Traveling and taking a break from everyday life can be incredibly beneficial to mental and physical health, but too often it is hard to figure out the difference between vacations and escape. What’s considered a “getaway” and what’s identified as a “vacation”? Although both are beneficial, each is fundamentally different and should be considered separately when making travel plans.
A vacation is a pre-planned, scheduled, usually longer period of rest which is either part of a holiday or a brief respite from commitments like work or studies. It’s usually considered a time for recreation, entertainment, and leisure. It could mean going on an all-inclusive cruise or a European tour. Vacations also include activities such as shopping, site-seeing, or visiting family and friends. The goal of a vacation is often to take a break from the normal routine and enjoy the experience.
Escape, on the other hand, is a self-directed, usually spur-of-the-moment action to get away from your home and hopefully the majority of your responsibilities. Escape routes vary. It could be something in your own backyard like camping, backpacking, or biking. You could also venture out to a remote destination and accommodate more outdoorsy activities like mountain climbing, rafting, or caving. The goal of an escape is to get disconnected from your current life and enjoy an adventure.
The two types of travel have their similarities, too. Both should include striving for a mentally and physically healthy atmosphere, and rewards such as personal growth and/or relaxation. Vacations often have an element of escape as do escapes with a lot of the activities seen as leisure activities in other settings.
Vacations usually require more planning to do in advance than escape. Escape instead depends on serendipity and spontaneity. Planning a vacation means setting a plan of action – when, how long, where to go, what to do, whom to meet, etc. Escape, however, means that you don’t plan anything at all and put yourself into situations that give you the chance to get to know yourself better and explore the world around you.
Vacations also usually involve costs rather than escapes. Traveling to a destination for a specific length of time costs money and it could be traveling expenses, hotel or AirBnB rental, meals and more. Escape, in contrast, usually costs no or little money as the goal is not necessarily to indulge in activities that require an expenditure, though the occasional splurge is to be expected.
Lastly, the two difference types of travel have a mentally different effect from each other. Vacations are about relaxation and restore mental calm while escape has a different benefit such as increasing confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Vacationing can also be a social event shared with family or friends. Escape, on the other hand, is a personal journey where you can learn to rely on yourself and test your resilience.
Ultimately, whether it’s a vacation or an escape, the goal should be to enjoy the experience and appreciate the different rewards that both styles of travelling have to offer. It’s really about finding a balance between the two types of travel and using them to enhance your well-being.