We’re in the home stretch of summer! Vacations are finally here- thank God!

Here are a few tips to creating FANTASTIC vacations:

  • Expect to have a good time. Often we prove our expectations correct. In her amazing Ted Talk, Jennice Vilhauer discusses why we don’t get what we want- it’s not what we expect. So keep an open mind to all the possibilities your vacation could bring.
  • Instead of buying yourself a souvenir from the trip, buy you and your loved ones an experience to do together as a family. Various research studies have shown that buying experiences lead to greater happiness than simply buying possessions. Plus, you’ll have some great stories and pictures to bring back home.
  • Save something awesome for last to create an even more elevating experience. As Daniel H. Pink explains in his book “When”, leaving off on a high note means that you’re more likely to colour the entire vacation as amazing (even if there were some rough patches in there).
  • Practice gratitude. Not everyone gets to go on a vacation. Reflect on how lucky you actually are and be thankful that you were able to get some much needed time away or with people you enjoy.

About the Author

Tara is a wellness Newsfeedger for the Local Biz Magazine who is in the process of writing her memoir on finding hope and meaning while living with a mental illness. Tara loves the concepts of positive psychology, incorporating them into every aspect of her life and spreading the message on the science of well-being.