The mid-year slump tends to get the better of everyone - things have gotten a little monotonous and you find yourself in need of an adventure. Stress build-up, burnout and anxiety are just some of the problems you may face if you don’t listen to your needs. While it may help to take a day off and pamper yourself, a longer and more intentional break will keep you feeling motivated throughout the year.

In a recent nationwide survey* conducted by the Singapore government, it was found that 2 in 5 Singaporeans experience mental health issues. Most of the survey respondents also felt that the effects of mental health illnesses were often dismissed or undermined. So, if you’ve been feeling a little more burnt out lately, don’t ignore these feelings. It may be time to go on a two-week trip (out of town) to recharge.

Finding a destination to suit your travel needs can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Travel aficionados we spoke to recommended making a checklist of what you want to do when you’re on vacation.

To start off, these three preliminary questions can help make things clearer for you.

• Do you want to spend time outdoors in nature or are you looking to immerse yourself in culture and history?
• What’s your budget?
• Are you planning to shop a lot while traveling?

If you managed to answer them clearly and without much hesitation - congratulations, you can now start planning your next holiday.

But if you’re still lost, we’ve got you covered. Nature lovers will love trekking or hiking through the vast forests of North America. Some of the most rewarding hiking trails can be found in Canada - head to Banff or Cape Breton for stunning sunrise views. And if you’re adventurous enough, book yourself a white-water rafting session during the warmer seasons.

If you’ve visited multiple European cities and want to experience a totally different culture, Morocco and Egypt are your next best bets. Marrakech, Morocco, has a host of riad hotels for you to experience the medina’s vibrant culture. Riad hotels are mostly restored medina mansions, which were expansive homes found in Morocco’s old cities, perfect for you to lounge in after a day of exploring. These hotels typically boast luxurious interiors that echo Morocco’s rich history. Think: Curved beams, tiled floors and private pools. 

When you’ve chosen your ideal location, you may feel the urge to make a full-blown list of travel plans. But keep in mind that impromptu decisions on a trip often lead to some of the best memories made. Plus, you don’t want to feel like you’re always rushing because that would defeat the purpose of intentionally taking a break.

Don’t schedule things by the hour. Instead, space out your must-dos throughout the time you’re there. Check just one item off your list each day and give yourself time to explore surrounding shops or towns. For the foodies, exploring small towns by foot is the best way to discover local delicacies. And if you fancy going for a cooking class, you’ll be able to book one without being tied down by too many plans.

We’ve saved the most practical segment for the last - packing. You should first gather items that’ll cover your basic needs and can be easily adapted according to the climate of where you’re headed. And while travel basics may be common knowledge, there are also travel-hack items that’ll keep you feeling comfortable and relaxed throughout the trip.

If you’re traveling solo, you’ll probably have lull periods like long train rides and queuing for an exhibition. Something that’ll prevent you from feeling awkward or out-of-place would be a pair of portable headphones. A pair that has adjustable noise cancellation and customisation, like the AONIC 40 Noise Cancelling Headphones from SHURE, will allow you to tune in to your surroundings whenever you need while enjoying studio-quality sounds tailored to your preferences.

And there’s no better way to record your memories than to turn your snapshots and video clips into a fun vlog. You don’t have to be intimidated by massive and complicated camera gear when it comes to vlogging. Instead, make use of what you already have - your smartphone. Simply attach your phone to the SHURE MV88+ portable audio and video recording kit and you’re ready to roll. This set provides users with a powerful microphone that will capture good quality audio even when you’re shooting at a location with heavy background noise. It’s also compact yet robust, ensuring that you’ll get quality footage of the milestones (like climbing a mountain to catch the sunrise) you hit on your trip.

For more electronic must-haves to take on your next vacation, browse SHURE’s full collection.

*The mental health survey was conducted by the People’s Action Party as part of the #BetterTogether mental wellness initiative and the results were released in April 2022.

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