Many of us invest valuable time, energy and money planning our vacations. We do this because we know for sure that going on vacations must be good for us. Research proves this feeling without a doubt. Vacations help us perform better at work, improve our sleep quality and cushion us against depression.

Yet, despite these benefits, many of us return home with a feeling that our last vacation was OK — but not great. In order to change this, some mistakes should be avoided. A classic one for vacation planners is attempting to maximize value for money by planning trip s that have too many components (组成部分). Perhaps you’re planning a trip to Europe, seven cities in 10 days, and you realize it will cost only a little more to add two more destinations to the list. It sounds fine in theory, but hopping from one place to the next hardly gives an opportunity to experience what psychologists call mindfulness — time to take in our new surroundings, time to be present and absorb our travel experiences. Another mistake is that we worry too much about strategic issues such as how to find a good flight deal, how to get from A to B, or which destinations to add or subtract from our journey. These issues may seem important, but our psychological state of mind is far more important.

Actually, vacation happiness is based on the following top rules. First, choose your travel companions wisely, because nothing contributes more significantly to a trip than the right companions. Second, don’t spend your vacation time in a place where everything is too expensive so as to keep a positive mood. Third, shop wisely, for meaningful experiences provide more long-term happiness than physical possessions.

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Dreaming of summer picnics filled with family and fun? We’ve come up with 4 of the top picnic areas across the US.

Cumberland Islands, Georgia

Just a few hours south of Savannah, this national seashore is a wonderful picnic place. It’s an unspoiled place in the Deep South with over 50 miles of hiking trails (小径). Covered in Spanish moss, the trails are lined with trees and since it’s still a rural area, the stars line up for a grand show at night and create the perfect evening starlit picnic opportunity.

Grant Park, Chicago

If you are looking for delicious food in Chicago, go for a taste of a 20-day, lake-front, foodie festival that happens in October each year. Grab a spot near the fountain to enjoy your picnic, appreciate the city scenery and lake views and relax with family and friends. If you are there on July 4th, be sure to plan the day to include the fireworks display at the Navy Pier.

Cranberry Islands, Maine

Here, you’ll enjoy natural picnics with island views. The islands are a delightful group of islands about 20 minutes offshore from Acadia National Park. You can visit the islands by private boat or ferry service. Bring a picnic basket along for the ride as it’s a romantic picnic area to take your special someone or go for a family outing to visit the islands.

Big Sur, California

The Point Lobos State Reserve is a small gem. Besides the coastal wildlife there are rare plant communities, and unique geological formations. It’s good to have a picnic there. We recommend bringing a telescope, because much of the wildlife can be seen only at a distance.

Winter is a cost-effective and less-crowded time to explore China. And Harbin is one of China’s prime winter destinations. The Ice and Snow Festival is undoubtedly Harbin’s most famous attraction. The official opening ceremony is usually on January 5th each year, but the biggest venue (场所) Harbin Ice and Snow World is open from December 17th, 2022.The festival will last for around 2 months from late December to February. During the festival, Harbin is changed into a world of ice sculptures.

Fanciful and delicate ice and snow sculptures in the shapes of animals, plants, buildings or motifs (图案) taken from legends shine in the freezing air in three main venues.

Harbin Ice and Snow World—a colorful “Ice Disneyland”

Sun Island—snow sculpture exposition

Zhaolin Park—small but lovely ice lanterns

Click here to check 1-Day Harbin Ice and Snow Fairyland Tour for a cost-effective tour with less crowds.

Winter trips to Harbin often include the Siberian Tiger Park and nearby Yabuli Ski Resort (3 hours’ drive from Harbin), and a trip to see the fascinating rime (雾凇) scenery of Changbaishan Mountain.

Click here to get inspiration from 7-Day Harbin, China Snow Town, and Changbai Mountain Tour or 6-Day Harbin Ice Festival and Yabuli Ski Resort Tour. Both could be tailor made to meet your interests and schedule.

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