Vacation With A Purpose
Appeal to Your Interests While You Take a Break from Reality
Appeal to Your Interests While You Take a Break from Reality
By: Jules Perkel
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I can’t think of a better scenario: vacation and the things I love to do. Isn’t that what vacation is all about? However, sometimes we get mixed up in the wrong crowd. Have you ever taken a vacation and you were surrounded with activities that weren’t your stilo? Themed cruise ships that just didn’t cater to your swag? It may be for some, but you can certainly think about vacations that cater to you.
When I say “vacation with a purpose” several things come to mind, but there is a growing trend of people who really do vacation with a purpose. Meaning, these vacationers are traveling to destinations where, in their itinerary they will perform some type of volunteer work. We main stream folks may confuse this with “missionaries” or “religious work”. I urge you not to confuse the two. According to a study performed in 2005 by the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University, four main themes for why people traveled with a purpose emerged: cultural immersion, desire to give back, camaraderie that occurs on volunteer vacations, and family focus. These vacations are not only about blood, sweat and tears. You may want to think about incorporating some of the “giving back” elements into your vacation, as they can be very cathartic.
When I say “vacation with a purpose” several things come to mind, but there is a growing trend of people who really do vacation with a purpose. Meaning, these vacationers are traveling to destinations where, in their itinerary they will perform some type of volunteer work. We main stream folks may confuse this with “missionaries” or “religious work”. I urge you not to confuse the two. According to a study performed in 2005 by the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University, four main themes for why people traveled with a purpose emerged: cultural immersion, desire to give back, camaraderie that occurs on volunteer vacations, and family focus. These vacations are not only about blood, sweat and tears. You may want to think about incorporating some of the “giving back” elements into your vacation, as they can be very cathartic.
Vacationing with a purpose expands beyond the phrase itself as well. What do you want to get out of your vacation so that you don’t have to think about it when you arrive at your destination? This means sitting down with your traveling buddies (if there are any) and making sure you are all on the same page. Spend certain vacations with certain friends or loved ones. I strongly urge people to think twice about taking a “relaxing” vacation with a person who is a known adventure seeker.
Some options to consider for purposeful vacationing:
● Community Service Vacations- as we mentioned above, these can be very cathartic, fun and action packed. Depending on what area you are in, whether it be tropical or cold, giving back can warm the heart.
● Solo Vacations- you may just want to think about getting away for a short weekend by yourself. Meeting new people, and becoming immersed in a different way of life makes this type of vacation relaxing and exciting. Make sure that you are letting a contact know you will be traveling alone, in case of emergencies.
● Business Vacations- killing two birds with one stone, I see? Actually, vacationing for this purpose may provide you with enough leisure time to relax, all the while making important connections and networks for your career and professional growth.
● Activities and Fun Vacations- I think of cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts that offer a wide range of sports, sight seeing activities, spa indulgences and night life. You may run into more families on these types of vacations so if you want an older, sophisticated, or calmer crowd, do your research. You don’t have to limit yourself to cruise ships or all-inclusives to get these activities; researching destinations to see what the culture and landscape has to offer can feed your need for calorie burning activities, or relaxation. Furthermore, themed vacations like “gay cruises” or “yoga retreats” can be a great way to vacation for the purpose of a very specific activity. Remember to keep it all in balance: having an itinerary may help keep everyone on schedule, but make time for flexibility as well.
● Wedding Vacations- Destination wedding vacations seem to be another growing trend. I can’t tell you how many I have been invited to during this year. These vacations are a nice way to get away and relax, while celebrating with the people you know. The prices may also be adjusted for these vacations as they are usually booked for a package deal.
● Familial Vacationing- Notice I didn’t say “family” here. When you may not have the cash or credit to get away to a hotel or resort, getting in touch with your long lost auntie may come in handy. If possible, looking into staying with family who lives overseas may be just the ticket to saving some money and getting away for a bit to relax.
As always, keep your vacationing balanced. Balancing can bring clarity to your vacationing purpose. Be aware of what time of the year you are getting away- Miami during March (spring break) is very different than Miami in June, July and August (off-peak season). Also, think about affordable options like staying in the states. We all have different interests so it is important to remember when thinking about taking a break from your chaotic, super busy life to also do things that you like.
Some options to consider for purposeful vacationing:
● Community Service Vacations- as we mentioned above, these can be very cathartic, fun and action packed. Depending on what area you are in, whether it be tropical or cold, giving back can warm the heart.
● Solo Vacations- you may just want to think about getting away for a short weekend by yourself. Meeting new people, and becoming immersed in a different way of life makes this type of vacation relaxing and exciting. Make sure that you are letting a contact know you will be traveling alone, in case of emergencies.
● Business Vacations- killing two birds with one stone, I see? Actually, vacationing for this purpose may provide you with enough leisure time to relax, all the while making important connections and networks for your career and professional growth.
● Activities and Fun Vacations- I think of cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts that offer a wide range of sports, sight seeing activities, spa indulgences and night life. You may run into more families on these types of vacations so if you want an older, sophisticated, or calmer crowd, do your research. You don’t have to limit yourself to cruise ships or all-inclusives to get these activities; researching destinations to see what the culture and landscape has to offer can feed your need for calorie burning activities, or relaxation. Furthermore, themed vacations like “gay cruises” or “yoga retreats” can be a great way to vacation for the purpose of a very specific activity. Remember to keep it all in balance: having an itinerary may help keep everyone on schedule, but make time for flexibility as well.
● Wedding Vacations- Destination wedding vacations seem to be another growing trend. I can’t tell you how many I have been invited to during this year. These vacations are a nice way to get away and relax, while celebrating with the people you know. The prices may also be adjusted for these vacations as they are usually booked for a package deal.
● Familial Vacationing- Notice I didn’t say “family” here. When you may not have the cash or credit to get away to a hotel or resort, getting in touch with your long lost auntie may come in handy. If possible, looking into staying with family who lives overseas may be just the ticket to saving some money and getting away for a bit to relax.
As always, keep your vacationing balanced. Balancing can bring clarity to your vacationing purpose. Be aware of what time of the year you are getting away- Miami during March (spring break) is very different than Miami in June, July and August (off-peak season). Also, think about affordable options like staying in the states. We all have different interests so it is important to remember when thinking about taking a break from your chaotic, super busy life to also do things that you like.
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