Travel like a European

If you are an American, you probably don't spend much time thinking about how you approach vacation is very different than Europeans. But there are definite differences.

Americans on average start out with 2 weeks of paid vacation a year, or 10 days.  Some companies add to that based on your length of service other factors, but think about your 10 days.  Maybe you chip away at  them during the year for family activities like a child's dance recital out of state, or a wedding that requires you to leave on a Thursday or a Friday.

People who live in the European Union get at least 20 paid vacation days each year - twice what Americans receive. 

So when American's finally are able to take vacation time and experience their vacation, they are often trying to jam as many activities into that 5 or 10 day trip as possible.

 You've heard people say they want to "Make the most" of their trip, or "we want to do everything because we probably won't go here again".  So the typical American family plans their vacation, fills their day with tours and activities, and goes non-stop for the entire time. They come home full of stories but exhausted from their trip.

Europeans have more time, so they can chip away at their 20 days a little here and there, and still have time to relax and enjoy.  They plan a trip to a new location, and then they live there.  What do I mean?  They wake up and enjoy a relaxing breakfast, with a few cups of coffee in the garden. Maybe walk to the market and explore shops, take a little time in the afternoon to nap or read a book and recover some energy.  Spend the day exploring a little town without rushing to the next activity.  The pace is a little slower, more relaxing. 

 They tend to savor the experience and enjoy the time they have without completely filling every moment of every day.  Find the local playgrounds and plan to just take a picnic and let the kids play.

Before you take your next vacation, ask your travel professional to plan one that highlights a few key areas and then gives you suggestions to relax and explore. Take a book....or a deck of cards!  Live your vacation destination and truly experience it.