Vacation is a time to try something out of the ordinary that you have never done before. Whether you are going camping in the Poconos or tanning on Horseshoe Island, there’s a spontaneous activity that can be done anywhere. While a spontaneous activity doesn’t have to be as extreme as skydiving, it should make your vacation more memorable and enjoyable, or something that makes you feel “alive”.

1. Watch the sunrise or sunset
When at home, when have you ever thought of waking up at 5:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise in your neighborhood? Or, even thought enough to sit outside and watch the sunset after dinner? But, the beach is the perfect place to do so, especially on vacation. Watching the vivid colors of the sunrise by the ocean waves or the pink sunset by the bay is a perfect way to begin or end a vacation. Be sure to Google the sunrise or sunset times on your phone so that you don’t miss it and aren’t rushing!

© Philippe Rouzet

2. Try a new type of cuisine
You’re probably used to eating the same dishes at restaurants when on vacation. Whether it’s chicken parm from an Italian restaurant or cheeseburger and fries from a diner, it’s easy to get tired of your diet. On your next getaway, try a Thai or Vietnamese restaurant. Even if you’re a picky eater, you may surprise yourself and find a new favorite dish that you want to cook when you get home!

© Kimisho Wota

3. Go for a jog along the beach or boardwalk
If you’re a runner or someone who likes to work out, going for a run on the beach or boardwalk early in the morning is the most peaceful experience. While listening to the sound of the ocean waves, tasting the salt in the air and hearing the squawking of the seagulls, it’s impossible to not fall in love with the atmosphere. If you don’t like to jog, no worries–go for a tranquil walk along the boardwalk or try some beach yoga. It’s the best way to escape reality, since it won’t be crowded as it normally is during the afternoon.

© Freezing Mariner

4. Hike up the nearest mountain
Are you vacationing in a woodsy area? If so, there is likely a mountain nearby that is an excellent place to hike. In order to be prepared, make sure that you take a look at a trail map or even bring one with you. Trails in the Poconos Mountains, for example, can be confusing and it can be easy to get lost. Also, make sure to bring bug spray, water and, most importantly, a camera to savor these memorable moments.

© Nicholas A. Tonelli

5. Explore the nearest city
Staying a half hour outside of The Windy City? Don’t miss the opportunity to experience those city vibes, especially if you are a country or suburbs person. Any city in the United States, whether it’s Chicago, Manhattan or Philadelphia, has endless amounts of parks, museums and statues that are worth visiting. The city is always bustling with exotic people and smells. Cities tend to be diverse, which gives one an opportunity to experience a variety of different cultures, foods and languages. If you’re staying near Chicago, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Cloud Gate or the Shedd Aquarium.

© Shelby L. Bell

6. Go to a museum
Museums may seem boring to some, but they can be interactive and allow visitors to learn about the history of the specific location. Art museums, particularly contemporary art ones, can be surprisingly breathtaking if you visit the right ones. For example, if you’re visiting Los Angeles, The Broad is a must-see. It’s a contemporary art museum that offers free general admission to visitors, which makes it affordable to tourists.

© Dave Pinter

7. Try kayaking or jetskiing
Kayaking or jetskiing can be the cherry on top of a fabulous vacation down the shore. Kayaking certainly involves a hardcore upper body workout, but it’s worth every second if you’re up for a challenge! For the first-time kayaking, it’s best to try it with at least one other person to prevent exhaustion. If you’re getting into shape or just want a unique experience, kayaking or jetskiing are perfect activities that don’t require a boating license to participate in.

© Lynne Hand

8. Splurge on souvenirs
Prior to going on vacation, set up a vacation fund to splurge on souvenirs for not only yourself, but for friends and family. Sending a postcard to a friend or relative allows you to share your experience with them, as well as encourage others to visit the same place you are visiting. If you’re visiting New York City, the Daily Visitor Center and Gift Shop in Central Park is an iconic place that allows you to remember your trip to the “Big Apple”. It’s located towards the southern end of the park and offers a variety of clothing, magnets, keychains and so on. Although it’s pricy, like most gift shops, it’s worth every penny!

© Frankie Leon

9. Create a scrapbook
For your next vacation, invest in a digital or Polaroid camera, rather than simply taking pictures on an iPhone. This way, you can print out your photos and keep them as handheld memories. Write the date of your photos on the back of them. Go the extra mile and create a scrapbook which each page dedicated to a different trip you go on. You can look back at things like this for years to come!

© Chieko Y.

10. Do something spontaneous
Spontaneous can be taken any way you want it to. If you’re visiting Spain or another European country stay out clubbing all night. Parties in Europe last forever! Do something that you would never do at home. Risk taking is a part of life. You don’t want to look back 20 years later and regret not rock climbing or going to the beach at 2 a.m. Make the most of every trip!

© David Alvarez Lopez