Eleven ways to put the wonderful into a holiday – and occasionally experience the weird along the way.
Holidays should be life-enhancing in some way. Whether it’s a short break in your own country or a once-in-lifetime adventure abroad for many weeks or even months, your trip should bring great rewards and offer many long-lasting memories.
I have been travelling on my own from the moment I was allowed to go without my parents. I started with a month of Interailing in Europe and only about £100 to spend. (Back then £100 wasn’t much money either but I survived).
I haven’t stopped and it is my first place that I spend my money after the domestic stuff. Here are 11 things I have learned about having wonderful (and sometimes weird) holidays.
Always consider a holiday
If someone mentions the idea of a trip that you like the sound of, or you come across a great vacation idea on a blog, in a magazine, newspaper or wherever, do give it some thought. It might be that in the end it’s not for you but every holiday is worth considering just in case you might end up loving it.
Weekend break in the Scottish Highlands to walk mountains.
Go short and often
If you have a busy job and family life, take regular weekend breaks in your home country (luckily mine is Scotland) to get away from the stresses of the ordinary.
I love to spend my time outdoors, climbing Munros in glorious weather, kayaking on clear seas off the west coast or visiting a beautiful island. You could choose to treat yourself to a luxury hotel, fine food and wine or a yoga retreat.
The point is that keeping it short and staying fairly local means you can enjoy these breaks more frequently.
Go for weeks if you can… Skiing in Utah.
A week might not be enough
If you are heading abroad I recommend a 10-day trip rather than a week. Go on then, make it two. Anything longer than a week allows me to properly kick back, relax and enjoy time away from my normal life.
Dream of the longer
One day I will take a few months off to ski for an entire season in America or a year to see more of the world. I tell myself this will happen and I’m sure that one day this wonderful dream will come true. Without dreams things never happen.
Selfie pic on a solo cycle tour in northern France.
Go solo
Until last year I had not travelled solo since my 20s. I have no idea why but I expect it is because I have always had a family, partner or friends to accompany me.
In the summer of 2015, I decided to go for a week of self-guided cycling on my own in northern France. It was one of the best things I have done and I enjoyed the confidence it brought me and the ability to do what I wanted, when, where, how and at a time and pace to exactly suit me.
I do like travelling with others but I would recommend that people try a solo trip for its many wonderful benefits.
Weird things also happen when you travel solo, such as arriving at a hotel so cold and wet after a day of cycling in torrential rain that you can hardly get a word out let alone convey to the French manager that you need a room with a very hot shower and a radiator that works so as to dry out your clothes.
I also discovered that other solo cyclists might like your company for a few hours but not necessarily for more than half a day. I didn’t take it personally, but I do still wonder, why the cycling guy I met in the middle of France wanted to continue to ride solo even when we were following the same route for a couple of days.
Ensure peace of mind
I like adventure style holidays, including cycling, hiking and skiing. I find that an annual form of travel insurance gives me the best safeguards for multiple trips.
Croatia was on my bucket list… I ticked that off a few years ago.
Make bucket lists
I always have a bucket list of travel destinations on the go. I add to it and reorder destinations but having it near by lets me dream of travel when I am having a hard day of work. (See “Dream of longer above”.)
My friend Vicky and I booked a weekend in Austria to do a triathlon.
Book with friends
Some of the most wonderful experiences abroad have been enjoyed with friends. It’s great to experience different destinations with people who know you well and to have those long-lasting memories to look back on together. Read Podium Delight at the Krems Triathlon.
Little Miss on a childhood trip to the Isle of Tiree.
Enrich your family life
I believe that children benefit hugely from travel. My daughter has enjoyed numerous trips abroad and at home and I am sure this has given her life-enriching experiences. I have always preferred to spend money on holidays than the latest trendy product and I hope it’s given my daughter the same philosophy.
Make it a challenge
In 2017, I have two challenge style trips booked. The first is to compete in the European Age Group Triathlon Champs in Dusseldorf and the to cycle some big mountains in the Dolomites of Italy.
Both these trips will require me to train hard and will give me a goal. This type of travel and these holidays often create even more wonderful holidays.
Kayaking in Coatia.
Make your own wonderful times
Get up early to see a sunrise. Walk to a restaurant at sunset. Go Stand Up Paddleboarding or kayaking on the sea. Cycle a mountain pass. Dine at a weirdly located hill top restaurant where Rick Stein reckons they serve the best roast lamb in the world. Take in many different waterfalls in Iceland and gaze in awe at every single one.
Always look for the wonders of every country that you visit and then look some more to make sure you experience the best holiday yet.