Choose Your Own Vacation

There are so many different vacation types to choose from, sometimes it feels impossible to figure out which option would be best for you and your family. Some are more family-friendly than others, some are more active than others. All types of vacations can take place all over the world, from the beaches of Jamaica to the temples of Thailand. Sometimes it seems as though there are just too many choices out there when it comes to planning a holiday.

I've put together here a very basic overview of the various vacation types that are out there in order to give you a starting place when it comes to planning your vacation.

Cruise

A cruise vacation takes place on a large ocean-going ship that has enough room on board for thousands of travelers. The world's largest cruise ship currently has space for nearly 7,000 passengers at full occupancy! Ocean cruises are popular for travelers who want to visit multiple, often tropical locations during the same trip. Usually all of your food and entertainment is included in the cost of the trip. However, alcoholic beverages and organized shore excursions are an extra expense. Most cruise packages do not include airfare, either. Cruises run in duration from a few days to over a hundred days! Some cruise lines have a casual atmosphere and dress code, while others are more formal. Popular ocean cruise lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line, for example. 

Sample Cruise Itinerary

7-night Western Caribbean Cruise with Disney Cruise Line

• Day 1--Board the Disney Fantasy in Port Canaveral, Florida, and depart at 3:45 pm.
• Day 2--Enjoy a day at sea to explore all the ship has to offer.
• Day 3--Spend the day in Cozumel, Mexico.
• Day 4--Spend the day in George Town, Grand Cayman.
• Day 5--Spend the day in Falmouth, Jamaica.
• Day 6--Enjoy a day at sea to explore all the ship has to offer.
• Day 7--Spend a spectacular day at Disney's private Bahamian island retreat, Castaway Cay.
• Day 8--Arrive back in Port Canaveral, Florida, and disembark the ship that morning.

River Cruise

Unlike an ocean cruise liner, which can carry thousands of passengers, a river cruise ship carries only a couple hundred guests at a time. A river cruise is one of the more intimate vacation types available to international travelers. River cruises can travel on the Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Amazon, and even the Irrawaddy or Mekong Rivers! River cruises are also available on a steamboat if you're more interested in seeing parts of the United States.

On a river cruise, the focus is on local dining, wine and beer. Although your dining is included on a river cruise, beer and wine are usually included only at meal times. However, each day of a river cruise usually includes a shore excursion with an emphasis on local historical or culinary practices. Airfare is not usually included in the price of a river cruise, although it is sometimes offered as a promotion, and can be booked together. Well-known river cruise lines include Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises.

Sample River Cruise Itinerary

Rhine River Cruise with Viking River Cruises

• Day 1--Board one of Viking's Longships in Basel, Switzerland.
• Day 2--Enjoy a Black Forest scenery tour with a clock-making demonstration in Breisach, Germany
• Day 3--Take a walking tour featuring the Strasbourg Cathedral or attend the optional Taste the Best of Alsace tour in Strasbourg.
• Day 4--Take a half-day city tour of Heidelberg feature Heidelberg Castle. Travel to Rüdesheim and stroll the Drosselgasse for an evening at leisure. 
• Day 5---Cruise the Middle Rhine. Then enjoy an excursion to Marksburg Castle in Koblenz followed by an evening at leisure.
• Day 6--In Cologne, take a walking tour and visit a Gothic Cathedral. 
• Day 7--Tour Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO site or take an optional tour to visit a Dutch cheese maker. 
• Day 8--Arrive in Amsterdam and depart the ship. 

All-inclusive Vacation

An all-inclusive vacation booking is a great option if you're looking for a beach or spa getaway with one price tag. All-inclusive vacation packages typically include economy airfare, all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a ride to and from the airport at your destination and entertainment. Some all-inclusive resorts have a family focus while others are for adults only.

The Caribbean is a popular destination for those seeking to book an all-inclusive vacation. Locations such as Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba are popular for sun-seekers. Resorts have many levels of accommodations, ranging from a regular hotel-style room to a multi-bedroom suite with an adjoining private pool. Popular Canadian suppliers of all-inclusive vacations that I'm comfortable working with to provide clients with an amazing vacation include Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, Air Canada Vacations and Transat Vacations. 

Sample All-inclusive Vacation Package

7 Nights at the Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection

Adults-only all-inclusive resort in Samana, Dominican Republic. This resort is located on the magnificent and secluded Cayo Levantado island in Samana Bay. The room is a junior suite that includes wifi, a king-sized bed, a bathroom with hydromassage tub, bathrobes, slippers, coffee-maker, in-room safe, living area with sofa, balcony or terrace. The resort has wifi, 4 à la carte restaurants, whirlpools and for an additional fee, motorized water sports and a spa. Guests will enjoy unlimited à la carte dinners, unlimited premium brand drinks, 24-hour room service, waiter service at the pool/beach and boat shuttle to the mainland. Flights included. 

Land Tour

A land tour is a wonderful way to see multiple cities in one trip. Travelers can ride in comfort in a luxury coach or train in between cities. They're often accompanied by a local tour guide or area expert and guided from one stop to the next. Land tours can take place on nearly every continent. Some meals may be included, and hotel stays and excursions are also part of the package.

Sample Land Tour Itinerary

​England and France with Adventures by Disney

Immerse yourself in history! Travel down the paths of royalty and visit the sites where famous and infamous historical moments occurred. Tour London’s stunning castles and be treated to a private viewing of the Royal Crown Jewels. Then, cross the Channel to Paris, the City of Light—and relish the art, culture and cuisine of France. Your tour includes:

• Private Viewing of the Crown Jewels--Feel the allure of these royal treasures at a rare private viewing in the Tower of London. 
  
• Paris Tour--Discover the City of Lights in all its splendor as a local expert show you the amazing locations and destinations.
  
• Nôtre Dame Cathedral--Enjoy a privately-guided tour of this Gothic masterpiece and its famed gargoyles.
  
• The Louvre--View the museum's renowned collection on a privately-guided tour that includes the Mona Lisa.
  
• Versailles Tour--Enter the lap of 17th century luxury, power and excess on a private tour of the famed palace and royal home. 
  

This tour includes breakfast daily, two lunches and four dinners. It also includes all transportation, tours & excursions and hotel stays. 

Summary

As you can see, there are so many different vacation types to explore that it can be a challenge to decide what to do with those days o each year! Whether you decide to visit one country or many on your next holiday, a cruise, river cruise, all-inclusive vacation or land tour is a wonderful way to explore new parts of the world and immerse yourself in culture and relaxation.

Which vacation types are you most drawn to? Share your experiences in the comments, below. If you found this post helpful, don't forget to share it!