Niche vacations and holidays
What would you like to spend your next holiday doing? There's probably something something for you
Hi friends,
Mid-August! Some of you have kids that are back to school already or will be in a few weeks and the rest of us are realizing that summer is winding down. Though summer doesn’t officially end until mid/late September, the end of August or Labor Day weekend kind of seems like the end of summer in North America. That doesn’t mean vacation time is over, but maybe the vacation vibes just shift a bit.
In the last two editions, I wrote about my conversation/interview with Jennica and her research on the necessity of vacations and rest as occupational recovery. One of the three important factors she mentioned in having relaxing time off that allows you to recover is control. Control of your time and activities while you’re on your holiday, long weekend, staycation, etc. So that’s what this edition is about, the things we do on vacation. When we are doing something we really enjoy and are totally immersed in, we find a flow state. This is a positive thing since we are focused on the task or activity at hand and usually enjoy it and are less self-conscious about the activity. This is the type of thing you might want to do on a vacation if you wanted to totally unplug and achieve the rest you so deserve.
Your niche vacation, if you can dream of it, probably already exists. Do you want to take painting classes on a beach? Run through a particularly beautiful destination? I’ve got some examples for you and I encourage you to think of every hobby or interest you have and find a way to do it the next time you’ve got free time or on your next vacation. I like running and enjoyed running half-marathons and marathons on vacations for several years.
I am not a parent, but I don’t necessarily think you have to shelve your interests on a vacation with your kids. I actually think it would be a fun idea for everyone to have their own planned activity during the day, one day, of a family vacation or couples vacation. THink about how you could all reconvene at dinner to talk about how fun your day was or what you learned? Hotels and resorts have babysitting and there are often kids camps or play groups for children. The adults can go and do their activity of choice and everyone having some space from each other is good too. It might take some extra pre-planning and vetting of activities on Google or Yelp, but think of how fun and rewarding it would be!?
Swimming holidays - As a pool swimmer and lover of swimming in the ocean and lakes and being in the water, I’m surprised this has not crossed my mind sooner. I want to go on a swimming holiday.
Knitting Tours - Yes, these already exist. I googled months ago while planning my yoga retreat because I want to go on one and I was a little disappointed by what I found. I want to make my own knitting tour, I won’t share too many details but I think I could create a fun one for all ages and genders.
Bikepacking - I’ve mentioned this before, but seeing and traversing a country by bike is something I’d like to do. I’ve cycled through parts of Ecuador and the other countries I’ve wanted to bike through are Italy and Vietnam.
Running holidays - I am organizing a tour to Portugal next year that is 10 days and kicks off near the beginning with a trail race. But, there are running retreats where you run through countries and camp or stay in hotels and run from one destination to the next. Aire Libre is one of the companies I’d like to take a running trip with. I am a runner, but I think I’d need a week to recover after one of their trips! I don’t normally run every day because there are other things I like to do for cardiovascular exercise and my body is happier when I switch it up.
Reading retreats - Probably the most budget-friendly option but also one that could be extravagant. Go on one in the South of France or create your own.
Some other ideas for you to explore if you have not already stopped reading to go google a hobby you’ve wanted to try or spend a week doing or improve upon…
Cooking in Italy, writing, Paris Cafe writing (run by a lovely couple from Chicago and they are full booked for 2023 and 2024), working on a farm, woodworking, watercolour painting, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, surfing, beekeeping, baking bread, adult summer camp (Ontario options at that link but they’re all over!).
Then, of course, you can choose your own adventure and go to one of your favourite places to go fishing, golfing, skiing, etc. Those are more commonly known niche vacations.
Adventures to inspire you
To Shake the Sleeping Self - I don’t remember how I found the Instagram account for Jedidiah Jenkins but he wrote this book about quitting his secure job just before 30 to cycle from Oregon to Patagonia. This book
Long Way Round and Long Way Down - documentaries on the prep for and journey on motorcycles around the world. Actor Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman (also an actor) are the subjects in this journey and I have to admit that I don’t really know much about nor am I interested in motorcycles. But I find this documentary and the journey really fun to watch. It made me want to visit Mongolia and Kazakhstan. I just learned there’s also Long Way Up and all are available on Apple Tv, so I will soon be watching the third installment.
Links
If you’re dreaming of a niche vacation in Europe next summer, remember there will be entry requirements!
Maybe you have no ideas for a September vacation but want to go somewhere. Afar, as always, comes through.
Where to have a swim vacation in the UK.
Travel insurance tips. Important, prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
That’s all for this free edition! The edition for paid subscribers is being published sometime between Aug 20-25 and then on the last day of the month you’ll see the free edition again.
I hope you enjoyed this edition and are already thinking about how to incorporate your favourite hobby or sport into your next vacation or back into your everyday life. We need hobbies!
-Sonya