Podcast Summary: "My Vacation Routine, Explained"

Episode Release Date: July 27, 2025
Host: Emma Chamberlain
Podcast: Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain

Introduction to Emma's Routine on Vacation

In the episode titled "My Vacation Routine, Explained," Emma Chamberlain delves into her meticulously crafted vacation routine, challenging the conventional notion that vacations should be entirely unstructured. She begins by addressing potential skepticism from listeners:

"I function beautifully when I have a routine. Having a routine brings me a sense of peace, brings me a sense of fulfillment... makes me feel so good." [00:00]

Emma emphasizes that her adherence to a routine enhances her vacation experience, preventing the common feeling of wanting to return home prematurely due to lack of structure.

Morning Rituals

Wake-Up Time:
Emma typically wakes up around 7:00 AM, though it can vary between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Her goal is to maximize daylight hours and fully immerse herself in the new environment.

"I wake up at approximately 7am every day... I want to get the most out of it." [04:30]

Morning Appreciation:
She cherishes the quiet and unique ambiance of mornings in different locales, appreciating variations in sounds and lighting that each new place offers.

First Coffee:
Emma's first coffee of the day is a pivotal moment. Depending on her location, she either visits a local café or utilizes the amenities at her accommodation. Her preferred choices are iced lattes with almond milk or iced Americanos, adjusting based on availability of nut milks.

"I like to slowly enjoy my first coffee of the day, ideally outside or with a window open." [08:15]

Hydration and Preparation

Hydration Strategy:
Staying hydrated is crucial for Emma. She prepares a water bottle loaded with electrolytes and other healthy concoctions to ensure she remains hydrated throughout the day, especially since she finds it challenging to drink water while traveling.

"I try to make myself some sort of bottle of water that I can either take around with me or just have in the hotel room." [12:50]

Physical Activity

Daily Exercise:
Maintaining physical activity is non-negotiable for Emma, even on vacation. Her routine includes:

• Workout Clothes: Always dons a specific set of black spandex shorts, sports bra, and a tight top.
• Exercise Types: Ranges from 20-minute workout videos on YouTube to Pilates classes or outdoor workouts.

"I genuinely feel better physically and mentally if I exercise a little bit every day." [18:20]

Emma believes that daily exercise enhances her mental clarity and physical well-being, making relaxation time more enjoyable.

Getting Ready for the Day

Skincare and Grooming:
Post-exercise, Emma follows a simple skincare and hair care routine, adjusting her makeup based on the type of vacation. She prioritizes comfort while still enjoying the process of getting ready.

"I put on a little bit of makeup because it is kind of fun to look cute on vacation." [23:45]

Choosing the Outfit:
Selecting an outfit balances appearance and comfort. Emma strives to look cute without sacrificing the ability to engage in vacation activities comfortably. She discusses the challenges of finding this balance, such as choosing between stylish yet less comfortable shoes.

"You're never gonna find the perfect vacation outfit, right? Like it's hard." [29:10]

Breakfast Extravaganza

Importance of Breakfast:
Contrary to her usual disregard for breakfast at home, Emma considers breakfast a highlight of her vacation. She enjoys lengthy, leisurely meals, especially when a buffet is available.

"There's something so incredible about sort of what feels like a never-ending breakfast." [35:00]

Breakfast Choices:
Her typical breakfast includes:

• Beverages: Multiple coffees or matchas.
• Food: A variety of fruits, egg dishes, and pastries, with a special affinity for croissants and newly discovered treats like chocolate hazelnut cookies.

"Desserts on vacation for me is mandatory after breakfast and after dinner." [43:25]

Midday Adventures

Exploring the Locale:
Post-breakfast, Emma embarks on activities such as:

• Walking Tours: Exploring downtown areas, visiting farmers' markets, and window shopping.
• Engagement with Surroundings: Enjoying the presence of local shops, museums, and coffee houses.

"I love being able to shop around. I love being able to pop into coffee shops." [51:40]

Emma prefers vacations that offer a blend of city exploration and relaxed activities, avoiding purely resort-based trips.

Relaxation Time

Chill Time Activities:
Afternoons are reserved for relaxation, which varies based on the destination's climate:

• Warm Locations: Swimming, enjoying refreshing drinks, reading beach reads, or painting watercolors.
• Cooler Locations: Sipping tea, playing board games, cooking, or engaging in artistic hobbies like watercolor painting.

"I find walking to be incredibly therapeutic... Walking in a new place that's exciting and riveting is so much fun." [65:55]

Emma underscores the importance of balancing active mornings with restful afternoons to maintain overall vacation enjoyment.

Evening Routine

Dinner Planning:
Emma meticulously plans her dinners, often making reservations and researching restaurants to ensure a pleasant dining experience. She prefers structured meal times to avoid the disappointment of subpar restaurant options.

"I like to make reservations. I like to read reviews. I like to know if other people like it." [75:30]

Dessert Indulgence:
Post-dinner dessert is a staple in Emma's routine, with a particular fondness for ice cream and other sweet treats.

"Dessert on vacation for me is mandatory after breakfast and after dinner." [80:10]

Evening Walks:
After dinner, Emma takes another walk to unwind and experience the locale's nighttime ambiance. This activity aids in digestion and offers a different perspective of the area.

"Walking in a new place that's exciting and riveting is so much fun and is even more therapeutic and awesome." [85:45]

Bedtime Routine

Wind-Down:
Emma prioritizes an early bedtime to ensure she remains refreshed for the next day's activities. Her nightly routine includes:

• Skincare: Removing makeup and applying skincare products.
• Relaxation: Watching YouTube videos on her iPad until she falls asleep, fostering a sense of calm.

"I love watching YouTube to fall asleep." [90:20]

Emma acknowledges her reliance on technology for relaxation but aims to gradually reduce this dependency.

Conclusion: Balancing Discipline and Relaxation

Emma concludes by reflecting on her vacation routine, highlighting the harmonious blend of discipline and relaxation that makes her trips enjoyable and sustainable. Her structured approach allows her to maintain healthy habits while still indulging in the pleasures of vacation.

"I think it's a balance of discipline, relaxation, and fun... I could have kept going." [100:15]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I function beautifully when I have a routine." [00:00]
• "I wake up at approximately 7am every day." [04:30]
• "I like to slowly enjoy my first coffee of the day." [08:15]
• "I try to make myself some sort of bottle of water." [12:50]
• "I genuinely feel better physically and mentally if I exercise a little bit every day." [18:20]
• "I put on a little bit of makeup because it is kind of fun to look cute on vacation." [23:45]
• "You're never gonna find the perfect vacation outfit, right?" [29:10]
• "There's something so incredible about sort of what feels like a never-ending breakfast." [35:00]
• "Desserts on vacation for me is mandatory after breakfast and after dinner." [43:25]
• "I love being able to shop around. I love being able to pop into coffee shops." [51:40]
• "Walking in a new place that's exciting and riveting is so much fun." [65:55]
• "I like to make reservations. I like to read reviews." [75:30]
• "Dessert on vacation for me is mandatory after breakfast and after dinner." [80:10]
• "I love watching YouTube to fall asleep." [90:20]
• "I think it's a balance of discipline, relaxation, and fun..." [100:15]

Final Thoughts

Emma Chamberlain's "My Vacation Routine, Explained" offers listeners an insightful look into how structured routines can enhance the vacation experience. By maintaining discipline in areas like waking up early, staying hydrated, exercising, and planning meals, Emma ensures that her vacations are both fulfilling and enjoyable. Her approach serves as an inspiration for those who seek to balance relaxation with productivity during their time off.

For those interested in Emma Chamberlain's unique perspective on vacations and her engaging storytelling, be sure to listen to the full episode of "Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain" available on Spotify every Thursday and Sunday.