Take the Train! This is the only vacation idea I have actually done on this list, and it was a fun experience. I took the train across the United States in my own sleeper car from LA to Chicago to DC. It was an interesting experience and I would do it again up and down the West Coast. Amtrak has multiple routes you can take so you don’t have to spend multiple nights and three days on a train. I didn’t stop along the way because I was eager to get where I was going, but there’s always that option too!

Horseback ride through Iceland. This is next up on my trip list. There are several companies that run multi-day horseback riding trips around Iceland. I think it’ll be a great way to see the countryside and meet some people at the same time. Food and board is included for the time period of the trip, so the price is all inclusive (at least the one’s I’ve looked into). I don’t think I could handle anything more than four days since I haven’t ridden since high school, but they also have easy one hour trips or half day trips for anyone who might not want to spend multiple days in the saddle.

Take a Steamboat down the Mississippi. Am I actually just a transportation nerd? I don’t think I am, but I do think it would be cool to take a boat down the Mississippi and experience the different cities and states from Minnesota to Louisiana. Mostly I just think it’s interesting to experience something a different way than usual or than from the typical hotel/car vacation (which is okay too!).

Join an Earthwatch Expedition. I just discovered this and I think it’s so cool! You can book a trip to help out scientists and researchers with their environmental studies, whether it’s helping to tag birds or counting pieces of plastic in the ones (erm…at least that’s my understanding…). You pay a set fee for the trip and room and board is included. It might not be everyone’s idea of a fun trip, but something to do off the beaten path and a new and different experience to try.

Trek through Scotland. We all think of going hiking in our hometowns (well maybe not everyone), but why don’t we also think of going hiking in another country. You might not be able to see all the usual sights, but you’ll be able to take it slow along the countryside and maybe see some beautiful small towns and scenery while you’re at it. You can always do a day or two in the big city and hit all the tourist sites at the beginning or end of your trip.

What do you think? Are there any vacations you’re just itching to take (especially with Covid) or any out of the box vacation ideas you can’t wait to plan? Or are you a beach and relax kind of person. I’m also that kind of person, but my brain has been going a bit haywire over the past year and a half!