Astrological Guide to Best Vacation Destinations

Our thanks to Joanna Martine Woolfolk, author of The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need, for her unusual view of the best way to choose your family vacation destination. Start by reviewing the astrological sign of whoever is paying for the trip, then work your way through all the travel companions.  We hope it helps you settle the family squabbles in your summer vacation planning!  

ARIES
(March 21 – April 19)

     As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries represents the innovator, the one in front.  Aries likes what’s new and to be the first to do it.  The really adventurous Aries wants something unusual – sky diving, rock climbing, trekking through Nepal.  Those who like less strenuous activities enjoy not only the new but exotic – a river cruise through Vietnam, a photo safari in Africa, taking tango lessons in Argentina.  In a group, Aries is quick to assume the role of leader, and tends to get bored without a lot of stimulation and a sense of discovery.  The experience of the trip is heightened if it’s to a place Aries hasn’t been before.

TAURUS
(April 20 – May 20)

     Taurus tends to be laid back, and enjoys comfort and serenity without too much physical exertion.  As a Venus-ruled Earth sign, Taurus loves destinations that are home-like, yet with a touch of romance and exoticism.  He or she would like a luxurious train trip (such as the Orient-Express) through Europe, a cozy inn in the mountains or renting a vacation villa in Tuscany.  On the road, Taurus does well traveling in an elegantly-appointed RV with a few select loved ones.  Taurus enjoys good food and drink, so any trip should include places known for good food and beautiful scenery.

GEMINI
(May 21 – June 20)

     Gemini is a curious, interested multi-tasker who enjoys a variety of activities.  Gemini likes to learn new things, and would enjoy a trip that includes museum-hopping, lively night life, musical events, art exhibitions, and day-tripping to out-of-the-way destinations.  Gemini doesn’t like a lot of structure or having to adhere to rules, and boredom sets in quickly.  Even a “restful” beach should have entertaining activity (such as parasailing) and opportunity for discovery (such as underwater exploration).  Almost any European city offers a perfect Gemini experience. 

CANCER
(June 21 – July 22)

     Cancer is a nurturing sign, happiest in the company of people they love.  Cancer is the kind of traveler who would prefer to unpack just once and have a central “nest” from which to explore the surroundings.  For a European vacation, for example, Cancer would take pleasure from a house-exchange or staying in quaint bed-and-breakfast inns.  A favorite tour is of old castles and mansions, and beautiful gardens.  Cancer is a Water sign soothed by being near water, so sharing with favorite family members a river cruise or a lakeside cabin or an apartment on a picturesque canal is the perfect kind of holiday.

LEO
(July 23 – August 22)

     Leo is a people person and likes to be center of attention.  Leo also is drawn to the glamorous life – to places where celebrities are seen and the glitterati gather.  Leo enjoys art and culture; cities like London, Paris, and New York that offer theater, nightclubs, film festivals, and elegant dining fit Leo’s vacation style.  Leo tends to go for grand tours and destinations that offer all the amenities.  Whether it’s a hotel, a spa or a yacht, it should be a luxury experience.  Leo likes to feel special and travel first class, and certainly wouldn’t enjoy a trip on which he or she has to watch pennies.

VIRGO
(August 23 – September 22)

     As an intellectually curious Earth sign, Virgo prizes order and structure.  Virgo likes to know what to expect and, being a good organizer, enjoys planning an itinerary in advance.  Fond of digging into new subjects, he or she would enjoy museums devoted to a specific theme (for example, a museum of Indian culture, a museum of railway history), a cruise focusing on wine, a walking tour of London’s famous writers, a trip that teaches photography.  Virgo is the sign of “utilization,” and therefore enjoys practical knowledge (how to cook, how to recognize architectural styles).

LIBRA
(September 23 – October 22)

     Libra is artistic and romantic, drawn to aesthetics, and very other oriented.  He or she should travel with a partner – a close family member, friend, or (best of all) a lover – because, for Libra, an experience is made joyous by sharing it.  Libra also adores pampering, so even on an adventure trip (such as a safari) Libra leans toward elegance rather than roughing it.  Destinations that include romantic dining, art and music, an afternoon at a spa are in tune with Libran sensibilities.  Libra also likes to shop, and interesting marketplaces should be on Libra’s travel agenda.

SCORPIO
(October 23 – November 21)

     Scorpio is highly intelligent, intense, and a control freak – and the result is a traveler who cares passionately about every aspect of the journey.  Scorpio tends to micro-manage details and to become immersed in the culture of a destination.  Scorpio is interested in exotic, less-traveled places and, being a Water sign, drawn to the water.  Engaging expeditions would be to the Galapagos Islands to see wildlife in its natural habitat, a boat trip on the Yangtze River in China, visiting ancient temples in Cambodia.  Scorpio doesn’t mind traveling alone and having free time for solitary exploration.

SAGITTARIUS
(November 22 – December 21)

     Sagittarius is the sign of “journeys of the body, mind and spirit,” and its natives take to travel the way a butterfly takes wing.  Essentially, the Sagittarian looks for freedom and expansive spaces, so he or she is an explorer.  Whether visiting a city or the countryside, Sagittarius must be able to roam and discover – and most definitely is not an organized-tour type of person.  Most comfortable in the great outdoors, good choices for Sagittarius are trekking through Grand Canyon, climbing Mayan ruins in Guatemala, hiking up to Machu Picchu, photographing the elusive gorilla in Uganda.

CAPRICORN
(December 22 – January 19)

     Capricorn is highly focused, a deep thinker, and needs control.  Like all the Earth signs, Capricorn is fond of stability.  In travel, Capricorn takes charge of its own schedule and is not afraid to be on its own.  Capricorn is drawn to the past and fond of history – a tour of Egyptian antiquities, learning about past European royalty, or studying the Arabic influence in Spain would appeal.  Capricorn is physically strong and could withstand the rigors of an adventure trip to South America or to Australia to study the history of the aboriginals.  Capricorn gravitates toward travel that’s different.

AQUARIUS
(January 20 – February 18)

     Aquarius is a curious Air sign who lives in the mind and experiences the world through intellect.  A maverick who marches to a different drummer, Aquarius seeks out the unique, avoiding places where tourists flock.  However, he or she does enjoy meeting new people and can be found joining in lively conversation with the locals – whether or not they speak the same language.  Travel that would stimulate Aquarius is an eco-trip through Brazil, exploring Alaska by floatplane, renting a beach house in Thailand, a Scandinavian visit focusing on folklore and folk crafts.  Aquarius gravitates toward the quirky and one-of-a-kind.

PISCES
(February 19 – March 20)

     Pisces is the dreamer and poet, drawn to travel that fills the soul and creates serenity.  This can be as simple as a weekend of de-stressing at a spa, or as exotic as looking for the spiritual in a Tibetan monastery.  Pisces wants to enlarge its vision, whether this means interior soul-searching or exterior exploration.  A trip to Sedona or Santa Fe, touring the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, seeing Stonehenge, or visiting ancient cathedrals all strike a chord with Pisces.  Pisces dislikes highly commercial places (for example, Las Vegas), and because of sensitive feet shies away from strenuous trekking.

In addition to The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need, Ms. Woolfolk has written horoscope columns for such magazines as Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Redbook, Self, YM, and House Beautiful.  Her newest Sun Sign Series has just been published – a collection of 12 books, each dedicated exclusively to one zodiac sign.  One reviewer has already enthused:  “Your Sun Sign book from Joanna Martine Woolfolk belongs on your night-table – with Post-its stuck to the passages you’ll want to refer to again and again.”  To learn more, visit www.joannamartinewoolfolk.com