Secret Vacations- The Next Big Thing

I have never had anyone plan a trip for me, and to find someone that loves to plan as much and I do is tough. Never has there been a trip I could just show up and relax on. I found myself asking, when will someone take up the helm and let me play the passenger for once.
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Motorcycle travelling through the redwood trees on the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Motorcycle travelling through the redwood trees on the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

I have a confession to make, I am a planner, and I love it. From parties, and events, to travel, it is always something I have been very good at achieving with the greatest results. For me, the planning aspect is half of the fun of everything, half of the journey to whatever experience you are seeking. This, however has leaked out over the years, and resulted in myself being chosen as Maid of Honor four times, Best Man once, and the go to person for planning any party, or trip.

Which brings me to Secret Vacations. Travel is a huge aspect of my life, and the research portion of it is the best part of the experience, in my eyes. Not everyone feels the same way I do, however. I have never had anyone plan a trip for me, and to find someone that loves to plan as much and I do is tough. Never has there been a trip I could just show up and relax on. I found myself asking, when will someone take up the helm and let me play the passenger for once.

It just so happens, a very close friend of mine is a research addict herself. She is always in charge of overseeing the details. Over drinks one evening, we came up with a brilliant idea. Why not plan a secret vacation for one another? One person plans all the details, and the other just shows up and is surprised the entire trip. You would have settled a budget, time frame, method of travel and packing list, but nothing else. Location, activities, lodging, would be planned by the other person. Everything would be taken care of, and you can just sit back and go with the flow. You would take turns every other trip so one person could play the planner, and the other the passenger.

It seemed like most ideas that I have when I am drinking... AMAZING. We poured over the logistics of how we would achieve such a thing, and talked until the next bottle of wine was empty. It was a night to remember, and the ideas still sounded plausible the next morning. Weeks later we decided to put it to the test. She took the first trip to plan, and I had no clue or stress about any of the details. It was an incredible time, and such a learning experience for myself to be able to just let go of the reigns for s bit, and truly be surprised and appreciative of the thought she put into our vacation.

Want to have a secret vacation yourself? Here are the top reasons why you should try it! Ever been on a secret vacation? Post in the comments what you liked about it. Would you ever do one yourself?

Top Five Reasons To Take A Secret Vacation-

1. Relationship building

2. Feeling Appreciated

3. Losing Control

4. Breaking out of your old routines, gain a new appreciation for change.

5. Finding your sense of adventure

How to start your own Secret Vacation questionnaire-

How many days are you willing be away?

How many hours are you willing to travel by car or plane?

What is your budget?

- Be sure to include transportation, room and board, rental fees, and any other major activities.

If you are the planner, be sure to include a packing list.

Remember- know the person you are going with. If the person is afraid of heights, do not book a sky diving trip. 😉

Relax and enjoy the experience!

Host of Marta On The Move Podcast.
www.martaonthemove.com
Twitter @icantfindmarta
Instagram-@marta_on_the_move

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