When it comes to holidays, I know I’m pretty lucky. I live close to the beach in a country with year-round spring-like weather, a dream destination for many. My hometown is Paris, the most visited city in the world. So, when we decided to spend New Year’s on a tropical island in Belize—a place honeymooners rave about near the world’s second-largest reef—I was excited but not blown away. At home, I actually charge people $100 a night to stay in my little guest house, and they’re thrilled to experience my lifestyle for a day.
In Belize, I saw things differently, viewing the island through the eyes of someone who lives in a holiday spot full-time. I noticed the makeshift, seasonal businesses that cater to tourists and then shut down for half the year, trying to make enough money in one season to survive the next. This always bugged me about holiday destinations—the high prices and seasonal hustling.
While prices in Belize might seem cheap from a U.S. or European perspective, living in a neighboring country gives me a good idea of real costs. It’s tough to swallow paying five times more.
Despite my reservations, I tried to make the best of it. I enjoyed early morning runs around the island, but the beaches weren’t sandy as I had hoped, mostly featuring decks similar to home. The water was murky and salty, unlike the clear water I’m used to, and getting breakfast on time required a rushed morning dash. At home, I can leisurely eat whenever I want with a breathtaking lake view.
This trip made me realize how fortunate I am to have my own little beach paradise. But now, when I think about my next holiday destination, I come up blank. I’ve grown to appreciate being at home. I used to love budget traveling, eating market food, and camping in basic hotels. Yet, our three-day Belize trip, which cost more than two weeks on the road, didn’t feel worth it compared to the quality I have at home.
I know my travel urge will return eventually. Here are some ideas for future trips:
– Skiing: I haven’t skied in a long time, and it’s a refreshing change from my usual environment. Snow sports are fun, and you come back feeling pleasantly exhausted from the fresh air and exercise.
– Somewhere Cold: A temperature drop feels great, like when I visit Guatemala City and enjoy a break from the heat. A cold destination would be nice—not too cold unless skiing is involved—where I can snuggle under a feather duvet at night and wear a cozy sweater during the day.
– A City Break: I enjoyed a trip to Miami where we shopped for items hard to find or overpriced in Guatemala, like 100% cotton underwear and a new laptop. It was nice to stay in one city for two weeks after hopping around Europe every few days. We’ve talked about visiting New York and Boston next.
– A European Road Trip: I’d love to see my family, then grab my motorcycle and explore Europe. I miss riding bikes, and Europe has so many great cities. We’ve discussed Ireland and Scotland, though I lean more towards Spain or Southern Italy.
– A Diving Trip: If returning to the beach, diving would keep me entertained. Passing another PADI exam and diving twice a day would make it worthwhile. Otherwise, I’m happy with my lakeside retreat.
After narrowing down these options, do you think you’d get bored living by the water all year round? Would you swap homes with me?
