Summer is approaching and after the last year and a half, a big holiday reset is probably just what we all need. “Summer vacation” might make you assume we’re talking about a beach-focused trip, but we know that lying on a sunbed overlooking sparkling blue water isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. 

Different personalities seek different ways to relax and have fun so below we offer you summer vacation ideas, based on your Enneagram type. And as we know, travel restrictions continue to be an ever-changing kaleidoscope of rules, so we offer you both US domestic and international travel inspiration for this year’s summer holiday.

Type 1 Perfectionist: Find breathtaking natural beauty.

You’ve had your nose to the grindstone for way too long and even a regular holiday runs the risk of accommodating your inner critic’s constant stream of chatter. We want you to go somewhere so beautiful, it literally takes your breath away. Half Dome in Yosemite National Park or the Antelope Canyon in Arizona might be good starts but if you are willing to go a bit more off the beaten track, book an international flight and take in a sunset at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland or spend the day at the brilliantly colored rock formations in Zhangye Danxia Geopark in China. 

Our goal is for you to immerse yourself in nature where you can spend some time away from your inner critic. 

Type 2 Giver: Pamper yourself.

You’ve been the support person for many people this last year so a wellness holiday is what we have in mind for you. You’ll have lots of choices, from retreats in the Catskills a few hours from New York City (think Tibetan healing therapies, forest bathing, holistic health workshops, and sound baths) to wellness centers in Mexico (featuring rituals, healing workshops, and an in-house shaman). Looking for something closer to home? Just type “wellness retreat” in your search bar and let Google do the rest. 

Our goal for you is self-care. 

Type 3 Achiever: Go for glamor. 

You know how you like it and this summer, you can probably get some amazing deals. Rent a villa in Mykonos, Greece, stay at a luxury hotel in Punta Mita, Mexico or head to the Turks and Caicos Islands for a break. Want to stay closer to home? Find a luxe villa or apartment a few hours from your home. You’ve probably realized by now that you can work remotely so you can actually turn your plush holiday spot into your new work digs if you organize it right. Let this be the summer you can take all those Instagrammable photos without even trying. 

Our goal for you is to use your workaholism to your advantage and make your holiday home your new office.

Type 4 Individualist: Seek mystery. 

Regular holiday spots run the risk of feeling boring and banal to you, so you’ll want to find a destination that quenches your thirst for the original and exotic. Get your imagination going by researching the pyramids in Egypt or a shamanic journey in Machu Picchu, Peru. Or it can even be something as simple as an afternoon at the Mystery Spot in California. You’ll find your place but make sure you wrap a little intrigue into your holiday so it is one you’ll always remember. 

Our goal for you is to take the most original holiday of your life.

Type 5 Investigator: Discover the undiscovered.

It goes without saying that a crowded location isn’t going to work for you so find a place where you can enjoy a bit of privacy but still have a new experience. If you are looking for inspiration, try a star tour of the pitch black sky at Cherry Springs State Park in Mississippi or visit ancient antiquities at the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. Want a bigger adventure? Go hiking along The Peaks of the Balkans, the 119-mile circular route through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. 

Our goal for you is to be excited to leave your home.

Type 6 Skeptic: Play it safe.

Perhaps more than the rest of us, you realize that the pandemic isn’t over yet, and you’ve probably already reviewed the CDC’s map of the lowest risk countries to visit. While Australia and New Zealand might not be practical travel options, there are still plenty of relatively safe places you can go. Iceland and Israel are good choices if you are open to an international trip. And if you want to stay in the United States, Hawaii and Vermont get green lights in your book. Still feels too risky? Find the most attractive spot three hours from your home and book a week at a comfortable Airbnb there. 

Our goal for you is to get you traveling again.

Type 7 Enthusiast: Go explore.

You know you have a taste for variety and “fear of the unknown” is something you’ve only read about, so book a trip where you can take lots of side trips and have unplanned adventures along the way. The hub city of Amsterdam is a good choice if you want to head to Europe. Manhattan, New York will give you lots of options too. Or head to Las Vegas for a long weekend where you’ll feel like you are traveling the world just by being on the strip. Lockdown was hard for your adventure-seeking mind. You deserve a reward. 

Our goal for you is to have those excursions you seek.

Type 8 Challenger: Fire up your adrenaline.

You like being in your body, and you like to push the limits. This is your summer to re-engage in all those activities you love - scuba diving, windsurfing, mountain climbing, whatever it is that gets your adrenaline pumping. Go surfing in Tahiti, try mountain climbing in Tanzania or stay closer to home and go rafting down Hood River in Oregon. 

Our goal is for you to feel like you are king of the world again.

Type 9 Peacemaker: Gather round.

You enjoy being with your tribe and while this time apart has had its advantages, you’ll be happy to reconnect with your people by taking a group trip. Burning Man is off this year, but you still have lots of options. Find a destination that will cater to a spectrum of different needs to make sure your holiday is a good one. For far flung options, try Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or Phuket, Thailand. Or if you want to stay closer to home, Palm Springs or Cape Cod are always nice choices. 

Our goal for you is to go somewhere where you can reconnect with your tribe.

Final words

Summer holidays are one of the best forms of self-care and can go a long way to support your mental wellness and emotional balance. Wherever you go this summer, make it a point to get outside your normal environment. 

There will only be one summer this year so leverage your Enneagram type and make it a good one! If you're planning a road trip and want more insight into your unique road trip personality type, check out our free test here

Lynn Roulo
Lynn Roulo is an Enneagram instructor and Kundalini Yoga teacher who teaches a unique combination of the two systems, combining the physical benefits of Kundalini Yoga with the psychological growth tools of the Enneagram. She has written two books combining the two systems. Headstart for Happiness, her first book is an introduction to the systems. The Nine Keys, her second book, focuses on the two systems in intimate relationships. Learn more about Lynn and her work here at LynnRoulo.com.