Find the Ideal Place to Travel Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Updated: Jun. 24, 2024
Deciding between the cafes of Paris and the beaches of the Bahamas? Discover how astrology travel can lead you to the perfect destination.
You finally have enough money and vacation days saved up to get away from it all, so it’s time to use them! The question isn’t whether you should book a trip—it’s where. Instead of spinning a globe and placing your finger on a random country to decide on a destination, you can use astrology travel to inform your decision. How? Learning about your zodiac sign can help you figure out the best vacation spot for you.
“One of the great gifts of understanding your astrological sign is self-knowledge—knowing characteristics of your zodiac sign gives you insights into who you are,” says Nadiya Shah, astrologer and author of . “If you know yourself and consider who you are and where you want to be, it can help you choose the ideal place to travel to. It can also help you make the most of any journey you undertake.”
While your best friend may recharge by lying on a beach, you may be energized by exploring the culture of a foreign land. Zodiac signs can also point you to vacations you may not have thought of before. Our experts, including Shah and Athena Perrakis, founder of the spiritual shop Sage Goddess and author of The Ultimate Guide to Chakras, can help you on your way.
So where’s the perfect spot for you? Read on to find out our expert picks for where to travel based on your zodiac sign.
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Aries (March 21–April 19)
This zodiac sign’s element may be fire, but a vacation for Aries doesn’t necessarily mean soaking up the sunlight. People born under this sign feel liberated by the excitement of activity. They need to get all of their energy out on vacation so they can return to their daily lives refreshed. “Vacations with lots of activities and action will appeal to Aries’s energetic and outgoing nature,” says Perrakis. “Think an all-inclusive resort with outdoor sports activities in an exotic and warm location.”
Where to go: Kauai, Hawaii. It combines beautiful nature, outdoor sports, lovely weather and adventures. “The volcanoes in Hawaii alone are likely to feel like home to a fire sign like Aries,” Shah says.
Rappel down cliffsides or zip line over lush jungles. Explore all kinds of terrain by going on guided ATV tours or mountain tubing through local waterways. “Aries is a sign that rules the adrenaline rush, so Kauai will bring experiences that make them feel they’re engaging in life in a way that wakes them up and feels especially exciting,” says Shah. Add the many off-the-beaten-path adventure activities the island holds, she says, and it ends up being a great astrology travel choice.
Taurus (April 20–May 20)
No matter the type of vacation, Taureans better be treated like royalty, so ritzy retreats are ideal for this earth sign. They love to be pampered, but they also tend to feel most comfortable with the familiar. “Taurus is something of a homebody, so for vacations, they like to have their creature comforts,” Perrakis says.
Where to go: Paris. Taureans may be happiest at home, but as Perrakis points out, “they do feel wanderlust at times. AÂ beautiful resort or a lavish vacation to Paris, where the hotel will have all of the amenities in place while they explore, will be very appealing to Taurus.”
Going all out with indulgent experiences can be especially rewarding for Taurus, Shah says—and you’ll find all that in the glamour of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées. “Shopping alone can be heavenly to a Taurus, who wants the very best in life,” she says. “Paris might just be considered the capital of luxury goods, and it’s wonderful how bougie it can be!”
Gemini (May 21–June 20)
A Gemini’s perfect vacation caters to mind, body and spirit. This sign loves to roam—it’s ruled by Mercury, named for the messenger god—so there’s no destination Geminis won’t circle on their maps. But the best way for them to enjoy a trip is to get their brains involved. Gemini is, after all, one of the smartest zodiac signs. “Gemini is a natural explorer,” Perrakis says. “The most important thing for a Gemini is to feel intellectually engaged, so trips that include sightseeing excursions with guided tours would be a big hit.”
Where to go: Galápagos Islands. Based on astrology travel, this air sign would love to explore the incredible biodiversity of the famous islands off the coast of Ecuador. “Geminis, in their own ways, are unusual—they have a curious and spontaneous quality that thrives on new experiences, but they also love to know that they’ve been on those journeys other people might not undertake,” Shah says. “The Galápagos Islands are filled with fascinating wildlife that can stimulate the mind with their unusual colors and characteristics. Gemini is a sign that loves to learn new things, including those things that other people have little knowledge of, and the Galápagos Islands will fill them with new bits of information to entertain others with.”
Cancer (June 21–July 22)
“Cancer is another homebody of the zodiac, so while they may sometimes get excited by the idea of travel, they’re not as excited about the actual process of leaving home for very long,” says Perrakis. That doesn’t mean Cancers are opposed to traveling altogether; they just need the right trip for the right length of time. “Short trips that don’t take them far from home are best, especially ones where they are surrounded by family and friends,” she says.
Where to go: Disney World or Disneyland. You aren’t likely to find a Cancer backpacking around Europe or traveling solo around South America. Instead, they’ll probably prefer a few days with the family enjoying the attractions at Disney.
“Cancer can be sentimental as well as family-oriented—secretly, Cancers might want to feel like they’re Cinderella, and that could make Disney World a wonderful choice,” Shah says. “Whether they’re interested in indulging their lifelong interest in fairy tales or want to take their own children or younger cousins on a memorable experience, Disney World could be a perfect fit: geared toward children but also enjoyed by adults.”
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)
Leos take comfort to a whole new level. They don’t want to feel satisfied; they want to be wowed. “Leo loves to travel but only in style,” says Perrakis. “A first-class flight to a magical locale is just as exciting for Leo as the destination itself. When traveling with a Leo, pull out all the stops: chilled Champagne on ice in the room, chocolates on the pillows.”
Where to go: Hollywood. When Leos talk vacation, they’re speaking the language of luxury and decadent relaxation. While mingling with the stars during a shopping trip to Rodeo Drive, lounging by the pool at a high-class hotel or dining at five-star restaurants, Leo would be immersed in the lifestyles of the rich and famous. “Leos want an experience that makes them feel like a superstar,” Shah says. “And so for Leo, going to Hollywood would be the ideal travel spot. Going to famous locations and mixing among celebrities is where they’re likely to feel especially happy.”
Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
Despite being ruled by restless Mercury, Virgos struggle to take real vacations. The mind of a Virgo is constantly working and overthinking. If this is your sign, you might find yourself in the most beautiful place in the world with your brain back at the office.
“Virgo loves to work, so with them, you have to watch out that a vacation doesn’t become another task to complete—or that they don’t end up working all vacation long,” says Perrakis. “This means taking Virgo outside of their comfort zone.”
Where to go: Tuscany, Italy. For Virgos to get the most out of a vacation, they have to be totally engaged—just kicking back on a beach chair for seven days straight will drive them nuts. Try taking your favorite Virgo food- and wine-tasting in Tuscany to keep mouths, hands, stomachs and brains occupied.
“Tuscany presents the perfect mix of medieval towns and vineyards to interest the Virgo: The expansive rolling hills can help Virgo feel more open and alive to the world around them, and the medieval towns themselves can help them feel a sense of connection to a time when things were done very well and people took pride in expertise, just like Virgos,” Shah says. “Their ability to be detail-oriented can help them make distinctions as they learn about the different types of wines in the region and understand the expertise that goes into the cultivation of wine.”
Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Libras are all about culture. They love interacting with others and becoming well-rounded people through these connections. The best bet for a great Libra vacation is to hit major cities in other parts of the world. Tropical vacations where chilling on the sand is the only item on the agenda won’t be as fulfilling for a Libra. “Libra likes to explore and people-watch,” Perrakis explains.
Where to go: Rio de Janeiro. Shah says this Brazilian city ticks all of the boxes for Libra’s perfect astrology travel destination. “Libra is quite the social sign, and Rio de Janeiro is known for offering many places to mix and mingle with others,” she says, noting that the city’s aesthetics are another draw. “As a sign of higher beauty, Libras are likely to enjoy the perfection of a truly beautiful space to be in. Rio de Janeiro is filled with some of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world, and places like Copacabana and Ipanema are filled with art deco architecture. They are likely to enjoy walking around that environment.”
If that doesn’t appeal to the Libra in your life, Perrakis suggests booking a trip for a European city. “Take them anywhere you’ll find street-side bistros and cafes full of people and movement: tapas in Barcelona, dinner outdoors in Venice along the canal or wine at sunset on Santorini, gazing at the Mediterranean while tourists dance to local music,” she says.
Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
According to Perrakis, Scorpios need some serious R&R. “Scorpios work so hard that the ideal vacation should feel like a pampering experience,” she says. This water sign will feel refreshed by taking a dream beach vacation, complete with a full list of hotel amenities for the ultimate self-care. “Consider a few days on a remote beach with tropical drinks and lavish snacks, all while enjoying a massage poolside,” she says.
But that alone might not be enough. “Scorpios are comfortable in intensity, so when things feel too secure, they get suspicious and can create drama as a way to indulge familiar emotions,” Shah says. To counter that, they can get lost (metaphorically) in a new and different culture. After all, as Perrakis notes, Scorpios love exploring the world and learning its hidden wisdom.
Where to go: Phuket, Thailand. For an amazing combination of tropical beach vacation and cultural adventure, travel to Phuket. The island’s majestic beaches, playful wildlife, Buddhist marvels and exciting nightlife provide everything a Scorpio could need to relax, have fun and take in some culture along the way.
“It’s a place where Scorpios can get a break from intensity—the beaches of Phuket are filled with opportunities to either relax or learn about different forms of natural life that Scorpios might find soothing,” Shah says. “Sublime experiences can be found snorkeling and exploring, but Phuket is also filled with opportunities to meet other people and a truly unique expression of Buddhism.” The many breathtaking temples will be especially intriguing to Scorpios.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
With a natural craving for travel and adventure, a Sagittarian’s greatest guilty pleasure is travel planning. People born under this sign always want to experience something new, whether it’s a mountain to climb or an ocean to cross. No wonder their ruling planet is Jupiter, the ruler of long-distance travel. The toughest part about vacationing with Sagittarians is trying to get them to go back home. “They are the ones to go hiking with in Sedona or the Grand Canyon, explore Zion [National Park], climb Machu Picchu or backpack through remote parts of the Himalayas,” says Perrakis.
Where to go: Mérida, Mexico. Sagittarians would be thrilled to visit Mérida, the capital city of Mexico’s Yucatán state. “Sagittarians are most comfortable in foreign places that help them feel like explorers and places where they don’t speak the native language or want opportunities to learn,” Shah says. “Mérida [allows them to be] completely immersed in a different culture.”
Simply taking a walking tour of La Ciudad Blanca (the White City) or spending Sundays at the street festival in the central plaza are reasons enough to make the trip. But this cultural hub is also the center of ancient Mayan civilization, so Sagittarius will love exploring magnificent ruins and pyramids like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal. With the city’s stunning, colorful architecture, Sagittarians will feel like they’re in another world. “The cultural presentations of Mayan dance in their traditional clothing, still worn today, might have Sagittarians shopping for a new wardrobe,” Shah says.
Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
Let a Capricorn plan your vacation, and you’ll have a full itinerary. That’s because Capricorns value educational, enriching vacations—think museum tours and visits to historic landmarks. “Goal-oriented and driven, Capricorn needs to know what the return will be on their investment of time,” Perrakis says. “Take them on a vacation where they might meet new contacts for their business, and they’re in.” If a Capricorn does business with foreign companies, a trip to one of those countries would allow them to both relax and play up their greatest career strength: the drive to achieve.
Where to go: Shanghai. Book a trip to this Chinese city, one of the business capitals of the world and a great city for an ambitious and industrious Capricorn, Shah says. “With its skyscrapers and fast pace, Capricorns are likely to find themselves feeling motivated to achieve in their own lives,” she says. Walk the Bund (a famous strip where historical and modern architecture collide) and take in the glowing nighttime view of the harbor city skyline. Ride to the top of Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
There’s another reason to travel to this city: “Capricorn does have a traditional side as well, and the traditions of respect that we see in Shanghai will help them feel that much more at home,” Shah says. “Capricorn is the sign of respect, and they will work to earn that respect from themselves and others.”
Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
Chances are, the Aquarius in your life already has a long (and growing) list of things to do and places to see. People born under this zodiac sign want to do it all and find everything interesting. “Aquarius loves new ideas, new places, new people,” Perrakis says. “Easy conversationalists, they prefer to travel with others and explore new lands in groups.”
Where to go: Japan. Because of their insatiable curiosity, Aquarians will find this country a fantastic place to visit. Not only does the Asian nation have a rich history and fascinating culture, but each of its regions also has something different to offer, from skiing in snowy Hokkaido to hiking volcanoes and soaking in natural hot springs in Kyushu.
Intellectual Aquarius should start off by hitting the capital city of Tokyo, bustling with people and cutting-edge ideas. “Tokyo is filled with innovative, technological advances that are part of their everyday lives, which would be great for Aquarians,” Shah says. “Tokyo is also known for its various subcultures based on interest, from anime and music to fashion. Aquarius loves to stand out, and they will likely find lots of choices that allow them to do so however they want.”
But she says there’s another side to Tokyo rooted in the beauty of its cherry blossom trees and the perfect symmetry of its historical Buddhist architecture, which might soothe Aquarius as well. “The simplicity and beauty that Aquarians will find in these marvels are likely to make them feel the calm they desire, being a sign that sometimes enjoys chaos a little bit too much,” Shah says.
Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)
As a water sign, Pisces would be most happy with a tropical vacation. They love to relax and daydream, so an oceanfront hotel or a cabin by a lake would be ideal. As for vacation activities, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving are all great choices. Mostly, Pisces just want to enjoy the wonder of the natural, watery world and get lost in their imaginations.
Where to go:Â Bahamas. It’s a perfect choice for Pisces, Shah says. “As a sign connected to the sea, Pisceans have the ability to feel like they are living in a dream or a fantasy, and the beautiful blue skies and clear blue waters of the Bahamas can help them feel that,” she says. “The unique sands and beaches of the Bahamas are likely to feel especially comfortable to swim in for Pisces. These natural waters and gazing upon white sands are likely to spark their imagination most.”
Another reason for Pisceans to book a flight here, stat? “Pisces can make their dream of swimming with dolphins come true,” Perrakis says.
FAQs
What is astrocartography?
You might have heard of a concept for astrology travel called astrocartography: It’s another way to pick a destination, based on your personal map and what type of energy you’re looking for in your trip. “We use it to gain insights into the best places to travel to depending on the outcomes and endeavors that we are pursuing,” Shah says. As with your birth chart, you’ll need the exact date, time and location of your birth, then ask an astrologer (or use a free astrocartography website) to create your personalized map.
Each planet will appear on your map as a line based on its path across the sky—around the globe—at the moment and location of your birth. So if you want to use a certain planet’s energy, you should travel near that line. “When you utilize this technique, it helps you to consider if some locations are going to be more romantic, more fun, more oriented around your success, etc.,” Shah says.
For example, looking for the ultimate romantic escape? Consult your Venus line. With astrocartography, you can “explore what new things about you you might discover when you travel far from where you were born,” she says.
What planet rules travel?
According to Shah, there are two celestial bodies that preside over travel. Mercury, which also rules Gemini and Virgo, is named after the Roman messenger god and is closely connected to communication. “Local travel and road trips are covered by Mercury,” she says. “They are meant to stimulate your mind and interesting conversation as part of exploring your more local environment but still invite a sense of adventure and new experiences.”
Long-distance travel is ruled by the planet Jupiter, Shah says. Jupiter, which also rules Sagittarius, “is all about expanding your horizons and embracing a spirit of adventure, especially when that adventure involves faraway places,” she says. According to NASA, the planet Jupiter is more than 11 times wider than Earth and is the largest planet in our solar system. “And in the same way, when we engage in long-distance travel, we make our world itself bigger, and we’re able to appreciate how much more there is to explore,” Shah says.
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Sources:
- Nadiya Shah, astrologer and author of Of Ravens and Dragonflies; email interview, June 2024
- Athena Perrakis, founder of Sage Goddess and author of The Ultimate Guide to Chakras; interview December 2021
Originally Published: December 31, 2021
