An overview of some of the more frequent vacation options. Along with each synopsis are some tips for making the most of your vacation.
With a whole globe of vacation opportunities, why go the same place twice?
The following are four popular vacation types for you to review. Along with a description of each type are some tips for making the most of your vacation.
Beach
Millions of vacationers hit the road (or friendly skies) for the beach each year. Whether you're headed for a foreign beach (maybe somewhere in the Caribbean) or are planning to settle at a beach nearer to home, here are some neat ideas:
1. Rent a house or condominium rather than a hotel. Sometimes it takes a little research into the market, but every beach has a local network of rentable houses. If you are worried about cost, consider the fact that houses generally cost $500-$1500 for a week (versus $100-$200 a night for a hotel) and most homes come with a kitchen.
2. Do something you and you family/friends have never done before. Every vacation should be marked by some memorable experience that highlights the week or weekend. Try parasailing or even consider renting a boat. Spending time doing something new will ensure that your group has a truly memorable experience.
3. Act like the locals; eat where they eat. Especially if your beach destination is overseas, it is a culturally enriching (and sometimes downright surprising) experience to ask the locals where the best restaurants are. Because locals tend to stay away from flashy tourist destinations, it is a good idea to find out where they like to eat for a taste of truly local cuisine.
Mountain
The mountains are an extremely popular vacation destination - both during winter months as well as summer. Especially in the western part of the US, the mountains hold ample opportunity for indulging in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
During the summer months, the mountains are generally a refreshing destination for hikers and nature lovers all over the US.
Here are some mountain tips:
1. Pack in. Try taking a few days from your rest to hit the trails. Most mountains have a ranger office that can provide you with maps of the local trails for all levels and hiking experiences. Take off on a day trip to see some local waterfalls and wildlife or pack a sleeping bag and plan to spend the night out under the stars.
2. Pick up a nature guide at your local library and plan to spend your vacation identifying local wildlife - from high-flying birds to muddy animal tracks. Children especially will enjoy tracking and matching local animals to their footprints.
3. If you're headed to the mountains for a winter-sports trip with a group of three or more, strap on some walkie-talkies to stay in touch with your group. The units will fit right onto your belt strap and will be an invaluable tool when it's time to announce dinner plans.
City
Cities are a fun destination spot - rich in culture, vibrancy and community. Many people choose which city they intend to visit based on the local customs and opportunities that the city provides. Whether you're planning a visit to an American city or a foreign city, the following tips can help to make your experience more enjoyable.
1. Pack snacks. When you're out on the new town, it's not always easy to know where they nearest (and cheapest) spot to find food is. Always having a snack in your backpack is an easy way to calm the kids or traveling partner until the next meal.
2. Carry cash, especially in a big city. While many vacationers enjoy the convenience and safety of traveler's checks, cash is the universal means, of paying for a cab, buying subway fare, and paying for a quick bite to eat at the roadside stand. Estimate about $20 per person per day for "emergency" funds when out on the town. But it's always a good idea to carry extra just in case you find some souvenir you simply can't live without.
3. Don't forget the map! Whether you're traveling around town by foot or by car, having a map on hand is generally a wise option. Plan in advance which restaurants and monuments you want to visit and plot their locations on your map. This way, you can also tell a new cab-driver exactly how to get where you want to go - and follow the course!
Adventure
More and more adults and young people are choosing to take adventure vacations for their holidays every year. Adventure vacations come in many shapes and sizes, generally ranging from 3 weeks to 3 months in the wilderness, to an adventure travel vacation across Europe. Most adventure vacations involve groups of 5 or more participants and one to three guides. Below are some general tips for handling yourself on your adventure vacation.
1. Always carry a camera, even when you don't think you'll be able to use it. Whether you're headed down the river rapids or riding the back of an elephant, take your camera. Plan in advance to have dry-sacks available for those wet (or very sandy) trips. Every moment of your adventure vacation will be filled with a unique opportunity to journal your experience with your camera - make sure you're ready to take advantage of it!
2. Be prepared for conflict. Stresses are high and experience levels generally low among trip participants for adventure vacation trips. Be prepared for conflict and build up your storage of patience. Remember: just because you can hang 10 in the surf doesn't mean that your partner can. A little group support goes a long way.
3. Pack lightly. The biggest mistake most people make when packing for their adventure vacation is over-preparing. You don't need a different outfit for every day and time will show that you really only need two or three changes of clothing. On adventure vacations, you will generally be carrying all of your belongings on your back and will have to account for all of your items yourself. Simple, in this case as in many others, is preferable.
Now that you have a brief overview of four popular vacation options, you're ready to plan for your next vacation. Remember: keep it fresh. There are so many opportunities for trying something different out there - get out and take advantage of them!
