As the days get warmer and longer, there’s no better time to start planning your summer vacation! This can be an amazing time to slow down, relax, and recharge, but you could also use some of your free time to keep your brain sharp and engage in activities that can boost your cognitive and brain health.
Whether you are planning for a yacht charter with friends, a stay at an all-inclusive resort, or an adventurous camping trip, some activities can help you make the most of this time. Let’s look at a few ideas below!
Chess
Chess is one of the oldest and most loved games worldwide. It has been played across the globe by generations, but it has not lost its appeal! After all, few games can combine fun and strategic thinking as well as chess does!
If you know the basics of this game, such as how each piece moves, you may want to spend some time during your holiday to refine your techniques. You could play against your travel buddies simply by investing in a travel-size chessboard. Alternatively, online platforms allow you to play chess solo, for free, and on the go! So, you have no excuse to immerse yourself in a game of chess!
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a fantastic way to boost skills like patience, imagination, and forward thinking. Plus, since they come in different sizes and formats, they are perfect for every type of player, whether you are playing with your little ones, solo, or with friends.
Just make sure to find an image or puzzle style that suits your needs, and don’t underestimate the difficulty of a puzzle with lots of pieces!
- Forgot to pack one, but you’d like to play? Don’t fret–jigsaw puzzles are very easy to find and purchase everywhere!
Language Learning
Learning a new language can seem daunting, and it is not the idea of fun for everyone. However, thanks to the multitude of apps and platforms out there, you can turn this into a game and make the most of your vacation time. You may consider learning a few phrases and sentences in the language of your holiday destination, or get started with a language you have always wanted to learn.
Not only is this skill useful for the professional and personal spheres alike, it can also offer cognitive benefits, including improved memory retention, problem-solving abilities, and mental flexibility!
Historical Tours
If you are visiting a different town or city, you may consider adding a few historical tours to your itinerary. It could be a great way to discover must-see spots, but it can also give you insights into the local culture and traditions. Plus, you can choose tours that are themed or focus on a specific aspect of the history of a place.
There are many ways to organize a tour. You could opt for group or private itineraries, or even opt for free tours–just remember to give a generous tip at the end of your experience!
Reading
Next up, let’s cover an evergreen classic—reading. Reading a book can have endless research-backed benefits, including:
- Expanding your vocabulary.
- Stimulating imagination and creativity
- Reducing stress.
- Boosting empathy.
- Improving focus.
- Increasing knowledge.
- Strengthening memory and critical thinking.
- Boosting cognitive health and keeping cognitive decline at bay
- And even improving longevity!
The good thing about reading is that the options are endless. Sure, you could pick up a history or self-improvement book, but you can also rediscover the classics or immerse yourself in a fantasy world. Just pick up a book (or eReader) and get started!
Nature Exploration
Most destinations around the world offer opportunities to reconnect with nature—yes, even when visiting major cities! Just think of New York’s Central Park or London’s Hyde Park. They are great spots to relax and unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you are visiting more remote locations, you may even consider booking a hike or trek with a guide to better understand the natural beauty of the location you are exploring!
Geo-Caching
Geocaching is like a modern treasure hunt! The way it works is simple: you’ll sign up for the official website and then use GPS information to hide and seek “caches,” or specific objects and tokens that are hidden nearby. This is a great way to enjoy the thrill of a treasure hunt without having to plan an entire activity for you and your travel companions. Plus, it gives you the chance to explore your surroundings—and, who knows, you may even spot a few hidden gems in your hunt!
Playing an Instrument
Sure, an instrument isn’t always essential to pack when getting ready for a vacation. But the truth is that many instruments are travel-friendly. And, the advantages of including one in your suitcase are many!
For example, packing a ukulele and learning to play classic melodies can be an excellent way to keep your brain sharp. And, at the same time, you can provide entertainment for your travel buddies and any new friends you make along the way! After all, there’s nothing more wholesome than singing along to classic songs, even better if with friends and around a campfire!
Cooking Classes
If you have always been interested in cooking and dining, consider taking a cooking class when traveling. This can help you discover unique ingredients and the traditional flavors traditionals to different locations around the world, be it Mexico, Nepal, Italy, or Greece. The good thing is that these classes are often organized in major tourist spots, so you won’t struggle to find one that meets your needs and your group size. Just consider booking it in advance to secure your spot!
Art Classes
If you are looking to make your vacation more cultural, you could consider taking art classes. This could be an excellent way to learn new skills and develop abilities like focus, imagination, and creativity. You can also choose your destination based on the kind of art you are looking to create. For instance, a trip to Florence can offer you the unique opportunity to sketch in the same place where Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci created their masterpieces!
Board Games
If you are looking for an activity to create special memories with your family or group of friends, you could consider bringing with you a board game or two. These are excellent for developing cognitive skills, like memory, vocabulary, imagination, and strategic thinking. Plus, many options come in a travel-size format that makes it convenient to carry them with you. For example, you could consider investing in pocket-sized versions of classic games like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Uno!
Meditation And Mindfulness
Undeniably, vacations should be dedicated to relaxation. However, sometimes, the time ahead isn’t as stress-free as you may have planned. That could be due to the stress of planning the trip, changes in your routine, and exposure to new stimuli. Sometimes, a day spent relaxing at the beach or the hotel pool can do the trick. But if you are looking to feel better, more centred, and ready to enjoy your vacation from the get-go, why not try meditation or mindfulness?
These practices can have many benefits confirmed by science, including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety.
- Boosting focus.
- Improving sleep.
- Increasing self-awareness.
- Supporting emotional health.
- Practicing gratitude.
- Strengthening memory.
To get started, all you need is a comfortable, quiet place to sit, or you could try walking meditation. If you are struggling to find your focus, remember that you could always rely on guided meditations, which are readily available on platforms like YouTube or dedicated apps!
Photography Competition
If you are traveling with a group of creative people, you could launch the idea of a photography competition. This is an excellent way to practice a bit of healthy competition, but there are even more advantages! Firstly, focusing on photography encourages you to practice searching for unique, hidden, or special details. Additionally, with everyone in your group taking photos, you can be sure to have great snapshots of your trip!
Solving Math Problems
Whether you love mathematics or you are looking to heal your relationship with this subject, solving math problems can be a way to stimulate the brain while learning something new. Be sure to find something that meets your expertise level. You could do so by exploring different online apps or following training courses on YouTube or Coursera. Once you get the basics, work your way up towards more difficult levels to refine your skills!
Playing Sports
Last but not least, consider using this time to move your body! Of course, vacations should be about relaxation, food, drinks, and rest. But you could also take advantage of the facilities around you to keep your body in shape. This can seem counterproductive, but hear us out! Moving your body can boost your energy levels and trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s “feel-good” hormones.
The combination of these mechanisms can help you feel much more ready to make the most of your vacation! Plus, this isn’t just about hitting the hotel gym hard, but rather taking daily walks, practicing mindful movements like yoga, or taking up hikes, treks, or swims. The world is truly your oyster!
