Vacation is more than taking time off. It’s taking time away — so you can get closer to what matters most. Whether it’s making memories with your kids, celebrating a milestone with your loved one, or traveling solo with “me” time in mind, every trip with Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare is a chance to step out of your day to day and into something special. See how making a promise to pause while you’re on vacation can help you fully appreciate each moment of your getaway.

 

1. Unplug And Reconnect 

According to a Nielsen report, American adults spend nearly 11 hours a day listening to, watching, reading or interacting with media across a variety of devices — smartphones, computers, tablets and TVs. We’re so tuned in, it makes sense that we may benefit from tuning out from time to time.

Taking a vacation gives you the freedom to go off the grid for a while. It’s your chance to disconnect from devices and unplug from distractions. When you sign off from email, silence the chats and stop the endless scroll of social media, you can connect more deeply to what’s happening around you.

• Leave the gadgets at home. One way to disconnect is to pack fewer devices. It may be a stretch to go completely tech-free these days, but you can always limit what’s in your travel bag.
• Adjust your settings. Turn off push notifications and set your phone’s volume to silent. The less you’re templated to look, the more you can stay present.
• Focus on “me” time. From spa days and yoga classes to hiking and biking, you won’t need to worry about tech if your plans include device-free downtime.

 

2. Plan To Have No Plans 

Amazing things can happen when you let go of a guidebook or set a schedule aside. When you plan to have no plans, you can try to live like a local and let your destination surprise you.

• Stroll around. Avoid scheduling anything for one afternoon. Give yourself 30 minutes or even an hour just to wander. Keep an eye out for charming stores, interesting landmarks and unique restaurants. If something strikes your fancy, give it a try.
• Say hello. Be open to meeting new people. Share a smile, strike up a conversation and connect with a local resident. Instead of searching Google for a dinner recommendation, let an expert give you some ideas. Your new friend could send you to the best craft brewery in San Diego or encourage you to see what’s behind the Little Red Door in Paris.
• Go with the flow. When you’re a planner at heart, the phrase “go with the flow” might seem counterintuitive. But it’s really an invitation. A reminder to embrace spontaneity — so you’re open to new experiences. It’s also a nudge to press pause. Because it’s hard to stay present when you’re rushing from one plan to the next. Sometimes, you can experience more by doing less.

 

3. Keep A Travel Journal 

Experts say that journaling helps you build intention, reflection and mindfulness into your life. By writing down your experiences, you can look back and remember the little moments that made you smile — like the cafe you found in Sedona or the secret waterfall you discovered in Kauai.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Breckenridge, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Las Vegas or road tripping across the United States, a travel journal lets you record memories while they’re fresh in your mind.

Your journal is also a place to save mementos. Tape ticket stubs, postcards or Polaroid pictures to the pages and write captions that capture the moment.

Insider tip: Bring a travel journal on your next trip and pick a time each day to write down a few specific moments that you want to remember.

 

4. Find Your Inner Outsider

Wherever you go, find a way to enjoy the great outdoors. Appreciate the power of the crashing waves on a Florida beach. Sit by the shore in South Lake Tahoe and observe the energy around you. Look up at the sky and search the stars after the sun sets in Sedona.

• Rise above it all. Hike to a trailhead that lets you see the skyline from new heights, like the observation tower at Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Drift away. Make memories as you float, boat and paddle your way through the incredible waterways of Charleston, South Carolina.
• Be amazed. Stand at the edge of wonder as you watch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon. Skip the selfie and take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.

5. Make Your Trip A Retreat

Let vacation move you — in mind, body and spirit. Open the door to the world of wellness travel, and make self-care the main event of your getaway.

• Pamper yourself. Take a spa vacation, and fill your days with hot-stone massages, hydration-boosting facials, therapeutic body treatments, peppermint pedicures and gel manicures.
• Take a break to meditate. Discover a new destination for a rejuvenating retreat that focuses on finding your calm. Surround yourself with breathtaking views, open-air spaces and transformational experiences.
• Find balance. Picture yourself in savasana while you’re on vacation. Look up a local studio and take a class to start your day. Depending on your destination, you may find a yoga class that’s offered on the beach, near a lake, in the mountains or even on a paddleboard.

Take a moment to pause and think about what’s next on your travel wish list. Then read “Try Something New With These 5 Vacation Ideas” to see how you can make the most of every minute on your trips with Hilton Grand Vacations.