Change is the only constant, eh? And when it comes to a low-paying job or a psychotic boss, then change is also the only solution. But the one mistake that most of us end up making is to switch jobs without taking a break in between. It may seem redundant amidst the fundamental human greed, but it is absolutely necessary as a fundamental human need. Our mind and soul needs regular breaks in the midst of all the difficult volleys professional life throws at us. And by "regular breaks", I don't merely mean the weekend trips to the Shimlas and Manalis of the world, I mean a good prolonged trips to places you ideally haven't been before. You need time to reminisce and replenish, and with melee that surrounds switching jobs, taking a longer break makes even more of a sense because you also need to gear up for a higher professional ladder.
Enough rhetoric for now, here are 7 great vacations to take between jobs to come back completely rejuvenated from:
1. Take that epic Euro-trip
That has always been a dream, no? Europe has a great amount to offer to a traveller as well as a tourist. There are gorgeous beaches, cobbled roads, quintessential medieval cities, quaint villages, psychedelic nightlife, the metropolitan charms, and whatever else you wish to experience. Choose your destinations wisely and you'll come back a changed person.
Countries to visit: Spain for the royal palaces and the art galleries. France for the city of love and cultural heritage. Switzerland for the pristine white Alps. Greece for sunbathing on the beaches. Ireland for the beer.
Recommended duration: At least two weeks.
Approximate expenditure (excluding flights): Rs. 2 Lacs.
For detailed information, refer to this trip.
2. Greet the Seven Sisters
Introduce yourself to the fascinating Seven Sisters of India. Still majorly unexplored, visiting the seven north-eastern states provides a very different experience than one usually gets while traversing the Indian mainland. Although the states collectively only comprise about 7% of India's total land area, but the great ethnic and religious diversity makes them a must-visit at least once in a lifetime. Although there is political, social and economic resemblance amongst the states, but geographically each is gorgeous in its own way. And hence, what better time to visit all (or most) of them than in your long vacation?
Places to visit: Assam for the tea and silk, Meghalaya for the sublime orchids, Arunachal for the music, and Manipur for the classical arts.
Recommended duration: At least two weeks.
Approximate expenditure (excluding flights): Rs. 50,000.
For detailed information, refer to this trip.
3. Chill the F out in Hawaii
Without exaggerating one bit, it's the closest you can come to visiting paradise. White sand beaches, coral reefs, the choicest alcohol, bluest seas with gorgeous volcanoes in the background. My God, what more would you want? Hawaii is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world.
Places to visit: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness Mauna Lua and Kilauea - two large active volcanoes. Hawaiian Islands for the sublime sand beaches. Diamond Head for the trekkers; there's a trail that leads to the top of a volcanic tuff cone.
Recommended duration: At least a week.
Approximate expenditure (excluding flights): Rs. 1,20,000.
For detailed information, refer to this trip.
4. Go on a prolonged African Safari
If you're a lover of natural habitats, wildlife, and customs that have been passed down since thousands of years ago, Africa is your one and only fix. From tropical rainforests to sprawling deserts, from verdant highlands to yellow canyons, there's nothing that won't surprise your widest eyes. Africa is a taste that needs no time to get acquired.
Countries to visit: South Africa for the wildlife safaris. Egypt for the ancient pyramids. Morocco for the tea in silver pots and Casablanca. Tanzania for the idyllic beaches.
Recommended duration: At least two weeks.
Approximate expenditure (excluding flights): Rs. 1 Lac.
For detailed information, refer to this trip.
5. Do many of your life's firsts, Down Under
By "Down Under", I meant both Australia and New Zealand. I'm quite sure that most of you already have a distant/close cousin already living in either of these countries and hence it saves up on the staying costs a bit. But what that part of the world provides is unlike nowhere else. The mountains, reefs, beaches, deserts, and white sand islands are what you are looking at. Just pack in a couple of colourful undergarments and go lie outside in the sun. Your vacation is sorted.
Places to visit: New Zealand for adventure sports like bungee jumping, skiing, kayaking, rappelling, and of course the Hobbit Town from the Lord of the Rings. Australia for everything else, mentioned above.
Recommended duration: At least two weeks.
Approximate expenditure (excluding flights): Rs. 2 Lacs.
For detailed information, refer to this trip.
6. Gamble away everything in the Sin City
The original "Sin City" is a common dream destination for all. We've all grown up watching and hearing so much about the casinos and nightlife in Vegas that whenever all of us have sufficiently deep pockets, the first thing we ever think of is going to Vegas, baby! So when we're on this long a vacation, we'd just roll the dice till it's sunrise!
Places to visit: The legendary Bellagio casino for gambling away your kidneys and dining with the stars. The Las Vegas Strip for casinos, circus, food, and whatever else you're imagining right now.
Recommended duration: A week at the maximum.
Approximate expenditure (excluding flights): Rs. 1,30,000.
For detailed information, refer to this trip.
7. If not anywhere else, there's always Goa
Well, if you really do need a reason, then Goa is the best place for you to completely relax on a beach with a beer in your hand while watching the sun drown into the endless sea. You've tried to materialise a Goa plan with your friends every year but it never worked out. Now is the time to seriously consider it.
Places to visit: Arambol to while away your time while discussing world art and politics with foreign backpackers. Palolem if you wish for a romantic escapade. Baga if endless partying gives you the kicks.
Recommended duration: At least a week.
Approximate expenditure (excluding flights): Rs. 70,000.
For detailed information, refer to this trip.
So, there you have it. Everyone switches jobs, but not everyone joins the new workplace completely raring to go. Take a vacation, and bless me later.
Have you already tried doing the same? Share your experiences with 25M travellers in our community. They'd love to hear you and get inspired.