Good evening, class! Taking off from last week’s class, tonight we will be going over what to actually do when you reach your destination!

Section 1: To-Do’s

While I don’t actively do this on my family vacations, I would make a to-do list of things to, wherever you’re vacationing. Go see a certain show, try a certain restaurant, etc… the possibilities are endless, and they will help you plan out your vacation. Just remember not to go overboard, but I’ll cover that a little later.

Another thing: don’t feel bad if you don’t finish your to-do list. It gives you a reason to come back, and when you go to big spots like New York or Las Vegas, there’s no way you can do everything you want to in one trip, so keep that in mind.

Section 2: Food

Every year, my family and I try to not eat a ton of food, but let’s be real: it’s vacation, and the consumption of mass quantities of incredible food is going to happen. I would resign yourself to that unless you have food allergies or something that prevents you from eating a ton…or you’re really dedicated, which means I’m jealous because I don’t have the willpower that you do.

Section 3: Time Management

Two paragraphs ago, in section 1, I mentioned not going overboard with your to-do list. Here’s why: you don’t want to run yourself down during your trip. However long your vacation is, managing your time is really important. While I’m all for going out and having days upon days of nonstop fun, you have to have some downtime to relax and recharge your energy.

Just a little tidbit, if you’re going to the beach for your vacation, do keep in mind that sitting out in the hot sun all day is actually tiring. If you don’t believe me, try it next time you’re on the beach.

Section 4: Back-up Plans

Much like what I said in my Con 101 entry, things don’t always go as planned. It rains, you’re not feeling up to it, a tropical storm (I’ve been through two of them while staying in Florida) rolls through, a place is closed, the times times for a show were changed, you name it. With that in mind, when you’re making plans, have a few back-up ones in case you still want to do something. If not, I suggest you take that time to relax. The important thing is to not let a mishap get you down. Make the best of whatever happens and you’ll find yourself enjoying the day even if it didn’t go as planned.

That’s the end of Vacationing 101. I hope you learned something about taking road trips and vacationing! And remember, taking an airplane is pretty much a guaranteed A in this class because it’s not driving for 16 hours.

Just sayin’.