Remember, plan the vacation that caters to your dreams
A beautiful day at sea along Monte Carlo, Monaco. photo by Eric Michael Stitt
Whether planning a dream vacation on your own, with help from others or a travel agent, remember to always book what’s best for you, not what others think you’ll enjoy most.
Just like in everyday life, what someone else finds enticing, you may not. You wouldn’t purchase tickets to a concert someone encouraged you to experience if you didn’t enjoy that style of music or pushed to reserve a restaurant if you dislike its type of food. So, why would you let someone persuade you into less exciting aspects of your trip to Africa, Asia or Europe? Nobody knows how to ultimately achieve your vacation happiness like you do.
Is your dream getaway spent at a cozy Irish cottage sitting fireside with a blanket, coffee mug and novel - cuddled in a wooden nook and rainy windows? Does your vacay involve riding camels among the pyramids of Egypt and wandering markets of Cairo or savoring sushi in bustling Tokyo before flying to beaches in Thailand? Or perhaps your ideal trip involves continuous travel throughout Rome, London and Paris to see Europe’s most famous sites.
When developing the trip, constantly remind yourself, certain aspects that others enjoy might not be best for your overall experience. You’ve saved up valuable vacation days and thousands of dollars for this vacation. Don’t let someone else make their dream trip become your trip. Only you know if four museums is three too many or if snorkeling before that epic sunset cruise would have been a life-changing addon to your tropical retreat. The last thing you want to do is regret certain aspects of your getaway.
Wishing you’d stayed at that resort you found while searching on the couch instead of the one you were pushed into booking over a lunch date is a mistake one can forever ponder. Walking past that adorable French café to find another that was recommended will have you wanting to relive that cobblestone stroll.
Unsure vacation seekers can easily fall into scheduling solely off friendly suggestions and online photos. But that can unknowingly turn a once-in-a-lifetime trip into longing for more casual walks through historic neighborhoods or wishing for more adventurous days. Those lines of “we went here, it’s the best” and “you’ve gotta do this” while trip planning can be overwhelming for someone trying to balance their own must-see spots. Upon returning, too many people say, “I wish we would have done this instead,” “we didn’t get enough relaxing beach days,” or “we should have spent more time in that city”.
Gather as much advice as possible, discover those essential places and sights that others say you “have to”. But always remember to make sure you’re following your heart and wishes while planning for that dream destination. After all, it’s your vacation.