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Do people vacation primarily for excitement or relaxation?
Results so far:
| Excite | 32% | 339 votes | Total: 1062 votes | |
| Relax | 68% | 723 votes |
Excite
by William Parise
Created on: March 27, 2009 Last Updated: March 28, 2009
The question should be do people vacation primarily for the adventure or relaxation! Most people are always excited when planning on going on a vacation, but over the years sitting on the beach all day burning to a crisp golden brown, while sucking back the all-inclusive watered down beverages is not what most people consider their type of vacation. Please don't get me wrong, I personally still enjoy the sitting on the beach experience, but overall travellers today believe there is so much more to experience while on their vacation.
It's a fact that current vacationers are wanting so much more, including myself, and like many, have turned to seeking out the ultimate exciting adventure that each destination has to offer. The entire relaxation thing came about way back when people were working those stressful 12-14 hours a day, and more than likely still are, and the vacation offering total relaxation seemed to be the only option for them, and still is for many.
However, vacationers these days seem to have more time and money, and are wanting more value out of their vacation. They want to take part in an "experience", such as an Adventure Safari in the depths of Africa, or taking on an Eco-Tour where they're learning about unique species that most people only learn about through books and television. While being educated, they're zip lining and trekking over jungle canvasses on swaying wood bridges.
People are finally putting away their beach speedos and 45 sunscreen, and they're now taking the bull by the horns and living their dreams while on vacation. That person who loves to fish every day back home, is now taking part in a week long fishing vacation, and finally has the opportunity to tell the " I Caught The Big One Fish Story". Or the person that wanted to finally conquer their fears, and challenge those whitewater rapids in Canada or in the spectacular Amazon jungle! More travellers are fulfilling their life long dreams through there vacations.
More people today are opting to hike the Inca trails to Machu Picchu in Peru, or sail on a ship to the ends of the earth to visit Antarctica and it's spectacular wildlife. Would I call that an exciting vacation, heck yeah!
If you grew up watching National Geographic and dreaming of going to many of those exotic of the beaten path places seen only on your television set, this is where many want to be these days, the places where only at one time no one ever visited unless you were a journalist or part of the Peace Corps.
Travellers now have access and many options to visit the once forbidden foreign countries, and really experience the true culture and landscapes through many avenues. Such as mountain biking through Yu Long Valley in Yangshou, China, or kayaking in Hawaii where you can view spectacular sites that are not normally seen on land.
So going back to the question if people are vacationing primarily for the excitement or relaxation. I believe after the person plans his/her desired vacation, the excitement of experiencing something that is not part of the every day lifestyle is what people these days are seeking, because in the end, we can always take a couple of extra days off to relax from the exciting vacation that just took place.
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Relax
by Lynn CA McDonald
Created on: January 25, 2011
The ultimately satisfying vacation is when you return totally relaxed. “I need a vacation from my vacation!” How many times have you heard this phrase or said it yourself? It’s usually from those who experienced a vacation full of excitement but never from those who came back totally relaxed.
I know I am truly on vacation when I finally reach my destination and I can feel my shoulders drop, my brows unfurrow, calmness overtakes me, and there’s a silly half smile on my lips. I am experiencing the joy of relaxing as tension melts away. Getting to this place has often been anything but relaxing. Whether it’s the preparation of leaving my home safe and sound, getting everything packed, organizing others who may be coming with me, or wrapping up at work, there are always last minute details that can come out of the blue and cause stress. If my vacation involves traveling, there is often the stress of others’ poor driving, inclement weather, or the fun of airport security, border crossings, and overbooked planes with little seats and a dwindling baggage allowance. Now, I have arrived and the essence of relaxation is often felt through my whole body as the reality becomes clear: I can now putter and do things on my schedule, relaxing both mind and body.
Do you remember when you were a kid and got into trouble for daydreaming? One of the hallmarks of being a responsible adult is the loss of daydreaming. On a relaxing vacation, you can float along and daydream, allowing your mind to not be aware of time or even place. After a particularly deep, relaxing vacation, have you or others every experienced a life change or made a decision to altered some aspect of your lifestyle, be it financial, career, or relationship? This can come from daydreaming as well as soul searching. You may have looked at the bigger picture, revisited the question of who you are and what you are doing here. Very existential, however clarity and possibly just reaffirming your reality are fine offshoots of daydreaming which can only happen when you are totally relaxed.
At the other end of the continuum your mind may be acutely present as you practice mindfulness, being totally aware and in the moment. Mindfulness is a luxury few of us enjoy during our busy, hectic lives. A vacation allows for the relaxing state when all your senses are alive: you see a fabulous sunset and be mesmerized by more colors than you can name; you hear several types of bird calls; you taste the salt from the ocean and savor every spice in a local dish; you feel the individual snowflakes land and melt on your face; and, you smell the coconuts in the air.
Decision making is minimized to the basics. Questions about your day become simplified. What shall we eat? What shall I wear today? Shall I get up now, or go back to sleep? On a relaxing vacation your time is your own. If you stay up late, it is because you wanted to finish the book or were having such a good time laughing with new found friends. You don’t pay for it the next day. You sleep in or nap.
No matter where your vacation takes you, opportunities for relaxing the body are limitless. It can be as simple as taking a swim or going for a walk. Away from the busyness of life allows us to have time for bodily pleasures: making love, a relaxing bath or sitting by the fire. Most facilities have amenities such as various exercise options, sports, and activities as well as spa treatments which can include massage, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. The very fact that someone else is often cooking and cleaning after you offers its own sense of relaxation.
Many people now say they are using their vacation time to have a stay-cation or getaway. The stay-cation involves staying at your home, possibility doing day trips. The getaway is a brief vacation. Both became more popular recently due to the economy and people cutting back on their vacation budget but wanting to achieve the same feeling: one of relaxation.
Learn more about this author, Lynn CA McDonald.
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