20 May Why Your Vacation Wasn’t a Vibe
Have you ever heard someone rave about a destination so convincingly, you started packing in your mind?
“Bali changed my life.”
“You have to go to Portugal. It’s magical!”
“We stayed at this all-inclusive in Jamaica and didn’t want to come home!”
So you go. You book the same flights. Stay in the same hotel. Eat at the same cute little restaurant with the overpriced wine and ocean view. And instead of magic, what you get is… meh. Not bad. But not mind-blowing either. Not the transformative, soul-stirring, meaningful travel experience you expected. So what happened? You may have overlooked the fact that an amazing trip starts before you even leave home. It’s not just about where you go. It’s about why you’re going.
The Secret Ingredient to a Great Trip: Your Travel “Why”
Most of us are influenced by what we see and hear. Social media, friends’ vacation photos, YouTube vlogs, blog posts (hello!), or that couple in your building who just love to talk about their annual trip to Tulum. There’s nothing wrong with getting inspired – that’s part of the fun. But here’s where things get tricky: Trying to duplicate someone else’s trip doesn’t mean you’ll duplicate their joy.
Why? Because they might be traveling for connection, and you’re seeking solitude. They’re foodies and you’re a history buff. They love non-stop excursions and you’re just trying to take a nap somewhere tropical in peace. When you don’t know your travel why, you end up planning someone else’s dream vacation – and wondering why it didn’t hit the same.
Know Thyself (Before You Book That Flight)
We’ll help you figure out:
- What kind of traveler you really are
- What you hope to feel while you’re away
- What would make this trip memorable for you, not Instagram
Once we understand your travel “why,” we can help design an experience that aligns with it, whether that means sunrise hikes and street food, or hammocks and hot stone massages.
Plan for Fun – and the Fine Print
Travel isn’t cheap, and it isn’t getting easier. New visa requirements. Entry forms. Digital passes. Overlooking one detail on the simplest itinerary could have your trip delayed by an extensive visit with immigration you didn’t plan for. You could spend hours researching, or you could hand over the administration to a professional to make sure you’re not missing something critical.
Meaningful Travel Starts With You
So, what’s your travel why? Is it to reconnect with your partner? To celebrate something big? To finally take a break you don’t have to recover from? Whatever your reason, let it lead the way. The destination is just the backdrop. The why is the story.
At Why Not Roam, we’re here to help you create trips that feel like you. So before you try to recreate someone else’s vacation, ask yourself: What do I really want to get out of this trip? Ponder that, then connect with us to design your dream itinerary. (And don’t forget to subscribe to Roam & Revel for more travel goodness!)