The last twelve months have been a difficult time for those with the spirit of adventure nursing in their souls. The global shutdown has seriously affected travel and holiday opportunities, leading more people to explore their surrounding areas with staycations and road trips.
However, the global situation won’t last forever, in fact, there’s a good chance things will start opening up again this summer after the vaccines start to take effect. This is good news for all those cooped up adventurous types. In this article we look ahead to the possibility of an alternative holiday this year.
A Pilgrimage in India
If there’s one thing India is known for it’s yoga, and by extension all the ancient religions that originates the practice many of us perform daily in the living room before logging on to our jobs. That’s not all, meditation also originated in this ancient land and you can learn about it’s roots on a pilgrimage holiday.
You don’t have to be a religious person to enjoy the fruits of a pilgrimage holiday in the ancient spiritual land of India. You only have to be a traveller with a sense of adventure and openers to learning new things. An Indian pilgrimage will take you to some of the most iconic locations and structures known to humanity.
You will visit the very spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment, as well as the stupa where his bones are still buried. But it isn’t only Buddhism, India has a rich variety of spiritual traditions. Visit beautiful Sikh and Jain temple, along with stunning muslim and christian religious sites.
A Skiing Holiday
Although international travel is suspended in many places at the moment the situation won’t last forever and there’s a good chance things will open up again later in the year. With that in mind, it’s worth considering where your next skiing holiday should be and when might be the best time to travel.
Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced skier it’s worth spending some time identifying a good location. Skiing is not only about the thrill of hitting the slopes, you also want to be guaranteed excellent views, good snow coverage, and high quality food in the local area.
You might choose to go to Scandinavia for your skiing holiday. Up north they have snow capped mountains most of the year so you can enjoy a skiing holiday in the middle of summer. For a more conventional experience you can choose the Alps in Europe. They have excellent infrastructure and breathtaking vistas.
A Gambling Adventure
People enjoy gambling the world over, there are big gambling cultures in Asia, America, Europe, and elsewhere. It’s no wonder. Whether you play cards, slots, or bet on sporting events, gambling is a form of entertainment that combines puzzles with intelligent guessing. Even if you aren’t into gambling you might still enjoy this adventure.
If you don’t gamble often it might even be more of a reason to go to Las Vegas or Macau. These places are experiences in themselves even if you never roll a dice or lay down your cards. In Las Vegas, for instance, you can enjoy high quality hotels for discounted prices and a city that looks and feels more like a theme park than a real place.
But don’t be mistaken. Las Vegas and Macau are real places that you can get lost in for a week or two. Take time out of the equation, forget about your life back home, and explore the world of all-hours gambling and entertainment in one of the world’s most colorful gambling hubs.
A Boating Holiday
A boating holiday can mean hiring or buying a boat and taking it to a local lake. This is best to do in the spring and summer months with your families or with a crowd of friends. The great thing about boating holidays is the variety of opportunities that exist. You can either introduce your kids to nature, or have a boat party with friends.
Boats are not hard to come by, in fact the cost of boat ownership is lower than you might think as they become a more viable option to buy for families and groups of friends. Imagine having a boat that you could take on camping trips with the family or have parties on with your friends. Buying a boat is a great investment that saves you money periodically.
The best way to use a boat for a holiday is to identify bit’s purpose. Do you want to introduce your kids to nature and make lasting memories for them, or do you want to take iconic photos of you driving it on the lake for your Instagram account. When you know what it’s for you can find a location that suits your purposes and moor it there.
A Volunteer Holiday
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with elephants in Asia or underprivileged children in Africa? Do you have good communication and interpersonal skills? Or are these qualities you would like to develop for your life. If the answer to any of these questions is yes, a volunteer holiday might be right for you.
A volunteer holiday usually means going to an underprivileged area and bringing value to the community there. You could help out with teaching children English or life skills, or work with exotic animals that are under threat. Normally, a volunteer holiday requires some personal investment, but what you get in return is an experience of a lifetime and sense of accomplishment.
During the global pandemic it’s unlikely these programs will be up and running, but that won’t last forever. There are many programs to choose from. Some companies specialise in one particular project while others offer a variety of projects for you to choose from. Give it some thought. What value would you like to contribute to the world and what skills would you like to develop?
Camping and Hiking
Who doesn’t want you to get away from it all by walking into the hill or mountains by yourself or with a small group of friendly adventurers. Hiking up the hills and camping in the summits gives you the chance to exercise, to bond, and to experience the most stunning views of the landscape.
The good news is that hiking and camping are relatively unaffected by the global pandemic. Unless you live in a highly restricted area, you can still walk in the countryside and climb the hills quite easily. There is a freshness in the air and a beauty in the landscape that will help you feel a million miles away from the world’s troubles.
If you decide to go on a camping or hiking holiday ensure you have all the equipment you need. A good pair of hiking boots are essential, so are waterproofs, there is nothing more off-putting than hiking in wet clothes. You might also consider a set of hiking poles to help you up those tough ravines. Lastly, make sure you have an excellent tent and always check the weather conditions.
An Unusual Location
Are you thinking about going on holiday this year but can’t decide on a location? The usual options come to mind in Europe and America, but they don’t seem all that inspiring. Maybe you have been there a million times before, or your friends go there often and you’re bored of hearing about it. If this is your dilemma it’s time to think outside the box.
The good news is that the world is full of interesting and unusual locations for you to explore. What about the middle east, Azerbaijan, or Northern Vietnam? You could explore Northern Africa or some of the lesser known countries in Eastern Europe. The advantage of thinking outside the box is two fold. You find holiday locations that are cheaper, and also more interesting.
When thinking about your holiday this year why not consider your real interests and reasons for traveling. Do you simply want a break from the norm? In that case you don’t have to travel far and a staycation might work just as well. If you want some sunshine and a different culture it makes sense to expand your horizons this year, internally as well.
A Cruise
You might have seen cruise ships floating around stunning locations like the polar ice sheets or tropical island. This is one of the great advantages of cruising the oceans, but it isn’t the only one. Having a cruise holiday is an immersive experience that offers you luxury and convenience as well as beautiful sights that will live long in the memory. Plus there are so many enticing cruise deals out there to choose from, that you’re able to find an extraordinary cruise that will sit easily within your budget.
The pandemic has caused many cruise companies to reduce their capacities and routes during this time. 3hile it may be harder to find the cruise you want, it’s not impossible. Moreover, and the economy begins to open up this year and vaccines start to take effect, the cruise industry will respond. Watch this space, a cruise holiday might be a viable alternative sooner than you think.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
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