Getting The Best Out Of Your Holiday

When I was a child, whenever I heard someone say that they just got back from a holiday, it automatically meant they just got back from a shopping spree!

Photo – Taken in a shopping mall in Alicante, Spain

It was almost as though a holiday and shopping trip meant the same thing, they were synonymous… Goodness Gracious! The first question I had would be “what did you buy?”. I am not sure of why I had this feeling, it could be a culture thing… but who knows?!

Now, as a grown woman.. I’ll like to think that I now know the difference! Though I terribly love shopping, I now know that travelling is a lot more than shopping and there is treasure in seeing more.

“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih Eddin Saadi

There is a healthy balance between sightseeing, shopping, adventure and of course relaxation on a holiday, we should aim to get that balance right. The right balance is still somewhat based on the individual.

It is important to point out that, some people would never go shopping on a holiday, but it is interesting to note that it may be worthwhile visiting the mall or the native market to get a feel of what the culture there is like. Did you know that, the Dubai mall is the world’s largest mall which also contains an Aquarium and Ice Rink?

On the flip side, It is also very easy to visit a new city and only be able to locate the shopping malls (commonly found around the city centres), or only know the four walls of your hotel (Honeymooners only!) but it is worthwhile taking the time to explore your surroundings and here are some of the reasons why! (the benefits of tourism)

1.       Gaining Insight and enrichment

Travelling gets you out there to experience things that you would otherwise have only read about. You can visit some of the key landmarks in the world marking significant periods in history such as the Great Wall of China, the  Statue of liberty in New York and many more. See some examples of these places here:http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/awe-inspiring-landmarks-around-the-world/

Photo – The Atomium in Brussels, Belgium

2.       Increases our knowledge and widens our perspective.

You are able to experience new customs and cultures. This has the ability to enlarge our minds and in essence make us more open an adaptable. Learning different values and ways to get by in life is really interesting. For instance, in Thailand, for adults, as the foot is the lowest part of the body it is held in the lowest esteem. To point a foot at someone is extremely insulting. Likewise, as the head is the highest part of the body, it is never touched directly by others for this is considered an insult.

Photo –  Museum at the Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante, Spain

3.       Enhances Inspiration and creativity

Because travelling involves going to new places, it can influence your creativity.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

WeekenderHQtip – I always pick up a souvenir from every new city I go to, for me its taking a piece of the city with me!

Happy Easter Holidays All!!! What will you be doing during your holiday?

Photo –  Taken on a bridge in Alicante, Spain 

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