Confession time: I believe in astrology. As a Libra, I have most of the described traits, including the inability to make decisions. That's why being able to customize a travel experience based on my zodiac sign is so appealing: most of the work is done for me, so I have to make very few decisions. I can just pack my bags and go.
According to data from the National Science Foundation's 2014 Science and Engineering Indicators, 45 percent of Americans believe astrology is scientific, making a travel-by-sign concept a viable business opportunity. Australian Astrologer Damian Rocks thought so. Founder of Stars Like You, an Australian astrology and wellbeing consulting company, Rocks teamed up with The Ultimo, the world's first recently opened astrology hotel in Sydney, Australia, to offer customized travel experiences, including food and event guides based on the preferences of each of the 12 zodiac signs.
If you think this all sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo, consider this: There's a joke that goes something like, "put a group of Libras together and ask them to decide where to eat, and they will all go hungry." Guess what? It's true. For some reason, we Libras seem to cluster together like schools of fish. Over the course of my life I have had dozens of friendships and relationships with other Libras, and actually experienced this dining scenario. This makes having the gastronomy guide doubly important for this particular star sign — you know, so we don't starve.
If you can't make it to Sydney, deciding where to travel can still be written in the stars. Travel and Leisure offers a destination guide for each zodiac sign based on the most dominant traits of each of the 12 star signs.
Basing your travel plans on your star sign is not as crazy as it might sound. I had a previous relationship with a Virgo whose idea of a perfect vacation was a getaway packed with nonstop activities — but my ideal Libra getaway included lying on a tropical beach with a book. My Virgo could not think of anything more boring than my idea of relaxing since he could barely sit still for five minutes. Fearing we were not travel compatible, I did some research and found a place on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands that would meet both of our needs. It was an eco-resort that offered my Virgo (who was a photographer) endless opportunities to explore, hike and take photos while I got my beach and book time in.
Taking the star signs of your travel companions into consideration could help you have a more pleasant and accommodating trip. I think, in general, most people (especially if they do not have a lot of experience living with others) tend to assume other people's idea of fun will be the same as theirs. While shopping in Florence, Italy, might seem like a dream to some of my friends, I'd rather stick a pen in my eye repeatedly. I hate shopping, and would much rather sit in a cafe with a coffee or cocktail and people watch, or wander around the Uffizi. Because I have lived with almost 15 different people (not related to me) in my life, and because Libras tend to strive to accommodate, I always try to make sure my idea of a fun getaway aligns with the people I will be traveling with, because Libras also hate disharmony.
Still not convinced? Your time and money are precious, so it's best to err on the safe side. If you want to make sure your next trip meets all of your expectations, it might be time to embrace astrology. It could be the difference between a dream vacation and the equivalent of a trip to the dentist.
Images: Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Moment/Getty Images; Giphy (2)
