People often are eager to get to their favorite restaurant or activity right away when they're on vacation, but that actually can work against maximizing your enjoyment. Memories of a great first day will have faded by the end of the trip but not before making everything else that follows seem a little less special. Research by Dan Ariely, PhD, author of Predictably Irrational, suggests that how you feel on the last day of your trip colors your impression of the overall experience. So don't hang around your hotel on the last day. Make that day a fun, fulfilling one.

More secrets to a great vacation from Dr. Ariely, Pauline Frommer—and others:

• Surprising Secrets to a Great Vacation
• When Different Generations Travel Together
• My Favorite Vacation—Travel Experts Reveal a Trip They’ll Always Remember

One of the best ways to get to know a new city is to take a walking tour. Walking tours usually cover smaller areas than bus tours and move at a slower pace, making it easier to ask a guide questions. Some cover an interesting aspect of a city—such as the architecture or famous movie locations—and you’ll take in sights most tourists don’t know to seek out. Others focus on particular areas such as the High Line in New York City or the Navy Pier in Chicago. To find a walking tour, Google the city you plan to visit and the phrase “walking tours.” You’ll even get in a little exercise!

For more fun and unusual tours, including urban boat tours, food tours and even great tours for solo travelers:

• Five Great City Boat Tours
• Culinary Tours from Coast to Coast
• Wonderful Tours for Solo Travelers
• Tour the Homes of Your Favorite Famous Authors

We are just about a month into 2013. Have you planned your vacations or your time off yet? Whether you plan to travel or take a “staycation,” taking time off does you a world of good, allowing you to relax and recharge. So…start thinking ahead. Even the process of planning the vacation is in itself pleasurable. And getting the dates on the calendar will give you something to look forward to.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, chances are you have memories of this day that go way back. You might remember madly opening gifts under the tree…going by car to visit relatives or friends…or taking a walk with your family. One holiday memory we love: A Bottom Line Publications editor told us about a Christmas afternoon when she was a child. The neighbors had taken out the morning trash—and the wind whipped up...and the air became blustery with swirling bits of tinsel…ribbons and bows…and colorful wrapping paper. The children in the neighborhood ran across lawns and sidewalks to gather the airborne treasures. Have a wonderful day, everyone.