What’s the difference between travel and vacation? To some, both terms mean the same thing. To others, these represent very distinct meanings about the reasons and goals of a trip. A recent Psychology of Travel Twitter Poll asked the question: “Is travel the same as vacation?”
63% felt that the terms were different, 25% believed they were the same, and 12% weren’t sure.
There are, in fact, some important differences when you really break down what each of these terms mean. In this post, we will explore the differences. This will help you determine if you want to approach your next trip as travel or as vacation!
Defining “Travel” versus “Vacation”
In talking with international travelers Jared & Courtney, they identified several clear distinctions between travel and vacation. They described that vacation is “about getting somewhere and then relaxing”. It is dedicated time to unwind in a specific location. Picture going to an all-inclusive resort with so many on-site restaurants you never really need to leave. For Jared & Courtney, this sounded like a great vacation…but really they viewed themselves more as travelers.
Travel, according to Jared & Courtney, is “about immersing yourself in a culture, overcoming challenges, and the adventure of finding new places and meeting new people”. They highlighted some of the benefits of travel, including finding places that are off the beaten path by talking with locals along the way. Backpacking through Europe is a clear example of travel (bring a good CamelBak with you).
Why would anyone choose to go through the energy, work, and stress of inherent travel-related challenges? Well, both Jared and Courtney agreed that many of their favorite travel memories were found by spontaneous exploration rather than seeking a vacation per se.
For a contrast in opinion, consider our friend Mary Beth. She stated that she prefers “a Mai Tai by the beach over crowded trains and bumps in the road”. She believes “true self-discovery can be found through total relaxation and immersing yourself in the culture of a five star hotel with Michelin starred cuisine. Exploring a hotel is adventurous…every spa is different.”
Which is Best for You?
So which is better for you, travel or vacation? The answer is…it depends. You have to first recognize or choose what your underlying reasons for travel may be.
Are you hoping to get away from the daily grind for some rest and relaxation? Aim for some pampering at a nice hotel or idyllic river cruise. Or are you hungry to learn about a new culture and experience the adventure of exploring new areas? May want to ditch the 5 star hotel and look for places to stay that seem more central to the local culture. Trip Advisor and recommended travel blogs can be helpful to find these locations.
There is, of course, an additional way to view the distinction between travel and vacation. Rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive, it may be best to view them on a continuum. In other words, your next trip doesn’t have to be only “vacation” or only “travel”. You can include elements of both!
Tips to Guide Your Next Trip
Think about your priorities for your next trip, and get a feel for which way you lean between vacation versus travel. That will lead you to know how to prioritize your planning, but doesn’t restrict you to only one or the other. You can have a pampered relaxing vacation while also including elements of exploration and engagement with the local culture. Similarly, you can focus on an immersive cultural experience while also dedicating distinct time to unwind at a particular destination.
For Jared and Courtney, they had a clear preference for travel as they felt it was best suited for their enjoyment and goals of going on a trip. With that said, they also noted that their preferences can change back and forth at different times in their life. Preferences also depend on the purposes of a particular trip.
In the same way, you may need to think about your preferences while recognizing that this may change back and forth at different times. One way to help you sort through your preferences is to take different “types” of trips, such that you may focus more on travel during one trip and then on vacation for the next trip.
See what you like, and this will help guide you in future trip planning to get the most out of every trip into this diverse world of ours! Plus, remember to sign up for the free Psychology of Travel Newsletter for all the latest travel tips.
Happy Travels,
-Dr. L
Founder; Psychologyoftravel.com
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Thanks for your sharing, before i read your sharing for me vacation is a weekend getaways from my routine and travel need a good planning to realized it.
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