If you’re taking a short vacation of just a few days, and you’re a super planner, chances are, you already know what you’re going to do every minute of every day. If you have a longer vacation planned, or you’re not really known for your planning skills, you’ll likely have the opposite problem—time to kill.

The fact is, most of us have at least some downtime on vacation. That can be a great thing! It can provide you with a little time to take a nap or sit by the pool, but it can also leave you feeling bored, which is one thing you don’t want to feel while you’re on vacation.

If you’ve got a couple of hours to kill, and you aren’t exactly sure how to do it, these tips are for you.

Book a Last-Minute Show

Many people book shows and purchase tickets to events before they even get there. It’s a great way to make sure you have everything you need before you get to your final destination, but don’t think just because you didn’t buy tickets ahead of time that there aren’t plenty of last-minute things to do!

For example, you can easily get a last-minute ticket to the Smoky Mountain Opry Variety Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, should you be vacationing in the area. It features two hours of dancing, singing, comedy, and more.

Most large cities and popular vacation destinations have plenty of shows to choose from, and booking them at the last minute isn’t necessarily more expensive either. As a matter of fact, many shows want to sell as many tickets as they can, which means they get cheaper and cheaper as showtime approaches!

Send Old-Fashioned Postcards to Friends and Family Back Home

How are you keeping friends and family back home updated on your travels? If you’re like most people, you’re probably texting and updating social media. Although these can be great ways to stay in touch, they aren’t the only ways you can stay in touch.

If you’ve got some time to spare and you’re looking for a more meaningful way to tell friends and family about your travels, send out a few postcards.

Sending postcards can be a lot of fun because they require you to find designs that appeal to you, and they can be a great way to walk down memory lane in the future. Plus, who wouldn’t want to get a postcard instead of a bill in the mail!

Pick out a Book to Read at a Local Bookstore

Small bookstores are thriving. Although it’s true that you could probably get the same book on Amazon for less, nothing compares to the ambiance a local bookstore has to offer.

Find one near where you’re staying, pick out a book, and spend a little time reading it. Read it in the store or buy the book and find a quiet place somewhere else to read. It’s a great way to kill a few hours.

Go for a Walk

Walking tours are popular with some travelers. They are a great way to burn a few calories and get up close and personal with local architecture. However, you don’t have to book a walking tour to soak up the city when you’re on vacation.

Going for a walk is a great way to kill a few hours! You can walk around near the hotel where you’re staying, or you can find a park or natural area to explore. Renting a bicycle or a kayak counts too!

Strike up a Conversation with Someone in a Coffee Shop

The locals have a lot to share about where they live, if only you’re brave enough to ask. A coffee shop is a great place to strike up a conversation, but cafés, bars, and parks are great places to meet a local stranger too.

Nervous about starting a conversation with a stranger? A few tips for making it easier include:

• Let them know you’re traveling and ask for their advice on things to do.
• Try approaching someone else who is sitting alone.
• If you’re nervous, don’t be afraid to say so!
• Don’t be afraid to end the conversation if it isn’t going well.

You can always squeeze in a quick nap or some time by the pool if you have a few hours to kill on your next vacation, but if you’re looking for something a bit different to do, make sure you try one of the ideas on this list.