Holiday home?

Or travelling the world exploring new destinations? Which one would you choose?  

I have never understood the proclivity of some people to buy second homes – either in the mountains or by the beach – to holiday in every year. I can understand the appeal of familiarity to some extent but the idea of spending every summer/winter in just one place seems a bit limiting to me. When the world is full of so many exciting destinations just waiting to be enjoyed, why would you return to the same place again and again (even if you did have a house in that location)?

 

For me, the idea of a holiday equals adventure, exploration and new experiences. And while I am happy to revisit some cities (London and Bangkok remain perennial favourites) and countries (Italy is one place I could visit three times a year) I am always looking for new horizons to feast my eyes upon. There is a special thrill about landing in an entirely new place where everything seems unfamiliar – sometimes even daunting – and slowly finding your place in that new landscape.

 

When it comes to choosing a holiday destination, everyone has their own special criteria. There are some who love the idea of a beach vacation, where they can loll by the seaside all day, sipping cocktails and occasionally dipping into the water. There are others who love the pristine coolness of the mountains, where the air is crisp and bracing, and there is a special pleasure to be had basking by the fireside at the end of a long day of trekking. Some people like the hustle and bustle of a city, with all the cultural delights – museums, monuments, etc. – it has to offer while others love the idea of checking into a resort in the middle of nowhere and just chilling all day long.

 

Speaking for myself, I have to say that I enjoy every kind of holiday, depending on my mood – and the time of the year. When Delhi is sizzling in the summer months, it seems heavenly to escape to the hills to get a respite from the blazing hot heat of the plains. If I have had a couple of stressful months struggling to meet deadlines then there is nothing better than the prospect of checking into a resort where the most strenuous activity on offer is an aromatherapy massage. When I want a fix of culture then a city break in Europe where I spend all my time traipsing through museums seems just the ticket. And when Delhi is freezing around the New Year, a beach break is exactly what the doctor ordered.

 

As I grow older, though, there is another criterion that has become just as – if not most – crucial as any other when I plan a holiday. Given a choice, I would much rather go to a destination that I can reach with a direct flight. I don’t care if the flight itself is two or twelve hours long; as long as I can board a plane and then get off at my final destination, I am good to go. The very thought of negotiating more than one airport to reach my holiday hotspot is enough to bring me out in hives. And that, you will agree, is not the best way to kickstart a vacation.