Justin's Dream Vacation

My name is Justin and I am 20 years old. When I am not in university stressing out about exams and assignments, it is either summer or I am on vacation. I have managed to work during the summer's for the past four years. The money I have earned from my summer jobs would barely cover the costs of my dream vacation to Bora Bora. This is precisely why it is a DREAM vacation…for now. However, it is not only a dream vacation because I do not have the funds necessary for it to be a reality, it is a dream vacation because it would solve most of the problems I face on a daily basis. I am from Toronto and going to school in London as well as living with my friends all while trying to stay on top of schoolwork can get very stressful. A lot of the time I search Google images of Bora Bora to escape from real life.

The DreamPlan

When:

Choosing a specific time for a vacation is very important to me. I would never want to book a vacation to a hot tropical destination during the summer months at home. One of the things I love about vacations is the sudden change in environment. I want to board the plane in a sweater and sweatpants and exit the plane in shorts and a T-shirt. This is why I have chosen Monday, January 4th to Saturday, January 9th as my vacation time. Not too long so that it can be more affordable but not too short that I can not experience the beautiful island. It is a great feeling being in the airport when it is negative 20 degrees outside and you are on your way to a tropical island.

Very big change in environments: Bora Bora vs Toronto

How:

Some people use travel agents when booking vacations. With the internet at everyones fingertips, I find it easier and cheaper to book vacations on my own. First I searched Bora Bora hotels and a bunch of results came up. I looked through a variety of hotels, what they looked like, where they were located, and how much money the rooms were. Finally, when I found the perfect one, I went on the hotels website and reserved my spot. Once that was all sorted out, I booked my flights with Air Canada.

Who:
The person I would have accompany me on this vacation would be my girlfriend of three years, Samara. There are many reasons why she would be my first choice. First, I usually go on trips with my family so it would be nice to change up my travel crew for once. Second, Samara and I go to schools in different cities and a vacation together is exactly what we need. Third, Bora Bora would be a great place to propose.

Where:

This vacation will take place at the St. Regis Hotel in Bora Bora. There are a variety of hotels in Bora Bora that offer villas over the ocean. I researched specifics on each of the hotels and what they had to offer. I found that the St. Regis Hotel has exactly what I want. This hotel does not just overlook the tremendous clear blue waters and the white sandy beaches, it overlooks the tall beautiful mountains.

I have booked a premier overwater villa with a king bed. The package that I chose has butler service + glass floor lagoon-viewing panels + panoramic terrace with jacuzzi + private swimming pool. The cost of this paradise is $1860 per night.

Why:

Bora Bora can meet the needs of almost any type of tourist whether they are an Organized Mass Tourist, Individual Mass Tourist, Explorer, or even a Drifter. An Organized Mass Tourist may not choose to go on certain adventure tours that the island has to offer. An Individual Mass Tourist may arrange private tours around the Island whereas an Explorer tourist can make their own travel arrangements. A Drifter tourist may completely avoid the aspects of tourism and seek the authentic areas of Bora Bora.

I would classify my tourism type as Allocentric although, I believe I can also be classified as Mid-Centric and Psycho-Centric. Throughout my life my family and i have gone on many adventurous trips. We have been through Asia, Australia and South America. On those trips we experienced and engaged ourselves with the local culture. Moreover, I do enjoy going to the same place over and over again, whether it is Florida or the Bahamas. I enjoy staying at the resorts and relaxing without having to interact with the local community. This would make me a Psycho-Centric type of tourist. The classification of what type of tourist I am changes at different times in the year. Usually during December break I am an Allocentric type of tourist, but during reading week I am more of a Psycho-Centric type of tourist. My mother is heavily on the Allocentric side whereas my father is more Mid-Centric/Psycho-Centric and that is why I believe I am a mix of all three types of a tourist. This is exactly why Bora Bora is the dream vacation I have always wanted go on. It can cater to almost any type of tourist.

If I wanted to relax at my private over water bungalow all day I could. If I wanted to explore the island and have an adventure, I could climb the beautiful mountains or snorkel in the clear water. Normally I would avoid swimming in the ocean as I am terrified of sharks but since the water is so clear in Bora Bora I would be able to see a shark coming from far away.

What:

Since my vacation is short, I have made an itinerary of the activities my girlfriend and I will be participating in.

Tuesday Day 1: Matira Beach

Matira Beach is a public beach in Bora Bora with crystal clear water. The reason I have chosen to visit this beach on the very first day of the vacation is because I want to experience the crystal clear water right away. Another very appealing factor about Matira Beach is that it does not cost money to visit.

Wednesday Day 2: 4x4 Excursions

The island has a variety of different companies that will pick you up from your hotel in a Range Rover and take you on a tour of the island. On these tours I will experience both the beauty of the island, culture, and island secrets that the local tour guides love to share. Vavau Land and Sea Adventures is the company that will take my girlfriend and I around the island. On this tour I will see remaining weaponry from World War II. I will also see the beautiful plant and animal life the island has to offer. This adventure will cost $100.

Thursday Day 3: Relax in Bungalow

At the mid-point of my vacation I will take the day to relax at my private bungalow. I will order room service for every meal. I will jump off my bungalow into the ocean and swim for hours.

Friday Day 4: Mount Otemanu

Living in Toronto I never get to experience mountains. Whenever I am away on vacation and there are mountains I do everything I can do visit them. Mount Otemanu is a beautiful mountain 2,400 feet tall. You can either hike it or get a 4x4 tour. The views from the top are spectacular and many say that your trip to Bora Bora is not complete until you have visited Mount Otemanu.

Saturday Day 5 (Final Day): Vaitape

This is the final day of the best trip of my life. I have experienced the beautiful sights and clear waters but I want to also experience the local town. Vaitape is Bora Bora's main town. The reason I chose to do this on the final day is because I never want to leave a place and not experience what the local life is like. I will find many souvenir shops and restaurants. There is no better way to end a vacation than to really learn and experience first hand the life of the local people.

Costs:

Air Canada airplane tickets for two people: $5,317.43

St. Regis Hotel: $1860/night (5 x 1860) = $9,300

Excursions/Souvenir shopping: $200

Food: $2000

Other (tipping, taxis, bike rentals, etc.): $250

Total: $17,067

*I will be traveling with a partner and we will split the cost evenly.

16967/2 = $8534 is my total cost

My dream vacation does come at a high price but the experience and memories will last a lifetime. When I work my summer jobs, the money I earn does not go toward material things. I spend my money on travelling. Nothing is more satisfying to me than travelling to different places and learning about the lives of people all around the world. Bora Bora is one of those places that I have always dreamt of visiting due to the fascinating beauty of the island and the islands rich history.

Over ocean villas, clear light blue water, hot sunny weather, nice people, beautiful plant and animal life, all are the reasons why Bora Bora is my dream vacation I will one day go on.

Sources:

Flight Tickets

http://flights.lastminute.com/vg1/booking/booking1.action?idBooking=525665193&error=&back=false&bgg=frd

Toronto Weather Photo

http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadiancities1/tp/Toronto-Weather.htm

St regis hotel info

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/rates/bestmatch.html?requestedChainCode=ST&departureDate=2016-01-09&IM=SOP_BOOKWIDGET_1743_EN_ST_FRENCHPOLYNESIA_NAD&ctx=search&arrivalDate=2016-01-04&localeCode=en_US&brand=ST&sortOrder=&propertyId=1743&lengthOfStay=&language=en_US&numberOfRooms=1&numberOfAdults=2&currencyCode=CAD&rp=RC:DFRLM,RC:BARRLM,RC:PRORLM&numberOfChildren=0

Bora Bora Information

http://www.tahiti.com/island/bora-bora

St. Regis Private Pool Photo

http://www.tahiti-guide.com/bora_bora/bora_bora_stregis_resort.html

Bora Bora Mountain

https://www.wanderable.com/hm/janeandlouif