“To travel is to live”, a quote written in Spanish in the Cartagena airport. Entering the airport, about to embark with a case of post vacation blues, as I was getting ready to fly home from my first trip to Colombia, the phrase popped out like a water hole in the middle of a desert. I always loved travelling, but that quote really resonated with me. Travel opens opportunities for learning new things, experiencing different cultures, seeing cool architecture, trying new things (ex. Surfing, paragliding, or even foods) and to make new friends.
I used to travel solo on adventure trips… and even a bit of dark tourism, or on short trips with the boys for NFL games or other events. Now I have a family, and we jump between adventure travel and relaxing travel, with the occasional short trip to attend an event.
But the point is you’ll make amazing memories and experiences and the opportunities are endless. A friend once told me “The best things are just outside of your comfort zone.” It was great advice and advice I’d give to anyone who was considering travelling but worried about going to a foreign country, travelling solo or even if they are worried about the costs. There are different types of travel for everyone so what are you waiting for? Get outside your comfort zone and book a trip.
Here are the different types of travel you can experience and what to expect on each type of trip:
Travel for Adventure (My favorite type)
Examples - a road trip with a bunch of stops along the way or staying in a centrally located budget hotel/hostel where you have lots on the itinerary. It may also be a multi-country vacation across Europe, Asia or South America. I've done a lot of adventure travel: Colombia twice, travelling across Mexico, Puerto Rico, a road trip to Chicago and in the Philippines and Japan.
Pros – fun and you will experience a lot and see different cultures and its good for foodies. BUT beware you won’t get a lot of rest.
Cost – generally a bit more costly because of all the events/activities, multiple flights or gas/parking expenses.
Time frame – a week or more.
Travel for Relaxation
Examples - all-inclusive in the Caribbean or a relaxing stay in a nice cabin in the woods or mountains. I've experienxed this in Varadero Cuba and in The Bahamas (not all-inclusive though).
Pros – relaxing, so a true vacation and also you will most likely eat well.
Cost - This will also be a bit more costly, but that depends on your resort or cabin you plan to book. The destination will impact the price; booking an all-inclusive in Cuba will be a lot more affordable than comparable locations and the beaches there are tremendous.
Time Frame - less time needed, 4 days to a week usually.
Travel for an Event
Examples - a concert, a music festival or a sporting event. I've done this commonly with the boys, to NFL games but also with the family to NFL and NBA games and to a couple music festivals in Quebec and Montreal.
Pros – fun and a good short trip with friends or even the family depending on the event.
Cost – less costly because these trips are shorter; your one big expense will be the event itself.
Time Frame – A weekend to a week
Travel for Hobby
Examples – Golf trip with the boys, scuba diving, fishing or a hiking trip. I haven't done this frequently except for fishing trips and a few boys trips for golf.
Pros – get to do what you love in a new environment and exciting.
Cost – price will vary depending on the hobby, but generally moderately priced.
Time Frame – a weekend to a week.
Camping/Glamping
Examples – tent camping, a yurt or a cabin in the woods. This is something I commonly do to stay busy between my larger vacation in our Manitoba summers.
Pros – experience nature without having to break the bank. Great for my fellow Manitobans, with many opportunities and places to explore.
Cost – cheap with very few expenses.
Time Frame – a weekend to a week.
Travel with a Tour Group
Examples – Contiki Tours, G Adventures, Flash Pack or many of the tour groups out there that offer a wide range of trips. My first big vacation was a one month trip across Europe with Contiki Tours.
Pros – meeting new people if you’re travelling solo, see a lot and very little to plan.
Cost – expensive because you’ll generally pay for the flight to the starting point, the tour (which includes accommodations and transportation) and additional expenses.
Time Frame – there are lots of options, but the best ones are 10 days or longer.
Travel to Learn
Examples – exchange program, study abroad, or a language course. I've done the summer exchange (government paid) Explore Program in Montreal, then the Edu-Inter program in Quebec City, both to learn French and the Habla Ya program in Panama to learn Spanish.
Pros – learn a lot, get familiar with one primary location, all while experiencing local culture.
Cost – generally expensive because you’ll be gone for a longer period and many times you’ll pay for the course.
Time Frame – minimum a week, but usually two weeks or more
Conclusion
There are many types of vacations you can go on (and there are overlap between these types), so travel is for everyone: solo travelers, family vacations, trips with the boys/girls, budget travel or a combination. Some trips will be more costly, but some are more budget friendly. Some of these can be longer if you have the time and others can be quick weekend getaways. If you’re sitting at home bored, think about what type of trip that is within your means and plan it in the near future.
I was inspired to right this blog because of my love for travel and hearing a few friends who sit at home bored with the constant excuses that travelling is too expensive or they don’t want to go on their own, or its hard with a family. I’ve told them, you can travel, you just need to have the guts and do it. There's a world out there, and you have limited time so get out there and explore… “viajar es vivir”.
Also, I want to know, what is your favorite type of vacation I’ve listed? Are there any types I missed? Tell me in the comments or let me know on social media!
Add comment
Comments