3 Ways to Make Your Vacation More Enjoyable

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Considering that we only have so much time off from work — and that family vacations aren’t exactly cheap, it’s imperative to make sure you enjoy that sacred time as much as possible.

Here are three strategies to relax, disengage and make the most of limited vacation time.

Manage your expectations

Studies have shown that the people of Denmark are among the happiest in the world — and that this satisfaction is partially attributed to their low expectations about what’s to come. Thus, they find themselves “pleasantly surprised” when life brings them joy.

Hope for a good trip, rather than anticipating you’re in for the best week of your entire life. This will help to curb disappointment if things don’t go perfectly, and may even inspire you to create a fun plan B in case you run into less-than-ideal vacation conditions.

Detox from your devices

If really need a computer while you’re away, then bring it. But if you can leave something behind, do. Your brain, and travel companions, will probably thank you for it.

Besides, without a device to distract you, you’ll have easier time letting go of your “real life” and tuning in to those can’t-miss-moments like a beautiful Ocean City sunset.

Pack like a pro

Don’t get worn out before you even leave. Use a basic packing list as you prepare for your trip. Joan Didion, for example, would keep a packing list taped inside her closet during her years of steady reporting and traveling. And you don’t even have to create it yourself:

Whether you’re journeying on a warm-weather weekend, a month-long holiday, or a four-day Inca trail hike on Machu Picchu, there’s a list here for you to reference.

Pet Friendly Attractions

A family-vacation does not have to mean leaving a pet behind. There are plenty of dog approved areas on Delmarva.

Also, be sure to click here to view our pet-friendly vacation rentals, or call 410-289-8531 to speak with one of our travel experts.

 
  • Ocean City Dog Playground, Ocean City
  • Northside Park, Ocean City
  • Dewey Beach
  • Assateague National Seashore, Assateague
  • Fenwick Island State Park, Fenwick Island
  • Bethany Beach
  • Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach
  • Junction and Breakwater Trail, Dewey Beach
  • Cinema by the Surf, Rehoboth Beach

Dog Friendly Restaurants

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There are dozens of restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables.

Need help deciding where to eat? Check out the list below for some pet-friendly eateries. Also, be sure to click here to view our pet-friendly vacation rentals, or call 410-289-8531 to speak with one of our travel experts.

 
  • Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill
  • Micky Fins Bar & Grill
  • Bayside Skillet
  • Dumser’s Drive-In
  • The Greene Turtle
  • Malia’s Café
  • Fish Tales
  • Angler Restaurant
  • MR Ducks
  • Sunset Grille
  • Frog Bar
  • Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill
  • Anthony’s Carryout
  • Little Leo’s American & Mediterranean Kitchen
  • Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen

Countdown to Spring!

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Daylight saving time 2015 will begin on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 a.m. That means it’s time to spring forward!

For most, daylight saving time is an exciting sign of spring that comes with a slightly sleepy Monday, but let’s look at a bright side – it’s going to put us one hour closer to Friday, March 20, 2015, the official first day of the Spring!

Count down to spring!

I WANT my toes in the water

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This extreme winter with the single digit temperatures even here in Ocean City, MD has really left me wanting my toes in the water and ass in the sand…

Zac Brown Band:
I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today. Life is good today.
Well, the plane touched down just about 3 o’clock
And the city’s still on my mind
Bikinis and palm trees danced in my head
I was still in the baggage line
Concrete and cars are their own prison bars like this life I’m living in
But the plane brought me farther.
I’m surrounded by water
And I’m not going back again

I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today. Life is good today.

Listen to it  HERE

 

Surviving the winter blues

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Think of this approach as a survival guide for the remainder of the winter season. Plan your summer get-away now! It’s a way to channel soothing, summery thoughts during the big chill of winter. Being in a warm house while reading a travel guide or calling up all of these exotic destination photos online is a great way to spend a cold, dreary day. Besides, anticipation is half the enjoyment. The sooner you plan, the longer you have to look forward to your trip.”

Vacation Payment Plan

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Another way to pay piecemeal is through vacation payment plan. But you can’t do this if you procrastinate!

You can put a small deposit to confirm the reservation and pay the remainder over time, interest-free. The earlier you book, the more time you have to pay.

Why plan your summer vacation now?

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The winter holidays are over, and you’re bracing for the cold months ahead. Sounds like a perfect time to think about … that big summer beach getaway?

Whatever your destination, you should start your planning now to discover great deals, sock away funds and ensure that you have made all the required arrangements so you can enjoy a memorable summer break in a locale you have always wanted to visit.

This is especially true if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to stop procrastinating and missing out on great opportunities. You can never start too soon in researching discounts and deals for your next summer trip!

Here 8 reasons WHY you should start making your plans now:

Early birds get the deals

It’s smart to start saving early

Some destinations let you pay in early installments

You’ll be able to travel together with loved ones

You can save on lodging

You’ll have time to arrange pet-care services or find pet friendly accommodations

You’ll get the most out of your experience

You’ll have something to look forward to

Does the cold weather make you dream of the summer vacation?

Hooray! It’s yet another snow day!

Here are some few simple tips of how to stay warm and safe while you’re dreaming of a sunny & hot get-away just a few months away..

Layer up!

Dressing in layers is the best way to stay warm and toasty in the cold, because you can start out with lots of clothes to keep you warm and then peel them off once you start to heat up.

Top it off!

You’re all bundled up and ready to go, but are you forgetting something? Pull a hat onto your head! You’ll stay much warmer with a hat than without one — tons of body heat escapes right from your head. Scarves, face masks, and earmuffs are also great at covering you up so you’ll stay comfortable longer.

And don’t forget mittens or gloves — the waterproof kind are best if you know you’ll be playing around a lot in the snow. Keeping your hands warm and dry is important because fingers are very sensitive to the cold.

Drink it up!

Sounds like advice for hot weather, not cold weather, right? Well, the truth is that it’s good advice for both kinds of weather. When you’re outside in the cold and breathing hard, you lose a lot of your body’s water through your breath. And the best way to get that water back is to drink up!

Warm drinks and soups keep you hydrated and heat up your insides when it’s cold outside. Plus, stopping to have something warm to drink has two other bonuses: first, it makes you go inside and get warm for a few minutes while you’re drinking; and second, it makes you go inside and get warm for a few minutes while you’re using the bathroom later!

Take it easy!

Sometimes if you’re out having fun, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to your body. But if your body temperature drops even 4 or 5 degrees while you’re outside, it can make you feel crummy.

That’s why you need to be alert to your body’s signals. If you’re starting to shiver or your teeth are chattering, it’s a message from your body that you need to head inside. And if you ever feel dizzy or weak, those are sure signs that you have to take it easy indoors for a while.

Keeping an eye on other kids can help make things safe. If it looks like a friend is shivering and really cold, suggest that you take a break inside together. You can both warm up while planning your summer “escapes” and then head back outside for more fun.