5 Lazy Vacation Moments That Actually Make You Smarter

Vacations are made for slow mornings, long walks, and unapologetically doing nothing. And honestly, it's absolutely fine to unwind and forget about completing tasks on your to-do list. However, there are moments when you don't care about missing something or feeling unproductive, but you're bored. What then? How can you entertain yourself during your long-awaited vacation at the pool, on the beach, or while sightseeing your dream town?

The thing is, you can turn the lazy vacation moments into brain-boosting opportunities by listening to book summaries, podcasts, brain games, and even small talks. No worries, we've already prepared five effortless activities that slip right into your vacation to-do list and can secretly make you smarter. Snuggle up and discover these ideas below. Oh, and don't forget to jot them down on your next vacation packing list. So, let's begin!

#1 Pool or beach reading 

You know that moment when you're lying in a comfy deck chair, sipping an ice-cold beverage? You've taken a few dips in the pool and reapplied sunscreen, but now you get that "what now" feeling. Oh yeah! A book would add some relaxing vibes to this scene. 

Focus on readings that entertain with substance: memoirs, essays, narrative non-fiction, romances, and stories about different cultures. How about starting with a summary of Erin Meyer's 'The Culture Map?'

It takes only 15 minutes to dive into a summary and get to know about different countries and their cultures. Then you can jump into the refreshing water, lie back on your pool float, and move on to the bestselling memoir 'Born in Crime' by Trevor Noah. Don't forget more sunscreen!

This mix of activities will entertain you now and help you get back on track with a wealth of exciting knowledge. 

#2 Crosswords and puzzles for fun on the go

You know that feeling when you're stuck on a long flight or train ride? You're excited about your destination, but right now you're just waiting, feeling bored to tears. Your phone battery is precious, reading makes you dizzy, and you've already watched two mediocre movies.

All hope is for simple brain games: 

• Crossword puzzles involve guessing words or phrases that lead to the answers.

• Sudoku puzzles are about filling in numbers so each row, column, and box has 1 to 9 without repeats.

•  Word puzzles ask you to figure out or spot words using clues or patterns.

• Nonograms (Griddlers) have you fill in squares to uncover a hidden picture, using number hints for each row and column.

You can pick these up almost anywhere. They are lightweight, don't need Wi-Fi, and won't drain your phone.

Mind games give your brain a gentle workout while you're basically doing nothing productive. Crosswords boost your vocabulary, Sudoku sharpens logical thinking, word puzzles help with pattern recognition, and Nonograms boost cognitive development and language learning. 

And the one thing that unites them all is the fact that they make those endless hours literally fly by. So, pack a small puzzle book in your carry-on or download some brain game apps before you lose signal. Trust us, your future self, stuck in that seat for hours, will be grateful.

#3 Audio adventures for walking moments

When is the best time to listen to all those saved podcast episodes and book summaries? Exactly, during longer hikes or brisk city wandering! There's something magical about walking that unlocks your brain's potential. Maybe it's the rhythm, maybe it's the fresh air, but your mind becomes a sponge for new ideas when you're moving. 

Walking actually helps your brain process information better. This is why your best thoughts often come during walks, and why pacing helps you think through problems. So you're not just killing time but creating the perfect conditions for learning. 

Your feet do the work while your mind explores new knowledge through 15-minute summaries on the Headway app. Imagine you can absorb the key insights from bestsellers like 'Atomic Habits' or 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' at your extended sightseeing stroll, walk to the beach, or people watching at a café.

With your earbuds popped in, such a casual moment turns into a learning adventure with no tension, just sincere curiosity. Plus, when you get back home and someone asks about your trip, you'll have fascinating stories and new knowledge to share.

#4 Words and phrases for small talk with locals

Isn't it great to know how to say 'hello' and 'thank you' in the regional language? And it goes further than just politeness. People are more inclined to help, guide, or go the extra mile for someone who's made the smallest attempt to meet them halfway.

Undoubtedly, it melts the hearts of the locals, especially shopkeepers, waitstaff, and hotel clerks, who respond not to fluency but to effort. Even a single phrase can break down barriers, spark smiles, and invite generosity. 

Moreover, this chit-chat moment will raise emotions that will help new words anchor in your memory. Knowledge like this will stay with you for ages, and you'll never know when you can benefit from pulling those simple words out at the right moment. 

So the simple advice here is to get ready beforehand, or go with the flow and learn the new language in an indigenous environment. You can use small talk at the counter or your table to learn 'how much?' or 'goodbye' in the local language. If you feel embarrassed to ask, Google Translate or AI tools are at the ready.

#5 Stories for still moments

When you find yourself doing absolutely nothing, don't immediately grab your phone to check what's going on across social media — unless you want to read all those exciting comments under your vacation post. Instead, let your mind wander and notice different people and objects around you to make up your story. 

Observing a crying baby or a breathtaking view can ignite your imagination with twisting plots about events that happened centuries ago at this place or things that may happen in the future. 

Without the usual distractions, work tension, to-do lists, and constraints, your mind can work however it wants. Your imagination practices ways to make unexpected connections between things you currently see. With this new skill obtained during your boredom, you'll learn to generate ideas, solve problems you've been mulling over, or develop creative insights about projects back home.

Grow your way 

Next time you pack your bags, leave space not just for souvenirs but also for new thoughts, stories, and brilliant little discoveries. Who knew relaxing could be this effective? Opt for lazy activities in line with your preferences and see how you can sharpen your mind even if you don't aim for it.