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This often happens because travelers simply fail to see what different types of vacations entail. Romanced by pictures on Instagram or friends’ Facebook feeds,
it’s easy to make assumptions that may or may not be accurate.
In an effort to help, I’ve compiled ten of the most popular types of vacations and the pros and cons of each.
1. A Trip Abroad
Visiting other countries. My personal favorite kind of travel! This type of vacation can be viewed as either intriguing or completely terrifying.
Those who would love it are people who enjoy unfamiliar experiences, stepping outside their comfort zones, and learning something new. Those who would find
this type of vacation an exercise in frustration are people who prefer the expected, staying closer to home, and aren’t crazy about gastro-experimentation.
Pros
Cons
Those who relish in this type of vacation are people looking to relax, unwind, and not have to think about anything but when to re-apply the sunscreen and what
magazines to read while they lounge. Those who might hate this type of vacation (me) are travelers who get bored easily, prefer a destination with intellectual
stimulation, and who have the attention span of that dog from the movie Up (squirrel!!!)
Pros
Cons
While beautiful, there’s only so much you can do (so you’d better settle in)
Bugs the size of a dinner plate, and humidity that wreaks havoc on your hair (unless you’re one of those fortunate few whose hair looks amazing no matter
where you go… I am not this person)
Sand in places you should never get sand, and which you’ll continue to find in your belongings for weeks
3. A Camping Trip
Reconnecting with nature is a great way to spend some much deserved time off. And an obvious choice for spending time with Mother Nature is on a camping
trip.
This type of vacation is ideal for those who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty, enjoy channeling their inner Paul Bunyan, and love the great outdoors. Those who
might find themselves telling Mother Nature where she can stick it are people who prefer a hot shower, a comfy bed, and trips that don’t involve mosquito
repellant.
Pros
Cons
Vacation in the lack of luxury (no shower, sleeping on the ground, and peeing in the bushes)
Being kept up by the frigid temperatures and every little sound you’re convinced is a bear (or any other number of wild animals eager to eat you)
Testing your patience with the loathsome task of setting up your tent (and the frustrating chore of fitting your sleeping bag back in its impossibly small
sack)
4. A Trip to the City
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a trip to the big city. Car horns, construction noise, and muffled chatter create a soundtrack for an amazing metropolitan
adventure.
This type of vacation is perfect for those who love the wilds of the concrete jungle, enjoys dinner and a show, or wants to channel their inner Carrie Bradshaw.
This type of vacation is a nightmare for people who hate crowds, hustle and bustle, or the tiresome pavement beneath their feet.
Pros
Cons
Crowds. Lots of them (which become exponentially worse around major holidays)
Like any busy destination, big cities tend to have higher crime rates (so keep tabs on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings)
The shimmering lights don’t come without a price tag, so be prepared for a little sticker shock when it comes to the cost of things
5. A Road Trip
Ah, the open road. There’s nothing quite like it. And a trip down scenic byways is the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite tunes while the pavement passes
beneath you.
This type of travel is ideal for people who love an adventure with a little flexibility, or who live within hours of fascinating destinations. The people who may
despise this type of travel are those who prefer to stay in one place, hate being cooped up, or tend to fall asleep at the wheel (that’s a non-starter).
Pros
Flexibility to go where you want, bring what you want, and stay wherever the wind blows you
A more intimate impression of the places you see (and the freedom to go wherever you want when you get there. No Uber for you!)
A great excuse to reconnect with some of your favorite music or that book on tape you’ve been meaning to get to
Cons
This type of vacation is perfect for those who love the water, a smorgasbord of options, and are itching to bust out their seafaring lingo (Arr! Batten down the
hatches and beware Davy Jones’ Locker!) This type of vacation is a terrible idea for anyone with severe motion sickness, a fear of water, or who don’t appreciate
the subtle nuances of bingo and a good buffet.
Pros
Experiencing multiple destinations in one trip, but only having to unpack once (cue angel voices)
Limitless amounts of activities, both on board and off
The unique experience of sailing from one place to the next on a floating hotel (there’s really nothing like it!)
Cons
The fear of a Titanic scenario running through your head (though to be fair, only 16 cruise ships have sunk between 1980 and 2012. May the odds be ever in your
favor)
Cruise a journey on a luxurious ship that is like a floating hotel, these types of holidays can be
anywhere in the world.
7. A Group Tour
Group tours get a bad rap. When you hear “group tour” you tend to think of people shuffling off a bus with poor ventilation and an obnoxious tour guide. But if
you book the right group tour, it’s an awesome opportunity to meet new people while visiting far off places.
This type of vacation is awesome for those who love making new friends, are uncomfortable traveling by themselves, or want to learn about an area without
reading through stacks of guide books and lots of Googling. This type of vacation is a nightmare for introverts who have no interest in talking to other people,
loathe the idea of an itinerary, or are more interested in doing their own thing than going with the flow.
Pros
Cons
The risk of being trapped with people you want to throat punch from day one
Needing to follow a schedule so you’re unable to stay longer at sites that interest you (or leave from ones that don’t)
More likely to visit the tourist traps, and less likely to get an authentic taste of the local culture
8. A Girls/Guys Trip
The ability to connect with good friends on a trip is really something special. Sharing new experiences in a euphoric vacation haze builds memories that last a
lifetime.
This type of vacation is ideal for friends who appreciate each other’s quirks, balance each other out, and never seem to tire of time together. Or this type of
vacation could be the kiss of death for friendships that aren’t well established, buddies that tend to butt heads, or friends with different temperaments and interests.
Pros
Strengthening existing friendships and forming life-long memories with your besties
Going halfsies on expenses like hotels and rental cars, making your trip far less expensive
Having the literal time of your life (read – drinking wine, laughing at nonsense, and taking selfies you’ll shake your head at later… with a smirk on your
face)
Cons
Being less likely to make new friends on the road because you’re so focused on hanging out with each other
Feeling obligated to do things you’re not interested in because your companions think it’s fun
Possibility destroying a friendship when you begin to grate on each other’s nerves (has their jaw always clicked when they chew? Is that them snoring, or
did someone just fire up a buzz saw? Have they always been so pushy?)
9. A Solo Trip
A solo trip is something everyone should do at least once in their life. It’s liberating, terrifying, exhilarating, and one of the most transformative experiences you
can have.
This type of vacation is great for independent souls with a sense of adventure, those who love making new friends, and anyone looking for a way to grow. I’d
argue that while this type of vacation may be a bit much for anyone who still lives by the rule “never talk to strangers” and is petrified of the big, bad world,
traveling solo is the best way to confront those fears and move past them towards something wonderful.
Pros
The ability to do what you want, when you want, where you want, with no one to answer to but yourself
The simple pleasures of not having to share dessert and sleeping diagonally in bed
Inevitably meeting fascinating people along the way (many of whom become good friends)
Cons
This type of vacation is great for people trying to save a little mula, or workers who are short on time off, or anyone who needs to stay close to home for one
reason or another. This type of vacation may be a dud for anyone who’s exhausted the list of things to do nearby, or wanderlusters who feel they’d die a little
inside if they can’t escape to somewhere new and different.
But, you can always add a little travel inspiration to your everyday life. For instance, transform your caffeine routine into a daily adventure of discovering coffee
and culture from around the world! With a coffee world tour subscription from Atlas Coffee Club, you can travel to Papua New Guinea, Peru, Burundi, or Brazil,
all from the comfort of your kitchen. No pricey plane tickets necessary!
Pros
Cons
Without a change in scenery, it can be a little less exciting than a traditional vacation
Because you’re either home or close to it, you may find it difficult to really unplug and unwind
It can be tempting to just head back home and spend your precious time off on the couch eating pretzels while watching Greys Anatomy reruns
With so many different types of vacations to choose from, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. What do you really want to get out of your time off?
Who do you want to spend it with, and where would you like to go?
With a little introspection and forethought, you can plan the vacation of your dreams!
City break
City breaks are a short holiday; where you visit a city such as London, Manchester, Birmingham
ext. you might even want to visit a city in a different country. City breaks can last for a few days or
for a weekend.
Day trip
Day trip is a holiday that only last for one day. This is often to the seaside, castle, museum and
local attractions. A person who goes on a day trip is often called a "day tripper".
Outward-bound course
Outward-bound course is an activity holiday, which is often for children and teenagers, but there
are some for adults as well.
Package holiday
Package holiday is a holiday where everything has been pre-paid the hotel, flight and travel to and
back from the airport by car. Sometimes food and drink is included in the package as well.
Sightseeing tour
Sightseeing tour is a holiday normal by coach (sometimes done by trains) where you visit places of
interest and stop at various places.
Long weekend
Long weekend are a weekend plus one or two days. If there is a public holiday on a Friday or
Monday people in the UK call this a long weekend and often go away on short breaks or day trips
to several places.
Public holiday
Public holiday is a national holiday that can be on any day of the week.
Bank holiday
Bank holiday = a type of public holiday in the UK when banks and businesses close for the day. All
bank holidays in the UK are usually on Mondays. You might also hear the phrase "bank holiday
weekend".