Five Ways to Spend More Time Near the Water on Your Next Vacation
Not all vacations are created equal. Beach vacations have been shown to reduce stress. Simply gazing out into a blue space is enough to reduce psychological distress.
That’s a great reason to book your next vacation near the ocean, but you don’t have to spend your time next to the waves in order to enjoy the positive effects of a beach vacation. Any blue space will do, which means lakes, rivers, and even ponds are great places to spend time on a vacation!
That means that you don’t have to stay in a cabin on the water or swim in the ocean to enjoy the benefits of the world’s H2O. Here are some tips on how to spend more time in the water on your next vacation, no matter where you’re staying.
Hop on a Showboat
When you think of vacationing near the water, you probably envision yourself spending plenty of time swimming, but you don’t have to be in a swimsuit to spend time on the water. Find a showboat and you can enjoy the views from a comfortable deck!
For example, The General Jackson Showboat Cruise floats down the Cumberland River, allowing you to see the beauty of downtown Nashville and local wildlife. It also features your choice of shows and delicious meals, so you’ll be full and entertained while you enjoy the water.
Not vacationing in Nashville? No problem! Many areas with lakes and rivers offer some kind of showboat option that will allow you to enjoy the water without having to get into a swimsuit.
Learn How to Drive a Boat
Have you ever driven a boat before? If not, your vacation is a great time to give it a try!
The best place to learn is on a calm body of water, like a lake. Many large lakes have marinas that rent boats for the day, or you can find a local who is willing to take you out on their boat for a lesson.
Does that thought of driving a boat sound a little overwhelming? Consider a smaller motorized watercraft, like a jet ski!
Spend a Day on a Local Beach Without Getting into the Water
Whether on the ocean or next to the lake, your instinct is to get in your swimsuit and jump in. That’s undoubtedly a great way to spend time in the water on vacation, but it isn’t the only way you can enjoy the water.
There are lots of things you can do on the beach! Just a few ideas include:
- Build a sandcastle
- Collect seashells and driftwood
- Pack a picnic lunch or dinner
- Play a game of Frisbee or volleyball
- Read a book
- Take a walk
- Watch the sunrise or sunset
Go Fishing
Going fishing is another great way to spend time on the water during your next vacation! You can cast a line into a pond, find a cozy spot on the dock of a lake, or charter a boat to take you out on the ocean. You can bring your own pole or you can find local shops that rent poles for the day.
Why is fishing such a great way to spend time on the water? It comes with some great benefits that include:
- It is a surprising way to get some exercise, especially if you’re using a weighted line or fly fishing.
- It’s a nutritious way to source your next meal when you’re on vacation.
- It’s a great way to reduce stress and make deeper connections with friends and family.
Exercise on the Water
Swimming in the water is the obvious way to get a little exercise, but treading water and practicing your freestyle can get boring after a while. Why not find other ways to get a little exercise on the water?
There are many different human-powered watercraft that will help you work every major muscle group.
Rent a canoe or a kayak to give your arms a workout, give your legs a workout in a paddle boat, or get a full-body workout in a rowboat. Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to find unique human-powered contraptions, like hand-cranked submarines!
Whether you’re staying right on the ocean or you want to spend one day of your vacation near the calming waters of a lake, there are many ways you can make the most of your time on the shore and in the water when you follow these tips.
