The day finally arrives, and they get on the plane headed for paradise. They arrive at that gorgeous hotel, unpack, beat the jet lag, and… Now what?

This is one mistake many people make when making preparations for their well-deserved getaways. They plan out every detail, except for how to spend their time once they get there. Some people think that they’ll be able to “wing it”, and they fail to realize that quite a few activities require advanced booking.

If you truly want to get the most out of your vacation, you definitely need to consider the itinerary ahead of time. Everyone has different tastes and personal interests. Almost every destination can offer something that will appeal to even the pickiest participant. Don’t be afraid to choose your destination based on your interests, and to try a few new things while you’re there. Whether it’s native artwork or snorkeling in Punta Cana that sparks your interest- consider some of these tropical leisure activities.

Live Entertainment

If you’re going to a resort, there’s a very good chance that they offer some kind of live entertainment. This can be everything from a touring pop star, to a local band that’s famous for dance music. There are other types of shows that can incorporate magic acts, live animal shows, and a plethora of other options. Some resorts include the admission to all of their live entertainment in the price of your stay. This is one thing you need to be sure to inquire about when booking your stay. It’s also a good idea to ask your travel agent or concierge about local attractions or shows that you may want to book advance tickets for.

Water Sports

This covers quite a few different activities. There are jet skis included in many resort packages. It’s a good idea to call ahead of time to figure out if they have enough of these available for all interested guests. Some resorts will let you reserve water vehicles ahead of time, others operate on a first come first serve basis. Leave several spots in your schedule open to water sports in general. This way, even if the jet skis aren’t available at one time- you’ll have another opportunity to use them.

Other popular water sports include skiing, surfing, wake boarding, swimming, and other variations on these. Some resorts offer parasailing, but you’ll need to book this ahead of time (more than likely).

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

These are sometimes considered water sports, but they can definitely stand alone. Snorkeling allows you to breathe through a tube while keeping your face submerged in the water. You then propel yourself gently through the water with fins while enjoying the view from your mask. This is a fantastic way for the whole family to enjoy a view of the underwater wildlife. Snorkeling doesn’t require any special licenses, and is fairly safe for confident swimmers. Some people require higher end equipment, and it’s a good idea to ask the resort if they offer anything.

Scuba Diving requires a certain amount of training and special licensing. You will have to receive your certification from a licensed scuba instructor, because of the potential danger that comes with submerging oneself completely. This type of diving allows you to get up close and personal with the underwater landscape. You’ll have an oxygen tank that enables you to spend an extended period of time underwater, and you may have the option of exploring more remote attractions.