As a travel advisor, I am often asked by
clients “What is your favorite vacation you’ve ever done?” My answer is always the same: “I really can’t say I have one clear favorite.”
The reason I can’t, or won’t, pin point one specific holiday is this: When people, myself included, go on holidays
they generally have different needs, wants and wishes depending on where they
are in their life and what has been going on leading up to the holiday. There just isn’t one vacation that is a perfect fit
for every individual. Each of us is unique so shouldn't we have the option to customize what we do or don't do based on our personal interests?
The definition of holiday or vacation can have
various translations for everyone. From
my experience it also depends as well on who you’re travelling with. Is this a family holiday? Is it just you and your significant other?
Are you getting away with your friends?
Are those you are travelling with like minded and do they share similar
interests? Is the destination familiar
or brand new for you? Do you have planned
itinerary or will you be fully independent and able to go when and where you
please? These and so many other factors
contribute to understanding what makes a great holiday.
For most of us, when we think about
relaxing and rejuvenating, we can picture a seaside retreat with a warm, tropical
breeze swaying the hammock we’re lounging in.
For some, that exact scenario would spell boredom beyond belief! For
those individuals, a relaxing time might be a golf vacation or driving through
the back roads of Europe while for others recharge their batteries might mean
trekking to base camp of Mount Everest!
Ok, so maybe Everest is slightly more energetic than most would ever imagine
but my point is that each of us has different expectations from our holiday. Sometimes we’re game for a little adventure,
romance, maybe we’re looking to get off the beaten track and reconnect with
nature or who knows, maybe we want a taste of the exotic.
Now, all this is not to say that I don’t
have some holidays that stand out in my mind above others. Don’t get me wrong - there
have been a number of vacations that will forever be right up there - vacations that have left a lasting impact on
me. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had the
opportunity to travel the world and although I’m still chipping away at it, every
holiday (past and present) will be approached in the same manner:
·
Embrace the destination for
what it is.
·
Open your mind to a new
experience; be it people, food, culture.
·
Expect things to be different
than they are at home. (if it was the same, what’s the point in leaving in the
first place?)
I really do believe that every holiday has the
potential to be a “favorite vacation”. The
potential is there every time you step on a plane, ship, car or whatever other mode
of transportation you choose to take. The
key is understanding what your expectations are for that particular holiday. Translate this insight to your travel professional
and work together utilizing their knowledge to define your wish list and you'll be jetting off to your favorite vacation too!
