Expand Your Horizons With An Extended Vacation
A vacation can mean anything from a weekend away camping in the van to a long term working holiday; for most people though it’s a one or two week break to a beach or city to change the mindset and rebalance the chakras. While these short breaks and interludes are all-important, there are other ways to experience a vacation that might bring you closer to culture, open up opportunities for self-discovery and contribute to a community with compassionate action.
Instead of staying for one or two weeks in an area you could find a hotel that offers weekly rental rates and expect to be there for months. In that time you could learn the language immersively, deepen your friendships with the locals and learn more about the region in general; in this way it will become like a second home, a place you have a truel affinity with. If it’s a working vacation you’re interested in, for experience or for charity, you can expect to engage with people like never before. They will welcome you into their community and appreciate the work you do. It could be vacation that’s genuinely life-changing.
Have you always dreamed of travelling to Japan? That other-worldly culture full of gizmos, gadgets, cosplay, and stunning temples? Or maybe you love exotic animals but have never thought the Galápagos Islands we’re a viable holiday destination? It could be a fantastic progressive city such as Singapore, or the iconic beaches of Thailand you desire – whatever your interests, a little research can go a long way. There are opportunities for extended vacations everywhere these days: here are just a few of them.
Japan
If you decide to visit Japan it’s worth the effort to spend a little more time there than your average vacation. The country has some incredible natural beauty – cherry blossoms in the Spring and mountains covered with red and yellow trees in the autumn. There are Zen Buddhist temples hidden in the green mountains and cut-price technology in the busy streets of Tokyo. Wherever you go you will find the Japanese people to be friendly, gentle, and especially helpful.
There are a number of ways you can spend a little more time in Japan than your average two week stint. Travel the length of the country from Hokkaido to Kyushu with a JR railcard – you can do this in the space of a month and take in all the must-see places on the way: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Alternatively, book a rental in an Airbnb and explore one special location, such as Kyoto. If you want a more permanent stay there are many small English language schools who will be happy to receive your resume.
Galápagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles off the west coast of South America and form part of Ecuador. They are a rare, secluded, volcanic archipelago and home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in the world such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises, fur seals, and Galapagos penguins. There is also a huge diversity of marine life and thousands of bird species.
For an extended stay on the Galápagos Islands consider staying in Santa Cruz. If you wanted you could spend years living there. It’s a pleasant island with lots to do: there are many options for bike rental, surfboard rental and kayaking; San Cristobal is also an option with a similar set-up. If you want a busier area with more nightlife, however, Puerto Ayora is the place to go. No Galapagos island holiday is complete without a cruise – so don’t miss out.
Singapore
The Republic Of Singapore is a sovereign island nation located in South-East Asia. It is one of the most progressive and culturally diverse City-regions in the world. Famed for its food, cleanliness, and modernity, Singapore is not just somewhere to visit for a short time, but to savour and explore.
The city does not only offer excellent bars, restaurants, night-life, superb architecture, wildlife and bays, it is the perfect location to explore other regions in South-East Asia from the comfort of an accommodating city. One of the best ways to extend your vacation here is to find a central and affordable short-term lease in a fabulous apartment. If this idea interests you check out the link apartment for rent singapore short term for more information.
Volunteering Vacation
If you want a vacation that is not just about you, an adventure that will contribute to the world and open new doors both personally and professionally, opportunities exist to go on a volunteering vacation; and you don’t have to be a student on an Erasmus year. You could work with animals such as elephants or lions in Kenya, help impoverished children in Ghana to learn essential life skills, or teach English to kids in Sri Lanka.
There are many charities and organisations to choose from for an extended vacation such as this. Some excellent affordable ones can be found here! Organisations are friendly, well-run and offer opportunities for people of all ages and persuasions. You can engage in a project for one week or three-months as a solo traveller or even ad an entire family. A compassionate volunteering holiday has the potential to transform not only your life but someone else’s life as well.
Thailand
Thailand is the perfect location for a long-stay vacation. It’s 60 day flexible tourist visa means you can easily plan ahead, giving you ample time to explore the country. Fantastic food, world-class hotels, and superb cruises are just some of the reasons why people love Thailand.
If you want to experience the culture as a semi-permanent resident for up to 60 days you might be interested in renting a house, flat or villa in a popular resort. Chonburi, for instance, is a destination with lots of exciting things to see and do. Visit Buddha-mountain, a 130-meter high mountain with a commemorative golden-leafed Buddha carved into the side; or cruise to Koh Lan (Coral Island) and spend time on the tropical four-beach island.
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