Remember those times when you spent the whole summer vacation with grandpa and grandma in the farm? How you loved those days waking up early in the morning, enjoying the golden hour while harvesting fresh veggies right outside the barn. You loved being chased by the hens as you gather their eggs.
And how can you forget laid-back afternoons by the nearby lake, wishing to reel-in a bucketful of fresh catch for dinner? What about your sun-kissed fruit-picking days? Sure, you told countless stories about it as your class discussed the kind of summer that every one of you had!
Indeed, those memories are vivid. Even now that you’ve grown older, you still yearn to relive those times. Picking fresh produce, especially barrels and barrels full of fruits is a tiring but happy experience. We’ve not even mentioned how you can munch on those fruits right from the tree as you crave for a 3pm snack.
So, why not consider a farm stay this summer to relive your childhood memories with your grandparents? Or, if you haven’t tried already, why not include it in your vacay bucket list? It’s about time you experience the countryside if you’ve been living in the urban jungle your entire life. Check out this example to give yourself a few ideas.
Write Down the Activities You Want to Do
Man, that’s no-brainer—jotting down on a list what you want to do is important so that you can make the most of your time there. That way, you wouldn’t go home regretting that you haven’t tried such and such just because you forgot to include it in your list.
This will also help you narrow down your choices when selecting the best farm for you. Of course, you’ll go with the one that offers your desired activities suitable for what you define as one of the best learning experiences.
Choose a Place for Your Farm Stay
Don’t look anywhere else if your grandparents have a farm. Spend your summer with them. After all, they may be missing you big time. And don’t forget how much you might be craving for granny’s farm-fresh meals you can’t find anywhere else. Be ready to fill your tummy with gastronomically addicting dishes you surely don’t want to miss.
On the other hand, if this option isn’t applicable to you, no worries. There are farm owners who open their orchards as tourist attractions for guests who wish to get a firsthand experience of farm life. You can even get to stay in a super cool and nice villa where you can watch the sprawling greens from your room. Learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farm_stay
Plan the Duration of Your Stay
How many days are you planning to spend there? Would you like to stay there for more than two weeks? You need to determine the whole period of your vacation so that you can calculate the needed budget as well. You can ask the host about the details of your stay including the arrangement for meals. Is it an all-inclusive package, do you need to buy your meals, cook on your own, have it cooked by the in-house staff or are breakfasts the only ones given for free?
Find out what else would be included in your expenses. Perhaps, you also want to explore other attractions in some parts of the town or in the nearby towns. This would require budget as well if you need to go around some other places.
It is also important to learn more about the fruit-bearing trees the farm has. Research in advance about it so you have a background knowledge before your actual visit. Wouldn’t that excite you, too? Absolutely!
Research the Harvest and Fruit Picking Methods You’ll be Doing
Which fruit-bearing trees would you be working on? Read in advance important details about it such as how to determine which ones are good to be harvested already. It is also important to know how to pick them properly to make sure they stay as fresh as possible even when already sent to the market.
Many farms still use traditional methods of harvesting that involve the use of ladders and lots of climbing, reaching up, and stretching. Not only are these things tiring, they can be sometimes risky too if you don’t know how to do it properly. Why not try a fruit picker instead? They are an affordable, safe and reliable way of picking fruits even from tall trees.
Ask the farm owner if they have these tools already. If not, inquire if you are allowed to bring your own. Sure thing, too, your grandparents would allow you! You can even keep it for future use in your own backyard for your fruit-bearing trees.
Plan What to Bring as Well as Your Outfits
Of course, one of the most important things to plan beforehand is your set of daily outfits. You wouldn’t want to look like you’re going to the beach or you’re ready to strut the New York Fashion Week runway. Before your visit, check the daily weather forecast for the whole period of your stay. Since it’s summer, it’s so important to bring clothes that are comfy, absorbent, loose and airy while still able to give your skin enough coverage against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Plan your footwear as well. Make sure you have a pair of work shoes that is durable, easy-to-clean and comfortable for a day of climbing, walking, hopping and running around. It’s actually up to you how you can give your farm clothes some twist to still make you look fab while harvesting fresh produce. You know, the cutest farmer you can look like.
Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes against the scorching heat. Make sure to stash a sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50 in your bag and apply it as often as needed.
Of course, work clothes aren’t the only thing you should bring. Bring your airy, countryside-style dresses for some serious photo session or some other Instagram-worthy OOTDs you can think of. Never forget your cam so you can document every fun moment in the farm. And oh, bring some reusable cloth shopping bags so you can bring home some of the fresh fruits you’ve harvested.
Have you planned your summer vacation yet? What are your thoughts on farm stay? Is it something you’d love to try? We’d love to hear from you!
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