Travelling, Vacationing, or Visiting?

Did you ever go on a trip only to discover it wasn’t as restful as you had hoped? Or maybe you went somewhere iconic but got bored. It is important to know what you want to get out of your trip when you are planning. Be clear on your intentions and match your travel plans accordingly. Maybe you don’t have a choice, or you have to negotiate or compromise with your travel partner(s). If that is the case, to have the best experience, adjust your own expectations accordingly and look for the good rather than focus on what you might be missing. It is helpful to consider whether you are a traveler, vacationer, or visitor when it comes to the specific trip you are planning.

TRAVELER

Travelling is full of curiosity, adventure-seeking, learning, experiencing. It opens new vistas. Travelers go with a sense of adventure and willingness to learn and try new things. A European cruise is travelling. A trip to a new city to explore sites or experiences is travelling. I would also put Disney Park trips in this category because they are not relaxing (unless you hang out at the resort instead of the parks). Travelling doesn’t have to be highly active. It could be a trip which explores museums or concerts. Travelling is the mentality.

Vacationing is escaping. It’s doing what relaxes you or interests you (think beaches or scuba diving or hiking in the mountains for example). Most people do not want to be on a fixed schedule when they vacation. Unfortunately, if you vacation to popular spots, you may have to do some planning and scheduling. Even national parks may require reservations for certain hikes or programs. And beach spots may require reservations for umbrellas or cabanas. A Caribbean cruise is more like a vacation. It usually includes a day or two at sea just enjoying the amenities of the ship. Know yourself. But also know your travel partner(s). Are you OK doing what they like? Are you OK if you go your separate ways for an afternoon?

VISITOR

Visiting is what my family did for many years during “vacation time.” It is visiting far-flung family members (or friends). Visiting has its own mentality. You are going to see people. Maybe you also celebrate a holiday with them or attend a reunion. Maybe you squeeze in some vacation-like touring but maybe not. If you are visiting in-laws, learn what you can about what to expect—what are their expectations? What are your expectations? This can cover when to wake up and when bedtime is. It means mealtimes, activity levels, and the amount of “together time.”

Have a plan but be flexible too. Try to think about what memories you want to create, especially if you are bringing your children.

Note: You could consider yourself a “visitor” when on a business trip: You have non-vacation reasons to be where you are, but you may have a little extra time to explore. Consider your limitations, be realistic, but get creative in ways to explore—even if it is simply to try new cuisine!

These categories may seem obvious, but I have been surprised in my travels to observe miserable people due to misplaced expectations of a trip. Don’t take a European Mediterranean Cruise expecting a lot to do on board—the trip is about the ports, not the ship. Don’t take a Caribbean cruise or go to a resort if you really want to explore a variety of places. And be sure to have conversations about trip expectations with your travel partner(s)! Bon voyage!