Are you feeling a distinct lack of inspiration when you’re planning your holidays? It might be that you feel that you’ve fallen out of love with travel in general. But the truth might be that you’re stuck in a particular travel rut, and that the best approach is actually to just experiment with a different form of travel.
But what are the alternatives to the traditional forms of break? Let’s take a look at a few worthwhile options.
Off-the-beaten-track city break
Major cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Venice are often packed with other tourists, especially at peak times. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, then you might take a look at some of the continent’s lesser-known spots.
The good news is that there are a lot of options if you’re willing to look at more obscure destinations. It can be helpful to narrow them by making a list of the experiences you’re looking for, and your budget.
Scenic slow travel by rail
‘Slow’ travel takes a slightly different approach than you may be accustomed to. Rather than rushing from one destination to the next, a so-called slow traveller might make sure that they have a chance to catch their breath, and to actually appreciate and enjoy what they’re doing.
Among the best ways to do this is with the help of a carriage on a train. Luxury train travel might allow you to take in some of the scenery beyond the window, and to cut your carbon footprint, at the same time. Rail journeys can be far more inspiring than air travel – provided that you pick the right ones.
Nature-immersive retreats and “slow tourism”
If you’d like to get out into nature, and to experience the cultures of the people around you, then you’ll want to take a slow approach to your choice of destination, as well as the way that you travel. You might pick a heritage stay, or a resort that’s out in the wilderness. Many modern spas and wellness retreats are situated outside of city centres, and they’re a great way to replenish your energy levels, and renew the soul.
Adventure and wellness combination breaks
It might be that the idea of relaxing and resting for a day or so appeals to you, but that you don’t want to extend the experience for an entire week. A wellness break that offers plenty of time for physical exertion and adventure, like hiking and cycling, might be what’s called for.
Off-season escapes and alternative timing
We’ve already mentioned the value that might lie in booking a holiday outside of the peak tourist seasons. There’s an art to doing this. You’ll want to pick the so-called ‘shoulder’ months – which are close enough to peak season that you get the best weather, but not so close that you have to put up with higher prices and denser crowds. If you can travel outside of the school holidays, then so much the better.