Enjoying some free time at the beach is not only a matter of sunbeds and beach umbrellas. If you take the time to look around you, you will see that spending hours in the water is just one activity among others in the bunch of possibilities that stand before you. What beach fellow are you?
Half past 2. You booked your sunbed and sunshade. You put your sun cream. You are not too far away from the water, and you spend your time lying on your sunbed and swimming in the fresh water of your vacation location. It is a good way to enjoy one’s holidays, of course. It could be even better if you catch all the opportunities that surround you.
The first one is the thirst/hunger call. Street vendors know it. They will come close to you to propose you fresh mussels (especially in Istanbul, Turkey) or anything to drink. If you do not see any of them, do not panic and just go to the closest bar/restaurant at the beach to get your local beer and appetizers.
The second one is a calm activity: reading, thinking over, taking a nap, whatever can relax you and take you far away from the daily routine and professional life that you live 80% of the year. Take a moment to consider things differently and ensure that you can also enjoy yourself even when getting back to work. Life is not split between holidays/chilling and work/stressful moments. Life is short, and we did not come to earth to enjoy only 5 weeks of vacation in the year.
What else? Talking to strangers is another activity you should try if the opportunity stands before you. Locals and tourists stand everywhere and, if the situation leads you to a discussion with a random guy without any special purpose, you could come across a good surprise. Trips offer friendships, meetings and recollections.
One last thing if you are travelling with your children: the sea is filled up with activities dedicated to the little ones. Enjoy yourself seeing them chilling out, this is still the best activity for a parent!
Guillaume Mahot