Coming up short on ideas for where you'd like to travel for fall, winter, or spring break? Of course I'm directing this article at students, but what I'm about to say should and could apply to anybody. The perfect travel plan is all about three things and they're surprisingly easy to achieve- aesthetics, enjoyment, and simplicity.
Most people gravitate towards things or places that are "aesthetically pleasing" but what does this actually mean? If you'd like to go by the dictionary definition then aesthetic would generally be referring to something that pleases or is appreciated and appreciable for its beauty or creativity. I am not saying that you must be superficial in your choice of destination or activity, but it is very important to find somewhere that actually pleases you to visit or otherwise offers stimulating activities that would be entertaining.
That's where the second factor comes in- enjoyment. Even if you were to visit an amusement park or the beach or perhaps even a national forest- anything that caters to your interests, it is paramount that you plan ahead enough to have an enjoyable time. Naturally, there are certain factors you cannot always plan for such as weather or the people around you, however planning a pleasurable experience can only ever improve your chances of fulfilling the unwritten responsibility you owe to yourself to discover the "good time."
There are several ways to all but ensure an enjoyable time while vacationing. First of all, plan out your activities- not to the point that every minute is documented and you are up to your ears in places to be and sights to see, but enough so that you have contingencies if a certain evening boat ride or party invitation falls through. Second of all, accurately account for the time you have and the expectations you personally have along with those your friends are harboring. If you and some buddies want to travel four thousand miles around the world on a three day fall break weekend, you may want to rethink your plans.
Above all else, be realistic.
The third and final factor is simplicity. I'm not saying you can't plan an elaborate senior spring break roadtrip complete with rental information and every national park you and your friends are going to visit and camp at along the way, but keep things simple first. Start with your plan, run through the checklist of things to bring and what needs to be researched or paid for, and then allow for mistakes along the way. The trick to finding and embarking upon the perfect vacation is allowing for the mistakes and imperfections that will undoubtedly come your way.
It isn't so much about physical perfection as it is making memories and having an enjoyable time with friends or family or even yourself if it's a solo expedition. In order for a plan to come together perfectly it just has to be meaningful and worthwhile. Get as complex as you want with it, but at the end of the day make sure your mission is s simple as having a good time visiting the beach for the weekend with your best friends. Don't get caught up trying to schedule a summer trip to Venezuela for a once in a lifetime sky diving opportunity unless it's really, really worth it to all of you.
Enjoy yourself. That's the key to planning the perfect vacation.
