Vacations are all about taking it easy and relaxing. Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to find time to rest and rejuvenate, and a vacation offers the chance to disconnect from the rat race and find a little peace and serenity.
But taking a break doesn’t have to mean doing nothing at all. For many, vacations are a chance to express themselves, to have a chance to let their creativity run free and to try something new. A vacation can be a wonderful opportunity to embark on a new creative project, from crafting to upcycling.
So if you are looking for something to do while you wait at the airport or on those long days at sea on your way to the Caribbean, here are some clever ideas that don’t take up too much luggage space!
Bring Along a Craft Kit
A simple and incredibly effective way to unleash your creativity on vacation is with a portable crafting kit. Wherever your getaway takes you, having a few basic crafting tools and materials in your bag means that you’ll be able to take advantage whenever inspiration strikes.
- Scissors, glue, and tape: These are the foundation of any crafting project, giving you the ability to cut and put together a range of different materials.
- Thread and fabric: Whether you want to do a little needlepoint or fix an item of clothing, thread and fabric let you do whatever is necessary.
- Paints, brushes, and small canvases: You might like to try your hand at watercolors or add a fresh coat of paint to a plain box for an upcycling project.
- Old magazines or newspapers: Great for collages and decoupage projects.
Upcycle Found Objects from Your Destination
Upcycled souvenirs are a great way to create vacation mementos and make the memories of your getaway tangible and physical. There is a huge range of fun ways to create interesting keepsakes from found objects from your destination. For example:
- Seashell Art: If you are lucky enough to be vacationing on the beach, then a day of beachcombing and collecting seashells can be a delightful activity. It also gives you the raw materials for creating a number of different vacation souvenirs, from mosaics to pieces of seashell art.
- Driftwood Sculptures: Flotsam and jetsam from wooden containers and even branches and pieces of wood make for delightfully rustic raw materials to create great sculptures and practical items.
- Pebble Coasters: Pebbles worn flat by the rhythm of the waves or from the river bed make great additions to cork or wooden bases to create charming seaside coasters.
- Pinecone Wreaths: Fallen pine cones are great to collect and connect to make wonderful festive wreaths.
- Memory Jars: Grab a mason jar or two and fill them with things you find throughout your adventure, from sand and seashells to other small souvenirs.
- Map Art: Don’t throw away city maps or tourist charts. Iron out the creases and put them in frames or use them to cover notebooks and make a wonderfully personal travel diary!
- Souvenir Magnets: With a bit of glue and a few magnets you can make exquisite pieces of art for your fridge from the most unlikely of knicknacks, from bottle caps to keychains.
A vacation is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in your creative side and find inspiration for upcycling and crafting projects. It’s a great way to add a little purpose to your downtime as well as a chance to create meaningful, memorable souvenirs of your adventures!