There’s a lot of pressure to choose the right holiday these days. Whether you’ve got limited time off from work or are trying to stretch a tight budget, it can be difficult to zero in on the “perfect place” to visit — a location that has exactly what you’re craving, whether it’s an epic adventure, a smorgasbord of culinary experiences, or just some good ol' R & R.
So, how to choose? The key just may lie in your zodiac sun sign. We spoke with several seasoned astrologers, who gave us travel recommendations that reflect the unique preferences and personalities of each sign, from adventure-seeking Leo to luxe-loving Scorpio. Click ahead for major last-minute summer travel inspo — and when it comes time to plan your next trip, just look to the stars.
Aries
(March 21 – April 19)
As they're constantly on the go, Arian travellers love exploring new destinations, especially ones that are off the beaten path, says Samuel Reynolds, Brooklyn-based astrologer and founder of UnlockAstrology.com. An Aries tends to enjoy places that are under the radar — or at least discover them before they’re the next holiday du jour. Somewhere like Rügen, a German island in the Baltic Sea, could be just the spot to check out next. The area is home to Jasmund National Park’s famed chalk cliffs, which will appeal to adventurous hikers, as well as top-notch resorts often frequented only by German tourists.
Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)
The key to a Taurus’ ideal holiday is comfort. “Tauruses need places where they can feel pampered and be assured great food,” says Reynolds, which is why a tour of California’s wine country in Napa and Sonoma would complement their tastes. And although such a trip offers rustic flair, it doesn’t skimp on the amenities a Taurus enjoys. If you can swing it, try booking one of the wine country’s premier hotels, which offer luxury lodging and gourmet cooking. Two of the best are Harvest Inn in Napa and Hotel Healdsburg in Sonoma, both owned by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer.
Gemini
(May 21 – June 20)
For Geminis, the more activities (and shareable photo ops) a place offers, the better. The energy Geminis exude when free to roam is electric, which is why big cities appeal to their wanderlust. London is a particularly great fit, says Reynolds, since they have an array of options to choose from — from sampling pints at local pubs to meandering through the Tate Modern’s current art exhibit. Consider staying in a hotel in the heart of the hustle and bustle, such as near Piccadilly Circus, where Geminis can thrive on the city’s vibrancy. If you're a Gemini who already lives in London, why not try Paris, New York, or even Toronto?
Cancer
(June 21 – July 22)
Since Cancers are known to be homebodies, getting them out of their comfort zones isn't always easy. But there are plenty of ways a Cancer can still be a world traveller while feeling at ease. For starters, seek out a destination with water — whether it's a city with rivers running through it or an island in the ocean, says Reynolds. And opt for cosy, bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations over large hotel chains. One great option would be a bed-and-breakfast in Amsterdam, where you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Amstel River while enjoying homemade meals and warm hospitality.
Leo
(July 23 – August 22)
The lions of the zodiac are always drawn to wherever the drama and action is, says Reynolds. (And by action, we mean a good party with the prospect of adventure.) Leos will be in their element in a place like Montego Bay, Jamaica, says Reynolds, which boasts a lively beach atmosphere plus a renowned nightlife scene along the “Hip Strip.” When you need a bit of a reprieve from the sun-soaked soirees and rum cocktails, experiment with some of Montego Bay's thrill-seeking activities, like zip-lining or scuba diving in one of the island’s unspoiled tropical reefs.
Virgo
(August 23 – September 22)
According to Reynolds, intelligent, practical Virgos want more from their holidays than just an escape from the everyday — they value educational experiences as well. Add their budget consciousness to the mix, and it's clear that Toulouse in southwest France should be on every Virgo's radar. These late-summer babies will enjoy the rich history and culture of Toulouse — also called "the Pink City" for its many rose-hued buildings, which include several impressive churches dating back to the 10th century, and stately mansions built during the 16th and 17th centuries. Better yet, it's less expensive and crowded than Paris.
Libra
(September 23 – October 22)
Libras love having a variety of options when selecting a holiday spot, so they can “pick and choose as they please, or as their mood strikes,” says Aurora Tower, the astrologer behind BrightStarLights.com. They are also drawn to picturesque locations, which makes Cinque Terre in Italy an ideal choice. Once you explore one of the idyllic coastal towns, there are four more to see (you have the option of hiking or hopping aboard a boat or train). And as with pretty much anywhere in Italy, there’s no shortage of charming, family-owned shops and osterias to appeal to a Libra’s shopping and culinary desires.
Scorpio
(October 23 – November 21)
Even though Scorpios enjoy going off the grid when they holiday, they don’t necessarily want to leave behind modern-day comforts, says Tower. Glamping (or luxury camping) would be a perfect activity when that urge to retreat into the wilderness strikes. A place like Moyo Island in Indonesia would particularly appeal to them, especially since they can “camp” at the Amanwana luxury resort. It offers lavish tents, snorkelling amid reefs brimming with marine life, jungle treks to explore waterfalls, and boating excursions to the Rinca and Komodo islands — home to the fabled Komodo dragons.
Sagittarius
(November 22 – December 21)
The “hunters” of the zodiac are often some of the most worldly and adventurous travellers, says Tower. In fact, they don’t just travel — they completely immerse themselves in a country’s culture and enjoy blending in with the locals. That said, they’re inclined to choose a holiday rental through Airbnb or a camping site rather than going the hotel route. Heading to a destination in South America that offers a majestic outdoor experience would be a memorable holiday for them, especially if they stumble upon any “untouched” areas that make them feel like the area's first explorers. An ideal activity would be backpacking through Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile’s Patagonia region.
Capricorn
(December 22 – January 19)
Capricorns rarely enjoy travelling solo; they see holidays as opportunities to reconnect with friends. They also enjoy places that allow them to “kick back and soak in the scenery,” but with enough activities to keep them busy, says Tower. A boat cruise through the Balearic Islands in Spain would provide just the right balance, allowing them to revel in some relaxation during the cruise and explore each of the islands when the boat drops anchor. In particular, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca offers incredible hikes, bike rides, and coastal drives when a Capricorn is looking for something beyond sunbathing and sangria.
Aquarius
(January 20 – February 18)
According to Tower, Aquarians are the most unique of the zodiac because of their independence. “It’s easier to make generalisations about the other signs, but with Aquarius, each one has a very fixed set of preferences,” she says. When it comes to their travel preferences, most Aquarians like going to a repeat location every year — whether they're lying on the same beach in Mexico or going on an annual ski trip. However, if they do decide to branch out, Tower recommends something completely out of the ordinary, like a tour of the onsens (or natural hot-spring spas) in Japan, which will entice them to experiment. There are more than 3,000 onsens to choose from throughout Japan, and quite a few are easily accessible from Tokyo.
Pisces
(February 19 – March 20)
The recipe for the perfect Pisces holiday? A beach, a bed, and a view, says Tower. Pisces is a highly sensitive sign, which means they're particularly influenced by their surroundings. Choose a place that is tranquil and restorative, such as Kauai or one of the other Hawaiian Islands, suggests Tower. Despite the number of pristine beaches to choose from, even a “water baby” like Pisces can get restless after a few days of lounging around. When that happens, seek out island activities such as surfing, kayaking, hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, or visiting a sugar plantation.
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