Holidays offer a delightful escape from the norms and constraints of everyday life. When we’re on vacation, the usual rules seem to bend, giving us a temporary license to indulge in behaviors that might be deemed inappropriate or eccentric back home. Here are nine things we all tend to do on holiday that we’d never get away with in our day-to-day lives:
1. Unashamed Round-the-Clock Drinking
On holiday, the concept of “morning” seems to lose its significance when it comes to enjoying a drink. Whether it’s starting your day with a mimosa or continuing the party from the night before, drinking becomes a round-the-clock activity. Airports, hotel pools, and beach lounges become acceptable settings for day-drinking, a behavior most wouldn’t dare engage in during a typical workweek.
2. Holiday Fashion Overhaul
Vacation wardrobes are a far cry from our everyday attire. On holiday, we embrace brighter colors, bolder styles, and more revealing outfits. The usual fashion rules are relaxed—bikinis at restaurants and flip-flops for everything are just the beginning. Our holiday fashion choices often make us look like we’ve stepped off the set of a fashion shoot, albeit without the actual followers.
3. Cheeky Cigarettes
For those who usually try to abstain from smoking, holidays are often a time when the rules go out the window. Cigarettes become more tempting, especially when they’re cheaper abroad and the al fresco lifestyle makes smoking seem more acceptable. The sun, sea, and the occasional cocktail often turn us back into smokers, at least for a week or two.
4. Child’s Play
The inner child emerges when we’re on holiday. Activities like trampoline jumping, water gun fights, and slides become irresistible. Even if these activities seem childish, on vacation they’re not only accepted but celebrated. The thrill of behaving like a kid again is one of the joys of taking a break from adulthood.
5. Hotel Entertainment Enthusiast
Hotel entertainment options, from karaoke to line-dancing, often lure us into participating in activities we’d never consider at home. A few cocktails and the anonymity of being far from home can transform us into avid participants in everything from Greek dancing to poolside games, proving that a little holiday spirit goes a long way.
6. Unruly Romance
The holiday romance is a classic trope. Single or attached, many of us find the courage to pursue flings and adventures with people we’d never consider back home. The temporary nature of the holiday, combined with a sense of freedom and detachment, makes it easier to dive into romance and passion without second thoughts.
7. Dessert… After Every Meal
Vacations often come with a license to indulge in sweet treats without guilt. Ice cream at any time of day, after every meal, becomes a norm. Dessert is no longer reserved for special occasions; it’s a daily ritual. Crisps, chocolates, and pastries become essential parts of the daily diet, embraced with unrestrained enthusiasm.
8. Afternoon Delight
With the daily grind temporarily paused, many couples find their intimacy reignited on holiday. The romantic setting of a hotel room and the relaxed schedule lead to an increase in spontaneous and frequent intimate moments. From morning to evening, the holiday environment fosters a more adventurous and passionate connection.
9. Carefree Attitude
Ultimately, holidays are about letting go of daily stresses and embracing a carefree attitude. The usual concerns and constraints are set aside, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the joy and spontaneity of the vacation experience. Whether it’s about enjoying a cocktail at dawn or indulging in an afternoon nap, the holiday mindset is all about living in the moment.
In essence, holidays provide the perfect backdrop for shedding our usual inhibitions and enjoying life’s little pleasures without the usual constraints of our everyday routines.