What to do during those sun-filled, warm, breezy days…

Aside from all the standard things to do while on an island holiday (lucky fish, you!) such as sunbathing, toting a cute sarong and enjoying the sensation of sand on your feet, there are other fun ideas to add to your summer bucket (and spade) list.

Savour foreign cuisine

When you vacation in Mauritius, there is ample opportunity to savour foreign fare, from the amazing local cuisine to a fusion of international fare. By trying something new, and being as adventurous as your soul determines, you may just happen upon your next favourite dish! Depending on your destination, the choices are as varied as the landscape. Don’t know what to try first? Check out the Weird Food Bucket List: 60 Strange Foods From Around the World.

Enjoy a picnic!

There are plenty coves and beaches in any of the Indian Ocean islands, so how about packing a traditional basket (and cooler box) with your favourite picnic foods and enjoy the feast along with the amazing weather?

Some resorts will even help you here, so investigate their offerings, or go local and buy your goodies from the markets on the island. There is bound to be a variety of cheeses and fruits ready to be complemented (if that’s your thing) with the meat of your choice and a bottle of wine.

So lay down that brightly coloured sarong and enjoy the scenery and smell of ozone. Nothing more inviting!

Take to the road

All of the Indian Ocean islands have spectacular scenery and most of the resorts offer day trips into the hinterland to explore this. So, either take up the tour option or pick a spot on the map, get in your hire car and just drive. Very few activities in this busy world are as fulfilling as taking a jaunt in the car (or on a bicycle, for that matter) either solo or with your best friends.

Make a list of the things you would like to see and along the way, ensure that your phone is fully charged for all those photo opportunities, take plenty of water and snacks (or trail food if you are cycling) and open up your horizons!

Disconnect…

Scary thought I know, but try going 24 Hours without internet, radio or television while on holiday…

To help you through the withdrawal symptoms, maybe sleep out under the stars, whether it be on your hotel’s balcony or on the beach (check for security and access warnings first!); sit and read a good book; actually talk to your friends and family vis-à-viz, play a board game or do a family puzzle together while recovering from a day out in the sun.

Holidays can be exhausting, but before long, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this ‘down time’ to recoup and regroup for the next foray.

A Random Act of Kindness

While on holiday, sometimes it’s a good opportunity to take a look around you and register what the ‘locals’ do to maintain the lifestyle that you can enjoy while on holiday…

Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling and caring things you could ever do, more so when there is no reward in mind for yourself.

Often the islanders are living frugally, so a small luxury that they wouldn’t be able to afford normally — like an item of clothing (a T-shirt or shorts), a chocolate bar or a can of cooldrink — may be well received. Try it. You may be surprised at the ‘reward’ you get, like a sunny smile and maybe an offer to show you a ‘secret’ or less commonly visited part of the island. Local is (always) ‘lekker’.

Whatever you decide on for your bucket list (no matter how big or small) enjoy, and make lasting memories to fill that bucket with!