It’s time to resurrect this series and impart upon y’all another tip for making the most out of those few-and-far-between vacation days. This one comes from long-time reader Sara B., and it’s one I’m shocked I didn’t come up with myself because it’s so simple yet so true.

• Don’t forget to enjoy the best day of the vacation. And which day might that be? The one in the middle? The last one? The first one? Nope, not even close. The best day of any vacation is the one before it even starts. Say your first full day of vacation is a Saturday. Your vacation really starts the moment you leave work on Friday. But all too often, people will spend that Friday night packing or taking care of last-minute happenings around the house. Instead, deal with those issues earlier in the week so that your vacation truly begins the second you walk out the door at work. That way, you can relax and enjoy those precious hours that are the absolute furthest away from when you have to be back on the job.

Excellent advice, Sara! And on this Friday afternoon, as many folks prepare to take their own vacations, it’s advice I hope they’ll remember to follow.