Planning a holiday doesn't mean filling every minute with activities. It's about creating a relaxing and joyful experience that suits us. Before we jump into booking tickets or writing schedules, let's ask ourselves a few simple questions: Do we want to rest or explore?

Travel or stay local? Be social or spend quality time with ourselves or family? Once we're clear about our goals, everything else becomes easier to arrange.

Set a realistic budget first

Budget is the foundation of any good plan. Knowing how much we're willing to spend on entertainment, food, transport, and extras can help us avoid overspending or stress later. We can divide the budget into categories—like activities, meals, souvenirs—and make room for unexpected fun (because we always discover something new!). Having a plan doesn't mean we can't be spontaneous—it just keeps our wallet happy.

Choose a flexible destination or theme

Whether we're heading to a beach, the mountains, or staying in the city, the key is choosing a place or plan that offers variety. If we're traveling, look for spots that combine relaxation with things to explore. If we're staying home, we can turn our break into a themed staycation—like a movie marathon, food tour, or hobby challenge. Flexibility allows us to switch plans easily if the weather or mood changes.

Make a simple activity list

Let's make a "want-to-do" list instead of a strict timetable. Write down 5 to 10 things we'd love to try during the holiday—like visiting a museum, trying a new café, hiking, watching a play, or learning a new skill. Then we can choose what fits each day based on our energy and weather. This way, we always have ideas ready, but we're not locked into a rigid schedule.

Book essentials in advance

For bigger activities like guided tours, popular restaurants, or family attractions, booking in advance can save us a lot of trouble. We can often get discounts or skip lines by planning ahead. But don't overbook—leave at least half a day free each day for rest or unexpected discoveries. After all, the best part of holidays is the little surprises.

Balance alone time and social time

It's tempting to pack our holidays with group activities, but let's not forget to leave space for ourselves too. A short walk, a book by the window, or an early morning coffee alone can refresh us more than we think. If we're traveling with family or friends, we can also split up for a few hours so everyone gets to enjoy their own pace.

Pack smart and light

No matter where we go, packing wisely makes the trip smoother. Let's bring only what we truly need and avoid stuffing our bags. Think in layers for clothing, and pack multi-purpose items like a light scarf, reusable water bottle, and portable charger. A well-packed bag saves time, energy, and even money—especially if we avoid last-minute shopping for things we forgot!

Capture memories, not just photos

Yes, we all love taking photos during the holidays—but let's also pause to actually enjoy the moment. Writing a short travel journal, collecting small souvenirs like local postcards or dried flowers, or even recording a short voice memo about how we feel can make the trip more meaningful when we look back.

Let's make our break truly enjoyable

Lykkers, a holiday should refresh us, not exhaust us. Whether we're planning a quick weekend away or a full vacation, the key is keeping it light, flexible, and centered around what brings us joy. So—what kind of break are you craving right now? Share your favorite planning tip or dream destination—we'd love to hear your holiday ideas and inspiration!