INA WO(A)NDERS: About vacation types
"Then just go on vacation without me!" The woman at the next table frantically packs various travel guides and brochures into her large handbag, downs her cocktail in one gulp, and storms off. What's left behind: a somewhat embarrassed, athletic-looking man, a teenager languidly staring at his smartphone, and a little girl who only has eyes for the adorable puppy three tables away. A situation I've observed countless times on my travels, in this and similar constellations and with similar intensity. Even if it doesn't always result in an emotional outburst and a storm off. Here, four different vacation types sat at one table.
Traveling together can be challenging
But traveling together is also quite challenging. People with very different life tempos, needs, and preferences suddenly find themselves without work or school obligations for several days or even weeks. And they're expected to find common ground to make the most of this precious window of time for everyone. As an observer, I sometimes try to categorize the people around me into vacation types. In the situation described above, which took place in Marbella in the summer of 2022, I suspected the following: Mom wants culture, Dad wants nature and adventure. The son would have preferred to stay home with his friends, and the daughter longs for a vacation on a farm. Difficult conditions.
There is the right holiday for every need
I think back to my own childhood and youth and how my family managed vacations. As an entrepreneur, Dad needed vacations primarily to relax and Switch offThat's why my sister and I spent many fun hours in childcare on the North Sea. Meanwhile, my parents stretched out in the beach hut; Dad caught up on plenty of sleep and Mom finally had the time and leisure to read extensively. After dinner, we girls had the biggest ice cream sundae in the world and everyone was happy. From the age of eleven, I preferred to spend my summer holidays in riding pants instead of a bathing suit. And when that wasn't cool enough anymore, youth camps to Denmark and Holland followed. With lots of pining and broken hearts. Ah!
Travel compromises and their limits
Free time is a rare commodity in our ever-faster-moving world. With all the distractions and obligations that keep us on our toes day in and day out, I understand the desire to spend quality time with loved ones, at least on vacation. Of course, compromises have to be made. But sometimes vacation needs are simply fundamentally different. In those cases, it might be better if everyone just does what they need. Whether it's sunbathing and lazing on the beach with your best friend or camping by the lake with your friends. Whether it's museum marathon with your crazy aunt or long hikes all by themselves.
What type of vacationer are you? Nature lover, sun worshipper, culture junkie, Adventurer or party animal? Who is your perfect travel match – or Do you prefer to travel alone?? Let me know – in the comments or by email to [email protected]. And share this column with the person you'd like to spend your next vacation with.
If you want to plan your next vacation, on this page you can find the Click on needs in the filter.
© Photo: Pexels / Pavel Danilyuk
Ina Hiester
Ina is a digital nomad and travels through Europe by land and sea. The journalist is always on the lookout for special places for Good Travel, philosophizes about travel in her column, takes photographs, makes music and writes articles on all kinds of environmental and sustainability topics.
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