When planning a trip, we often start with one question: Where should we go? But I think another question matters just as much: What do we want to experience?
Sometimes I want to walk through a city and learn about its history. Other times, I want to spend my days outdoors or simply slow down somewhere beautiful. Looking back at my travels, three different experiences stand out: culture in Italy, adventure around Zion, and relaxation in Maui.
Culture: Taking My Time in Italy
Italy gave me so many opportunities to experience history. Visiting the Colosseum and exploring Vatican City felt very different from seeing them in photographs. Walking through the Vatican Museums and seeing Raphael’s paintings made the experience even more memorable.
Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice each offered something different. I loved the colorful towns of Cinque Terre, while in Venice, simply walking around became part of the experience. A gondola ride was another memorable part of the visit.
For me, cultural travel works best when I leave room to slow down. Famous attractions are worth visiting, but I don’t want my entire trip to feel like checking items off a list. Sometimes sitting outside a coffee shop and watching everyday life tells me something about a place that a landmark cannot.
Adventure: Getting Outside Around Zion
Adventure travel brings a different kind of energy. Around Zion National Park, the landscape becomes the focus, with hiking and opportunities to explore the canyon scenery.
Under Canvas Zion was part of my travel experience in this area. Glamping appealed to me because it offered a way to feel closer to nature while still having comforts such as a shower and toilet.
Zion and Page work well together for an outdoor getaway. From Zion to Page, Arizona, is roughly 120 miles — a drive of about two to two and a half hours without stops. We visited Horseshoe Bend at sunset and spent the next day at Lake Powell. Splitting the visits across two days gave us time to enjoy both places without squeezing everything into one afternoon.
Relaxation: Slowing Down in Maui
Not every trip needs a packed schedule. In Maui, staying at the Hyatt Regency Maui and exploring the property felt like part of the vacation itself.
We also visited the Nakalele Blowhole and took a dolphin-watching tour. Spending time on the water, enjoying the scenery, drinks, and snacks, was one of the highlights of the trip.
Mama’s Fish House was another memorable stop. For me, food and the setting can be just as much a part of a travel experience as sightseeing.
Relaxation doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. It can mean choosing a few things I genuinely want to do and leaving space between them.
Which Experience Fits Your Next Trip?
Before choosing a destination, ask yourself:
- Do I want to learn about history and culture?
- Am I looking for outdoor activities and adventure?
- Do I need a slower pace and time to unwind?
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