Long story short, I'm 33 and I've never taken a vacation. Longer story short, I was supposed to move to the Philippines for a year to work on my dissertation, but before that happened, I decided to leave my field for another.
I always wanted to have that experience abroad, though. It's partly why I chose a dissertation topic that would send me there. The most traveling I have ever done was a year in Toronto during my Master's. Being an American from the East Coast, it was hardly an "international experience".
So, I thought I'd have a mini version of the experience that never was and vacation to the Philippines. As I've never taken a vacation before, I have no idea where to begin in terms of figuring out where to go and whatnot.
I prefer the countryside over urban areas, but I also like the performing arts and other cultural outlets (which tend to be in urban areas). It seems contrary, but I currently live in New England so it's easy to be in a rural area but only an hour or so away from a good theater. I like nature, especially mountains/hills, forests, and rivers, but recently went to a beach and discovered I actually liked that, too. I don't know how much, if any, this helps.
Also, one thing I was thinking of doing is getting a pen pal or a few beforehand. I won't actually be able to take this trip for a while (probably about 6 months) due to work obligations, but I figured if I made some friends with whom I'd be able to hang out wherever I'm going, that would be all the better when I get there. Can anyone advise as to how one goes about such a thing?
Thanks for reading, and I'd appreciate any advice on the matter. Regards!