Bored with Regular Vacations? Here’s Something Different for You

We (my friends and I) recently went to Goa. It was fun…I guess. The truth of the matter is that this is perhaps the hundredth time we have been there and everything has begun to feel same old, same old. There seems to be nothing new under the sun when it comes to going on a vacation.

Merely changing the destination does not work. Frankly, we’ve done everything from road trips to carnivals to beach vacations to hiking and camping. It has all started feeling the same and the sense of adventure is gone. We feel like we’re treading old paths and that is not so exciting anymore.

Are you like me? Does the idea of a vacation fill you with ennui rather than excitement? Do you feel as though you have tried and done everything already? Thankfully, if you’re looking for a vacation different from all your other vacations, there are plenty of options.

ShoutLo decided to take a look at what some of those options are.

Dog Sledding

This particular vacation combines two things – snowy winters and an incredible ride. You zip through the Alaskan forest, sitting in a sled being pulled by sled dogs – some of the most powerful animals in Alaska. It’s a tradition going back to the days of the Gold Rush and still upheld today. Go to the Punchbowl Glacier or combine the dog sledding tour with a Northern Lights tour. Make sure to book it in advance because, for an unusual vacation, it gets booked up pretty fast.

Cargo Ships or Freighter Ships

If you’re tired of the usual luxury cruises and don’t mind roughing it, this is the way to go. There are plenty of cargo ships that offer some accommodation. Some even come equipped with some luxuries such as gyms and swimming pools. If you’re looking for something, even more, grassroots and basic, try freighter cruises on for size. These ships don’t offer luxury, and you have to make do with bunk-bed style accommodations. But the adventure lies in all the unique ports of call and really long journeys at sea. No internet means no interruptions and since they don’t take on a huge number of passengers, you probably won’t run into too many people.

Horse Caravans

If you’re looking for a vacation that is much more slow-paced than is the norm, horse caravans are for you. You get to roam learn how to yoke, harness and drive a horse and then travel all over the countryside at a leisurely pace. The carriages are four-berth and have sleeping and cooking spaces. You will have to use the toilet facilities available at inns and pubs along the way. Apart from this one inconvenience, horse caravans are perfect for exploring and traveling to your heart’s content without having to stress out at because of a fast-paced vacation.

Luxury Trains

With everyone flying everywhere these days, trains are perhaps an underrated mode of travel. However, they can be much more than a mere means of transport to your destination. They can be the vacation itself. Want something luxurious and nostalgic? Try a luxury train ride. Depending on the country you’re in, you’ll get to experience an amazing journey with luxury sleepers, amazing local cuisine and beautiful stops along the way – a truly exotic way to not only travel but also holiday.

Space

Space – the final frontier. Thanks to Richard Branson, this may soon become a holiday destination that surpasses anything you can experience on this lil’ ole’ planet of ours. Spaceship Two, the Virgin Galactic vessel that will take you into the unexplored beyond, has completed its third test flight. If you decide to go on this vacation you will be in the very exclusive company of people such as Stephen Hawking and Ashton Kutcher. Of course, you’ll also have to have very deep pockets since each seat costs $250,000.

Go beyond the accepted and the usual. If you’re open to experiencing new things you’ll find that your vacations have regained the flavor and feel they’d lost. Bon voyage!