The number one decision you need to make when going on a new adventure is deciding whether to take a trip or a vacation!
YES…there is a huge difference! Most people use the terms interchangeably, but it’s important to differentiate the two and decide which you want to take before you start planning. I see it like this…
Trips and vacations will mean different things to each of us, so I always ask myself, “What is the purpose of going on this adventure?” On trips, I set out to do particular activities and see certain sites. To me, trips could include guided tours, museums, and attractions with sometimes little down time, so develops the popular “I need a vacation from my vacation” saying. Vacations are meant for relaxation, sleeping in, no stress or rigid agendas and are usually centered around having a certain experience.
My Jamaican resort honeymoon was an awesome vacation because I came home feeling relaxed with a great tan. We weren’t attached to any schedules while we were there, except our snorkeling or catamaran cruise times, of course! There were endless dining opportunities or meals in your room, endless fun-in-the-sun activities or chilling on the beach. I am absolutely convinced that no worries exist in the Land of “Ya Mon!”
On the other hand, my two weeks in England and Scotland (seeing everything possible!) made me want an American meal and an extra long nap. But I came home feeling like I had accomplished exactly what I had planned, seeing every beautiful castle I could fit in and experiencing so much British history!
I usually get so excited about visiting a new place, that I tend to jam-pack my schedule because I don’t know if and when I’ll ever be back. CUE THE STRESS AND EXHAUSTION. I know I’m not the only one who does this, but it will ultimately catch up with you and ruin a great trip, if you’re not careful!
My recent visit to California was the perfect mix of both! Some days we were going non-stop — driving, hiking, sightseeing — while other days we slept in and enjoyed the beautiful California days.
Most of my “trips” have been trips, and as a get older, I’ve come to discover the benefits of an actual vacation! The majority of my trips over the last couple years have been more centered around relaxing experiences, and the purpose and desire of my vacations have also evolved. I now gravitate more toward outdoor-centered experiences! While most people would not say hiking 10+ miles or going on a bike trail is their ideal vacation, it is the absolute perfect experience to me: my Nirvana! I enjoy being out in nature and exploring the majestic natural world around us, and most of the time, nature comes with a free price tag, making it even better.
Down the Highway My Way 