Its just over three weeks to my first vacation of the year to Chicago (5 nights) & Nashville (6 nights). I fly from Manchester leaving England at 11.05am on Thursday 27th April arriving in Chicago at 1.20pm (8hr 15min flight).
When visiting new cities these are my ten golden rules to get the most out of your holiday :-
1. Read up on the place you are visiting and plan what you want to see and do. This saves valuable time while you are there.
2. Be prepared to change your plans. Always play it by ear, you never know what or who you will meet. If you are having fun do it for longer or stay longer than planned.
3. Walk. Best way of seeing a city is by walking to the various sites (obviously avoid dodgy areas).
4. Socialise. Get out and meet people (locals and tourists) there are a lot of nice people out there. One tip is if going in a restaurant sit at the bar people mix better there. Also if in a foreign country speak loud in your local accent this usually starts conversation (where are you from ?).
5. Don't Eat and Drink in the Hotel. I usually find hotel bars and restaurants full of boring people.
6. Buy what you want. Spending money on what you want, food, drink, gifts, etc. If you have to count your money on holiday you may as well not be there. Who wants to be the richest man in Boot Hill.
7. Local Food and Drink. Eat and drink the same as the locals, you don't know if you like it until you try it.
8. Contacts. Leave you phone/laptop turned off, you are on vacation to forget about home/work.
9. Public Transport. Use public transport, this can be an adventure in itself.
10. Laugh. Have fun/enjoy yourself that is why you are there.
I'm sure people can add to this list ?
7 comments:
Don't be in a hurry. Ever. (My dad's advice who travels once a year to a part of the world where he's never been.)
Good advice, If you are always in a hurry you will miss everything. Your dad sounds sensible.
I like the way you think. When I lived in France, I found that just walking around and going where the locals went, I had the best time, met the coolest people and really got to see the 'true' city. Have an awesome trip!
How exciting!
Will you meet Regina during your stay in Chicago?!
I'm sure your accent will garner a lot of attention whereever you go! Just speak up and people will start to ask about you.
I love vacations. I always feel more adventurous and more willing to meet people. It just seems easier to get outside of my comfort zone.
Jenny,
You lived in France wow. One of our senior managers at work as bought a home in France. He retires on Friday and is off over for 15 weeks to see if he wants to live there permanent or move between France and England. I was just talking to him today.
Modigli,
Exciting yes I can't wait. Like you I love vacations and meeting people.
Yes I am hoping to meet Regina and I am really looking forward to it.
If you're in a city the US during the summer, go to a baseball game. I don't even like sports, but daytime baseball in a city is fun and full of "local color". I consider it similar to going to the zoo.
Pfg,
Thanks for the advice. I was intending to go to a game on two occasions last year but couldn't get a ticket.
June when in New York (NY Yankees versus Chicago Cubs) and October when in Chicago (White Sox versus Cubs).
I am not a baseball fan as it isn't played in England but I am a sports fan so it is a must I go on one of my visits.
I do intend to visit the States 3 or 4 times this year (don't no where yet).
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