Vacation Habits to Add Fun to Your Home Life Tomorrow

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Fun Vacation Habits to Start Doing at Home Tomorrow

I’m a completely different person when I travel. I walk miles on cobblestone streets, chat with strangers, and eat foods I can’t even pronounce. I step outside my comfort zone in ways I never do at home. My clothes get brighter, my food gets bolder, and I feel more connected to my surroundings. It’s not just the destination—it’s the little habits that change me. Here are five fun vacation habits I embrace when traveling but rarely do at home, and why we should start doing them tomorrow.

Table of Contents

• Vacation Habits at Home
• Fun Vacation Habits to Start Doing at Home Tomorrow
• Eating Exotic Foods, I Can’t Pronounce
• Walking Everywhere Instead of Driving
• Striking Up Conversations with Strangers
• Trying Things I’d Never Do at Home
• Avoiding Monotony by Changing Up My Routine
• Wearing Fun, Colorful Clothing That Turns Heads
• Ditching My Phone but Staying Connected
• Take the Travel Mindset Home
• Like it. Love it.

Eating Exotic Foods, I Can’t Pronounce

I’m adventurous with food when I travel, eating things I’d never try at home. In Korea, I’ve eaten spicy tteokbokki on a street corner, the sauce hot and sticky on my fingers. The fishy aroma hits you before the first bite, mingling with the steam rising from the carts. I do eat ethnic foods back home, but I expect spotless facilities, gloves, and nothing sitting out for hours. On vacation, I find myself drawn to street stalls and roadside stands in Morocco, the smell of grilled meat and spices filling the air. I’d never eat like this in America, where I avoid anything that’s been sitting out. But on vacation, the sound of sizzling oil and the mix of unknown spices call my name. I find myself devouring things I can’t even pronounce, sometimes loving them, sometimes cringing. At home? I stick to my comfort zone. Do you try new foods when you travel, or do you play it safe?

Walking Everywhere Instead of Driving

Back home, I drive everywhere. I hop in my car to pick up groceries, even if it’s just a mile away. On vacation, though, I walk miles without even thinking. In Paris, I once walked from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, soaking up the city’s heartbeat. Walking in Asia and Europe is easy; everything is connected by sidewalks and public transport. In the U.S., especially outside urban areas, walking is hard. There are often no sidewalks, and the distance between places makes driving a necessity. I wouldn’t dream of walking that far in Illinois, where everything is spread out and cars rule the roads. On vacation, the city pulls me in, and I feel more connected to it.

Striking Up Conversations with Strangers

In the States, conversations often feel shallow. When someone asks, “How are you?” they’re usually expecting a quick “good” or “fine.” Almost every chat feels like a minefield lately, especially with politics and the upcoming elections making even the most straightforward talks feel tense.

However, when I travel, I turn into the chatty version of me. I’m more likely to engage people than not. That’s how I met Robyn. I saw her walking—something I also love—and went right up to her, inviting myself on her next walk. We did everything together for the next two years.

Back home, conversations often feel shallow, driven by small talk or the need to avoid touchy topics. There’s a disconnect; people aren’t present. But when I’m abroad, everything changes. I’ve shared stories with strangers over wine in Italy, debated the best ramen spot in Tokyo, and helped a family navigate a metro map in Seoul. The scent of garlic simmering on the stove, the hum of the city, and the laughter around me pull me into the moment. Conversations feel genuine, unforced, and free from the surface-level chatter I encounter back home.

Trying Things I’d Never Do at Home

I’ve done some wild things while traveling. I hiked up a volcano in Bali, feeling the crunch of ash underfoot, with the heat of the sun burning my neck. I’ve paraglided over turquoise waters, the rush of wind in my ears and the world shrinking below. I feel brave, invincible even. But at home, fear creeps in. The thought of heights terrifies me, and the safety net of the familiar keeps me grounded. I’m not the daredevil at home, but on vacation, I’m all in.

Avoiding Monotony by Changing Up My Routine

When I’m traveling, no two days are the same. One morning, I’m sipping coffee in a cozy cafe; the next, I climb ancient ruins or explore a hidden alley. The mix of sounds, smells, and sights keeps things exciting. At home, most days look the same—I go to work, hit the gym, cook dinner, and eat it on the sofa while watching TV. But on vacation, I feel alive because every day is different. Breaking away from monotony isn’t just refreshing; it’s necessary. Maybe it’s time to switch up the routine—try a new restaurant, take a different route home, or even just switch up your morning routine. A little change can make everyday life feel a bit more adventurous.

Pampering Ourselves at Spas or Hot Springs

I love pampering myself, especially when spa treatments are much cheaper abroad, like in Asia, so I rarely splurge at home. On vacation, massages, spa treatments, and hot spring soaks feel like essential luxuries that help me unwind. A deep massage or a warm soak instantly resets my mind and body. It’s easy to justify these indulgences while traveling, but why not enjoy them at home too? Treat yourself to a local spa day or create a mini spa experience at home to capture that relaxing vacation vibe anytime.

Wearing Fun, Colorful Clothing That Turns Heads

When I travel, my wardrobe transforms. I pack bright, flowing dresses, bold prints, and wide-brimmed hats you’d expect to see in a fashion magazine. On vacation, these clothes feel perfect—the vibrant colors match the lively markets, and the soft fabrics flutter in the breeze as I stroll along the beach. I remember wearing a bright yellow sundress in Santorini, the fabric light against my skin, catching every breeze as I wandered through the whitewashed streets. It felt right. But back home, these clothes sit in my closet. I’ve worn them a few times at home, but they draw more attention than I’m comfortable with. I feel eyes on me, and the comments start: “Wow, that’s bold!” or “You’re so dressed up!” Suddenly, what felt adventurous abroad feels out of place at home. So, I save my fun, colorful clothing for the next trip where I can blend in by standing out.

Ditching My Phone but Staying Connected

I used to be a huge social media scroller, but not so much anymore. My life is cooler than most, and I don’t need to compare. Still, I can’t leave my phone behind when I travel—I use it to capture every moment. My photos tell my story. If I scroll now, it’s not to mindlessly pass time but to find cool things to do. My phone is a tool, not a distraction. I’m present in the moment, soaking up the sights and sounds around me, not glued to my screen. I’m all about using tech to enhance the experience, not replace it.

Take the Travel Mindset Home

Travel has a way of opening us up, changing how we eat, walk, and connect. What about you? What do you do differently on vacation? I challenge you to bring a bit of that adventurous spirit home. Try a new food, chat with a stranger, wear that bold outfit, or put down your phone. You might be surprised at what you discover. Let’s keep the best parts of travel alive, even when we’re not on the road and make sure to incorporate some of those fun vacation habits back at home.

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