes indeed, when you are on a holiday, work should be left behind, and I mean totally behind, something which I didn’t do and need to do next time onwards. I agree with you there – spending quality time with the family is what we all need to do and vacations are a great way of doing that too.

      Life IS busy for all of us, but if we can take out a few days to bond better with our loved ones, it will bring everyone much closer to each other, and that’s what we all need – isn’t it? I do hope you manage to use some of these ideas in your next vacation too.

      Thanks for stopping by and contributing to the post 🙂

  24. Hi Harleena,

    This was a brilliant article which such amazing ideas for our holidays and breaks. The activities you mentioned were conjuring up pictures of fun times in my mind!

    For my holidays I usually like to take a week off every year and go on holiday with my friends. Usually it will involve indulging, a lot of relaxing, eating, drinking and being merry. After reading it your post, it has reminded me to get my holiday planned for this year.

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Hiten,

      Glad you liked these fun things to do in your holidays and I’m sure you must be doing a few of these when you have your break 🙂

      I think you really take the proper vacation, just how it should be where you can really relax and take it easy, and make merry. And by doing so you are filled with renewed energy and strength- isn’t it? I guess I need to learn to do that too – perhaps next time onwards.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us 🙂

  25. What I find works for me is to take mini getaways throughout the year. It keeps you going. I go to different places to trial with my dog. Each place I go is a new experience and I do what vacations really mean which is to vacate. I also take one big vacation along with the minis works as well. You gave some wonderful tips

    1. Hi Arleen,

      Absolutely! If you are able to do that – nothing like it 🙂

      I guess it doesn’t work as yet for me because things are tied up with my kids and their school and college vacations, but it would be something I’d love doing once they are on their own.

      I still need to learn to totally let go and be free, or shall I say leave all work behind and be present there, which I would be doing next time on as this time I learnt my lesson. I guess when you take work with you – you aren’t really enjoying yourself fully as work plays on your mind – isn’t it?

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂

  26. Another great post Harleena. Really useful list of things to do on a holiday or just any weekend where you have some time of.

    1. Hi Johan,

      Glad you liked this post on the things to do on your vacations. 🙂

      Yes indeed, you can do any of these whenever you have a little time off, even during your weekends.

      Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  27. Harleena,

    I saved this to read on my first day off 🙂 I’m torn on my stacation – do I plan each day or not? I don’t want to overplan because it won’t be like a vacation or if I don’t plan I may end up doing nothing but on this computer. I think I will plan a little. Idefinitelyy want to hit the beaches here weather permitting. I like your idea of shopping because I never have time to. I’m saving that one for a rainy day. I also have some relatives to visit that I don’t see often. I just enjoy not having “appointments” and having to be at work by a certain time. I plan to jog everyday too. My favorite will be the beach and getting together with friends. If I get bored I’ll be back to check your suggestions 🙂 Have a great weekend!

    1. Hi Lisa,

      Ah…I agree with you there – there should be no planning while on vacation, though you can plan all about it before you go ahead with one 🙂

      Beaches would be a good idea, and don’t worry, I also hardly have the time for shopping, though I’m glad I got to do a little of that during these vacations. I think collecting small souvenirs from the places we visited is what I love the most – more than the real shopping.

      I agree with you there, and that’s what vacation should be with no things to do and no worries or tensions of work. I wished later though that I hadn’t carried my laptop along with me. Even though I limited my working, but it still plays on your mind – isn’t it?

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your holiday plans with us. Have a nice week ahead as well 🙂

  28. So many things to do. I love to shop around for hours and hours. But then my husband hates it. Also I love mountains and I would walk and walk if I had the time. My family likes going to the beach and sitting there.

    1. Hi Shalu,

      Absolutely! Lots of things to do, and all we need is time to do them 🙂

      Ah…I can well relate to that too! I think men and husbands in general, don’t like to shop and women or wives are just the opposite – in most of the cases. You’re like me who loves walking on the hills too – nature trails are the best, aren’t they? Yes, beach time has it’s own charm as well. As long as you let go and be present – any place is wonderful.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂

  29. Thanks for the fantastic ideas Harleena. I can only but dream though! No holidays for me this year. My daughter had a baby 5 weeks ago and I’m newly self employed. So funds are low at the moment.

    Last year I went away with my mum, sister, daughter and four other relatives. We stayed in a self-contained caravan near the sea side. It was fantastic. We had a great time together. We took turns to cook, went to the beach for long walks, the arcade for some fun and chilled out watching TV. I had so much fun. But the best part was spending time with the family. It was a wonderful opportunity to bond. Life is so busy that we don’t usually spend quality time together. I would love to do that again and would also recommend it to others.

    Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    1. Hi June,

      I can well understand all that you are undergoing presently 🙂

      I know you cannot even think of holidays currently, let alone manage the routine things to do with the arrival of the new bundle of joy in your family.

      Ah…a caravan near the sea-side – what fun! Sounds like the perfect getaway and I think your’e lucky to have stayed in one. I wish I could’ve too. Yes indeed, the best part is that all of you were together, and doing things with each other, which makes it all the more enjoyable – isn’t it?

      I agree with you – life IS busy, and it’s only when we take out time to reconnect with each other by taking such breaks on holidays, do we really bond better.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences with us 🙂

  30. Hey Harleena,

    It’s fun reading your posts, especially the one on holiday topic I gave a read to yesterday.

    Well mostly I spend my holiday with friends playing soccer, biking and enjoying the moment instead of as Enstine mentioned in his comment above keeping myself busy with other hustle and bustle of life during holidays.

    It’s so important to have a plan of what to do in holiday, so you’ve done really a great job by writing on this topic. Enjoyed reading it, thanks Harleena.

    1. Hi Ehsan,

      Nice to have you back 🙂

      Glad you liked these posts on the number of things to do during your holidays.

      Nice to know that you really enjoy your vacations, and yes, Enstine said the right thing too.I guess I’ve learnt my lesson this time and from next time I’d be just dropping everything at home and then going for my holidays.

      Oh yes…planned holidays ensure that you make the most of your trip, though once on your holidays, you should just let loose and let go – isn’t it? It does rejuvenate and pump you up with new energy 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences 🙂

  31. Hello Harleena,

    I generally pass my Winter holiday visiting sea beach or visiting my village. We all the family members uncle, aunt, nephew, niece go together. On that time, it is a great gathering place. It is a learning place as you said in your post. The younger ones learn to share their blanket & different things with others.

    I think it is a good learning place as well as help to forget our monotonous life

    1. Hi Ahsan,

      Nice to know more about your holidays and where you spend them 🙂

      It is great fun to be with family members, and we also make it a point to meet the maximum people and have lots of things to do and share with them, whenever we meet them. Oh yes – the kids learn a lot from each other, besides having fun with their cousins.

      I agree with you – a good and much-needed break away from our routine and monotonous lives – and all of us need it 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂

  32. Hello Harleena,
    If i say that i don’t love taking holiday, then i am a big fat liar 🙂 . We all need to refresh our brains so we can get more inspirations and ideas. I will also be taking my holiday soon and hope it’ll go as well as yours 😉 . Thanks for the lovely tips and do have a blessed weekend and thank God your holiday has finally finished its final phase… 😀

    1. Hi Babanature,

      Aha….I know you aren’t a liar, and I know like me, you too love holidays – who wouldn’t 🙂

      I agree with you there – if we have activities or things to do on our vacations, or even if we just plan to take it easy and do nothing, it refreshes and inspires us.

      Yes, you did mention about your vacation time too, and I’m sure your wife and little son would love to have ALL of you to themselves. Piece of advice – leave your work behind when you go 🙂

      Oh yes…I just reached home today, so catching up with all the pending comments – it sure is great to be back home – all rejuvenated!

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂

  33. Hey Harleena,

    How are you? I have not been here to interact for a couple of days. A lot of things in my hands offline but I after all, I can create time today.

    One thing I notice is that some bloggers who go on holidays don’t really fully live the holidays. They go along with their mobile gadgets connected to the Internet. While on holidays, they comment, reply to comment, publish posts, etc. They do more than half the things they do when they think they are not on holidays 😉

    Well, I think it’s difficult to completely cut off during holidays. To take full advantage of it, it’s good to have someone who does the necessary things while you are away.

    OR Question is … does going on holidays only involve a change of geographical location and doing things that are not often done in your place of residence or it also involves keeping aside your routine activities?

    1. Hi Enstine,

      Doing well! Ah…don’t worry about that – I can imagine how work can keep us all busy at times 🙂

      You’re right about the fact that you need to ‘create time’, as at most times we think and feel we do not have time.

      You’re right again about holidays for bloggers and that sort of includes me too! I know I shouldn’t have taken my work along, but I was a little careful to do very limited work. Nevertheless, these holidays made me finalise on the fact that next time onwards I would certainly be leaving ALL my work behind and just enjoying being in the moment with everyone. Because even if the work is little, it still remains on your mind and to-do list, and you really cannot enjoy fully.

      I wonder if you can trust someone else with your work and blog, unless it’s a very close known friend or family member. I think you lose nothing by mentioning that you are taking a week or ten days off and wouldn’t be putting up posts for a few days, or you can disable the comments too. Lots of thoughts crossed my mind too, but it all happened while I was on vacation – so you learn with experience and keep it for next time 🙂

      While going on holiday does provide a change of location, it should also involve being together with each other by totally leaving all your work, or else you cannot really be present with others. A holiday should be away from your routine, work, present atmosphere so that it rejuvenates and refreshes you and boosts you up with more energy when you return. That’s what I feel 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by and adding more value to the post 🙂

  34. Leena,

    I can see that you love holidays! A friend of mine went to Spain few months ago and he regrets going alone. He found it very boring! It is good to go with friends, family etc but definitely not alone 😀
    I have never done camping and hiking before, I guess it wont hurt to try it out!

    Thanks for sharing.
    -Seun.

    1. Hi Seun,

      Oh, who doesn’t love holidays – I think everyone does, but yes I know a few people who haven’t take a holiday for years, which I think that is too much for me. I’d sacrifice perfectionism for a bit of relaxation and family time – isn’t it?

      I think it’s a matter of personal choice and liking, because my husband would enjoy even if he’s alone (though I don’t let him go alone 😉 ), whereas I always prefer being with my family on the vacations.

      I think it’s worth trying camping and hiking at least once and I hope you get such an opportunity soon. It’s a different experience altogether.

      Thank you for stopping by and contributing to the post. I appreciate that. 🙂

  35. Hello Harleena, I just found your article from facebook and with no doubt you have created a very unique and mind refreshing article. I really enjoyed your article and ideas about how to spend a holiday.

    You know I love to believe myself a great cook and I really enjoy cooking different dishes and whenever I get enough time I try different preparations. Some of them are good and some of them are bad but I really enjoy it as I enjoyed your holiday ideas. Other than cooking I love to listen good melodious and soft numbers and also love to watch comedy movies. Going to bookmark your blog and share this awesome article. Thanks for sharing and educating us.

    1. Welcome to the blog Aditi!

      Glad you liked this post about the things to do when you are on a holiday, though there’s a lot more you can add to it:)

      That’s lovely, and to be honest with you, I was something like you when I was younger too – I loved trying out new recipes, though not the ordinary ones but the rare ones, more of cakes, bakes, traditional foods etc. And holidays were the times I did my share of the cooking while my Mom had a day off.

      Waching movies and listening to soft numbers are an all time favorite, though I rarely get time nowadays, but I guess that’s what vacations are for, isn’t it?

      Thanks for stopping by and I do hope to see you around more often now 🙂

      BTW – (I wonder why you don’t have your own picture as the Gravatar here and the number 99 instead? 🙂

  36. Hi Harleena! Great ideas!

    I used to love to travel all over the place. When I was younger, we camped a lot and traveled up and down the east coast. As I got older, I started venturing further and further. I’ve been overseas, to the caribbean, and all over the USA. Only after the tragic events of 9/11, I started worrying a bit. It didn’t stop me from travelling but I was definitely more hesitant to get on a plane.

    We I rescued Titan in 2010, my vacations stopped. All my free time went into rehabilitating him and being a “misunderstood” dog, they aren’t always welcome everywhere you might want to travel. Leaving him behind is just not an option. The other night I mentioned to my hubs that if I found a cabin somewhere by a lake or beach, off season, would he go on vacation with me and Titan. He started making excuses and then I dropped the subject. However, I am researching places to go that are Titan approved and if it has to be just me and him, so be it. 🙂 I thik he’d really enjoy a different scenary.

    Great post Harleena! I’m assuming you’ve had a blast on your vacation! Treasure the memories.

    1. Hi Bren,

      It’s good to know that you’re a travel enthusiast and could relate with this post 🙂

      I’m glad that even the 9/11 event could not deter you from following your interest and passion.

      I must say you’re an angel to Titan. Your attention and service to him is commendable. I have a dog too and I know its really difficult to leave him behind. It was a great help for me as my in-laws volunteered to take the responsibility of my pet when I went for my vacations. I understand it’s not always possible for others to get adjusted to living with or going on a vacation with pets. I appreciated my husband’s attitude on this issue as he’s very helpful and accommodating concerning our pet.

      I hope and wish that you do find good places where Titan is welcomed and where he can enjoy the most. I also sometimes take my pet, though that’s mainly short distances as they don’t like too long a travel.

      I really had a great time this vacation, with beautiful moments that need to be treasured. I thank you for your concern and for asking.

      Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences 🙂

  37. Wow Harleena,

    This post is not only educating but, Fun filled as well. Like i said in my previous comment, all jack and no play makes Jack a dull boy so, its really of utmost important that we go on vacation and enjoy ourselves once in a while knowing that one day, we will all depart this earth and, there is no enjoyment in the grave.

    I’m still alone for now and i normally do some of the things you mentioned here. I’m a big fan of music, not just any type of music but, Blues.

    Whenever I’m free and doing nothing, i usually enjoy myself by listening to such musics like Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Elton John, Michael Jackson and many of them.

    I also like reading motivational books too.

    Thanks a lot for sharing this nice piece with us and, do enjoy your weekend :).

    1. Hi Theodore,

      I’m glad you like the post. Definitely you need to enjoy your life, till you’re alive. I’ve no idea what happens after death, so I better not comment on that! 🙂

      You seem to be a great music fan and it’s good you pursue your interests while on holidays. If you like motivational books, then am sure you’ll enjoy my blog too in your vacations! 😉

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and views and for contributing to the post. 🙂

  38. Absolutely…I am sure each one takes a holiday depending upon one’s size of pocket.

    In India,India holidays are not very attractive now.It is cheaper to go to Far East than visit Chennai. I for one,normally like to spend holidays with my son since he lives in a different city. I enjoy the attention I get

    1. Hi BK,

      I agree that presently the far east holiday packages are more attractive, so going abroad for vacations is much cheaper.

      It’s good that you get all the love and attention when you visit your son in holidays; consider your lucky!

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting on the post. 🙂

  39. Summer? Really? Well, my spring break started yesterday only. So on Monday we are going to Egypt for a few days. I love it there!!!!!

    1. Hi Evan,

      Ya, summer is in its last phase here. I know it hasn’t started in some place or already over at other places. That’s amazing and interesting, isn’t it?

      Hope you’ve a great time in Egypt in your spring break.

      Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

    2. I always need to remind myself to take a vacation, I think our body & soul need it. For me, I love going to the beach and just breathing in the air. I also go on a hike and just be one with nature; it helps me come back to alignment. Clearing my head is also something I try to do since it’s always cluttered with “things to do” during the week.

      Enjoyed your post! Ttyl 🙂

      1. Welcome to the blog Kim!

        You’re not alone, as most of us need such reminders off and on 🙂

        I agree with you – anyplace is paradise if you can connect with your inner-self and just be in the moment. I love the hills, and then comes the beaches, though any getaway works wonders – doesn’t it?

        Oh yes – the mind, body, and soul – all need relaxation, and such holidays are great for that. And if you have things to do alongside, it makes it all the more enjoyable.

        Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views 🙂

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