...The Vacation Leech?

When vacationing in groups, there are basically two types of people. There are those that spearhead the trip; the vacation planners, and there are those who are just along for the ride; the vacation leeches.

The vacation leeches are just around to have a holiday and don’t participate in the planning of the trip in any way. They depend on the planners to work out the schedule, make the arrangements and see that everything goes on as planned. The more severe cases of vacation leechism are evident in those who don’t even make an effort to stick to the vacation game plan. They sleep in late during trips and depend on the planners to be their human alarm clock.

If vacationing with a tour group from an official company where one actually “pays” them to plan the trip, leeching is fine. In fact it shouldn’t even be considered leeching since one’s getting what one pays for. But when one is traveling with a group of friends, being a vacation leech can be a really frustrating experience for the unofficial vacation planner.

When vacationing with a group of peers, I believe that the holiday should be a collaborative effort. Every one member of the group should pitch in, should it be with the planning, reservations or even something as simple as keeping time. Being in such a situation where most of the responsibility is dumped onto a single individual can be really overwhelming and thoroughly nerve wrecking for one. I’ve been there, that’s why I can write about this.

However, vacation leeches can also be a blessing. Since they don’t contribute much in the decision making process, the planners can pretty much do whatever they want. Planners have their pick from places of interest to eateries. Of course without compromising the comfort of the vacation leech, who undoubtedly will step in once that line is breached. Leeching leaves very little room for dissent and disagreements since leeches tend to acquiesce most of the time. A definite plus for the planner.

Another plus with having leeches would be the reduction of traveling costs. Vacationing in groups is always cheaper than traveling alone. So really when you add the two plus points together, you get the perfect traveling companion. Compliant yet economically sound. Could you ask for more?

Leeching, intentionally or not, may actually be the best way to enjoy a holiday. Leeches freeload throughout the trip, having a totally stress-free holiday. They have everything planned out for them by the planners. Hotels booked, schedule arranged, cars rented…..not a care in the world. In the end, leeches in fact may be the ones who really have a vacation.