There are two kinds of travelers. One who loves to holiday in quiet, picturesque places and two, people who love the bustling city vibe. Very often picking a holiday boils down to deciding which category we belong to. While I’m making this sound like a walk in the park, I know it can be very confusing. Countrysides are calm, scenic and don’t need an itinerary because these holidays are mostly meant just chilling around without any major agenda. On the other hand, cities are vibrant and come with a packed itinerary.
So what kind of holiday is better? I’ve tried both kinds of holidays and I am a big fan of the scenic countryside. That said, I am no advocate. Here’s a balanced analysis of both categories so you can decide what suits you best.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Planning A Holiday
1. Firstly choose the kind of holiday you wish to have- a relaxed one vs one that lets you explore a new place
2. Workaround a budget- travel, stay, accommodation, food, commute within the destination, etc
3. Check the weather
4. In case you’re traveling alone or with kids, safety should be your top concern while picking the place
5. Do extensive research of the place
Why You Should Pick The Countryside
If you’re opting for the countryside, get ready for a postcard setting. Petite cottages, magnificent hills, tranquil lakes, and the fresh air, this can be the best bet if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of cities. But, like for anything, there are flip sides to this too. Here’s a list of pros and cons.
Pros
1.Do Something Different
Most travelers are city-based and heading to yet another city for a break, might not count as a holiday. You already know it all about cities- the tall buildings, shopping, traffic, iconic buildings, etc. Besides, we all spend our lives entirely in cities. So, why not do something different! It’s said that a change is as good as a holiday and if the countrysides can offer a holiday with a change- what’s not to love!
2. Nature Is Refreshing
From my personal experience, I can say how positive and happy nature can make you feel. The open fields, the unadulterated air, and the scenic views can deprive you of all negativity and calm your senses. And that’s exactly what a holiday must do to you. Some studies have proved the positive effects of nature on humans. Furthermore, a dose of fresh air is something you enjoy in city life. The relaxed holiday will let you go back refreshed and rejuvenated.
3. Cut Down On Expenses
It’s often cheaper to spend time in the countryside than in the city. While cheap flight deals might sort your travel, escaping to a national park or a small town from will save from spending big bucks on food and accommodation. That said, we cannot dismiss the fact that remote towns might have one superstore in a corner and can also be pricey. But, that also means you are less likely to spend time shopping and that will help your budget.
4. Prettier Insta Spam
Now, no one can deny this! Holidays and photos go hand-in-hand. Clicking great pictures is a lot easier in the countryside. After all, every shot is bound to look like a postcard. Besides, you don’t have to worry about strangers blocking your way while you’re clicking that perfect profile pic. Lastly, you have all the time to explore the place and click as many pictures as you want to remind you of the awesome holiday when you’re back amidst the chaotic city life.
5. Travel At Your Own Pace
Travel buffs often tend to pack in so much in their schedule that very often they forget to live the moment. There’s so much to see and do that you forget you’re on a holiday. This is especially for cities because these places are normally flooded with museums, galleries, iconic buildings, etc. However, countrysides have fewer touristy spots and even if they do, you can do it at your own pace. There are no long queues or entry tickets that cost a bomb.
Cons:
1. In a city you’re one among everyone; in the countryside, you might stick out like a sore thumb and are sometimes treated differently because you aren’t a farmer.
2. The countryside is perfect to enjoy nature at its best, but its also a place with no mobile or internet connectivity. If you’re someone who cannot be off WhatsApp or social media, you need to re-consider holidaying in the countryside.
3. Camping, dining, and partying options might be restricted to very few or none. This might also come with a bag of questions like: where can we pitch the tent? Will I get my frothy cappuccino? When will it stop raining?
4. Living in small towns means you have to be prepared for some creepy-crawlies. If you cannot get your head around the idea of spiders, bugs or cockroaches, this might not be your cup of tea.
5. If the sounds of traffic and siren are your definition of comfort, the countryside might not be an ideal getaway. Besides, the calm and tranquil in the countryside can make you feel lonely or uncomfortable at times.
Why Should You Pick City Breaks?
City breaks are literally like a home-away-from-home. You leave home, go back to the same or maybe more comfort and luxury. You don’t have to worry about meals, because everything is available round the clock and is very accessible. Besides, you get to explore, see new places, experience new cultures, indulge in adventure activities and also tick off your bucket list. Well, those are a few pros. Here’s a list of pros & cons.
Pros:
1. There’s More To Do
From museums to iconic buildings, and galleries cities often have a lot to offer. Besides, you can also opt for guided tours that will help you understand the country better. Furthermore, if you’re not the cliche traveler, cities also have off-beat ideas you can explore. Go on walking tours, spend an afternoon exploring the neighbourhood, attend a workshop that interests you or just grab a corner in a cafe and observe the vibe of the place. Whatever be your choice, your itinerary is sure to be packed.
2. Savour Local Cuisine
Food is an important part of every country, and holidaying in a city lets you explore the many food options. For instance, if you’re holidaying in Rome try as many kinds of pizzas as you like, or go hunting for the city’s oldest gelato joint. These will not only let you enjoy a delicious meal but will also tick off your food bucket list.
3. Options For A Budget Holiday
Going to a city means you can customize your trip according to your budget. Instead of booking a hotel room you can opt for Airbnb. This will in turn, also help you save on food expenses. Sometimes you can even get a discount for booking a full week in an apartment (or some guesthouses). If you’re planning extensive sightseeing, look up packages that permit entry to multiple attractions at a subsidized rate. Also, some cities offer travel passes that let you use multiple modes of transport- this is the best way to commute within the city within a budget.
4. More Flexibility
Typically, a countryside trip will not take more than 3-4 days. Besides, bad weather during the trip can be a big spoiler. However, this is not the case for a city break. Firstly, drastic weather changes can be rare in cities. Furthermore, any city holiday will at least need a minimum of 5 days. That also gives you the flexibility to explore and alter plans under unexplained circumstances.
5. Guided Holiday
Cities offer guided tours which are perfect if you’re keen on understanding the place better. Countrysides don’t offer this luxury service and you will have to figure your way out. Escorted holidays are on the rise and it is an ideal option if you want to travel stress-free. Leave the planning to the experts, while you sit back and soak it all in.
Cons:
1. City breaks can be expensive, depending on the country you choose. It might be a challenge to work out flights, hotels, food, and sightseeing within a budget.
2. Cities are notoriously large and crowded, especially if you’re traveling during National holidays. So, you will have to gear up for long queues, crowded restaurants, and busy streets. Besides, busy cities are often an easy target for a pickpocket. With thousands of tourists flocking in each year, tourists may be unaware of pickpockets roaming the streets. So, you must be on the guard.
3. This wouldn’t exactly be a relaxed holiday as city breaks are itinerary-based which means you will follow a certain schedule every day.
4. You have to do a lot of legwork- look for cheap flights, accommodation, sightseeing, etc. You can choose to outsource all of these tasks to an agent, but it comes with a price.
My Recommendation
As you might have guessed by now, I love the countryside to city breaks. However, that’s just me! What kind of holidays do you enjoy? Share in the comments below.