19 Ways to Have the Best Vacation Ever

Is it difficult for you to relax and unwind while on vacation with your family? Is it impossible for you to put down work and spend time with the relatives? Are you constantly thinking about getting back to the daily grind instead of focusing on the here and now? If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, then let this how-to guide show you how to have your best Oregon coast vacation ever!

Smile, laugh, be silly! Don’t let thoughts of returning to work make you grumpy on your northwest vacation. Live in the moment and enjoy the quality time you’re spending with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Put your phone down! You’re on vacation, remember? Leave work where it belongs: at work! You can catch up when you return. In the meantime, trust that the people you work with can keep the place from burning down while you’re away.

Go outside! If you work in an office setting, getting outside isn’t always an option. While on vacation, you should make sure to get plenty of vitamin D to help you stay healthy and glowing. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Do things together as a family! It’s really easy to go on vacation and just drive the kids to the theater while you take a nap at home, but vacations are for quality time! Hit the beach together and have a picnic. It’s fun yet affordable, and your family will appreciate the effort you’re making.

Try a new restaurant! Vacations are the perfect opportunity to go outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Always have Chinese? Why not visit the local Mexican restaurant instead? Always opting for the cheaper, faster food service? Why not treat your family to a nice sit down meal. It’s a vacation. Live a little!

Check out the local points of interest! If you’re vacationing in a small town, check out the local shops and attractions. Small towns always have one of a kind shops that you can’t find anywhere else. If you love your souvenirs, you’re sure to find the most unique gifts at one of these local stores.

Get a good pet or baby sitter, whichever suits your needs! If you’re going on vacation without the kids or pets, it can get a little stressful, especially if you don’t feel comfortable with who you decided to leave them at home with. Do your research, and if possible, have a close friend or relative look after them for you, so that you can relax and unwind on your once in a blue moon Oregon vacation.

Pack sooner rather than later! If you’re like a majority of the population, you probably wait until the last second to get your packing started. Rather than stress out right before your vacation, start packing at least a week in advance. If you’re traveling with family, write a list of everything you plan to bring, and start the list early. Put it on the fridge or another frequently visited area of your home so when that next item comes to mind, you can easily put it down on paper.

Double check your house before leaving! Nobody wants to experience a Home Alone moment while on vacation. Windows and doors locked? Check. Stove and lights turned off? Check. Kids and pets in the car? ….Check!

Bring a good book! Books were made for vacations, unless of course you’re an avid reader. Even if you’re not a bookworm, why not pick up that book you’ve had your eye on for months but have been too busy to read because of work and living and stuff? You won’t regret it!

Leave the video games at home! If you’re hoping to spend some quality time with your kids, bring some board games instead. Card games like Uno and Phase 10 are fun for the whole family to join in on, and who doesn’t love an old fashioned game of Monopoly or The Game of Life?

Plan for the weather! Look ahead at the weather forecast of your Oregon vacation destination and plan your wardrobe and accessories accordingly. You’ll be awfully sad you didn’t bring that umbrella if one of your days turns wet, or extremely cold if you’re hanging out on the beach at night in nothing but a tank top and shorts.

Indulge yourself! Everyone is always trying to look their best these days. Why not take a little detour on your vacation and treat yourself? Eat the dessert and buy the shoes. This is your chance to splurge a little, so take advantage of this moment!

Shop for groceries! If you’re looking to save a little bit while still having a good time, why not head to the nearest grocery store and pick up some items? Eating out can get expensive. Wouldn’t you rather spend that money on doing something exciting with your family?

Bring a camera! It’s these special moments that we want to capture the most, so make sure to pack the camera along with batteries or film! You’ll definitely want to be able to show all your friends and family who couldn’t come on your vacation all of the new things you did.

Bring any and all the comforts of home you need! Some people are homebodies who can’t stand being away from home for long periods of time. Bring your own blankets and pillows if they are the only way you can get a good nights’ sleep. Does your child sleep with a nightlight or favorite stuffed animal? Remember to bring it to ensure a restful sleep for them as well as yourself at your home away from home.

Stop for directions! Lost? Just say so! Stop at a gas station or other service station and ask for help if you’re having trouble getting to your destination. Nobody will laugh at you, we promise.

Remember the beach toys! If you’re traveling to the coast and staying on the beach, remember to bring the beach toys for the kids or the kids at heart. You’ll soon regret it if you find yourself in the sand with no way to build a sandcastle.

Have fun! You’ve earned this vacation, for yourself and everyone traveling with you. Remember to laugh, have fun, and most importantly, be safe!