Look to the Stars for Your Ideal Travel Destination

You’ve searched social media travel sites, sought the advice of travel providers, surveyed your friends for destination recommendations. But have you considered one important element … your zodiac sign?

Western astrology categorizes the 12 zodiac signs into four elements — fire, earth, air and water. Each element governs specific personality traits, emotional tendencies and communication styles … and, as it turns out, travel preferences. For example, fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) thrive on action and adventure; earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) prefer relaxing and grounded nature retreats; air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) seek intellectually stimulating social and cultural experiences; and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) love beaches and cruises.

As you plan your next trip, match your getaway to your star sign to maximize energy and find the ideal destination for you and your travel companions.

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ARIES (March 21–April 19):
TOKYO
As the most risk-taking and spontaneous of all the signs, head somewhere you can take relatively safe risks and change your focus to a new wonder any time you’d like — somewhere like Tokyo. The bright lights keep you entertained while the plethora of activities available constantly staves off boredom. Feeling artistic? Make a realistic serving of fake food at one of the city’s sampuru factories. Riotous? Head to dinner at over-the-top, sensory overloaded Samurai Restaurant. Leaning toward introversion? Take yourself on a relaxed solo tour of historic Edo Castle.

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TAURUS (April 20–May 20):
NAPA VALLEY
Taurus, be sure to take your tastebuds on vacation with you. The epicurean aspects of your personality draw you to places with outstanding food and wine, while your dependable and responsible side tugs you somewhere with a reasonable price. That means you’re likely to stay stateside instead of heading abroad, so go somewhere like Napa Valley, where you can dine and imbibe in some of the world’s best spots without spending a small fortune to get there. The absolutely stunning views won’t hurt either, appealing to your sense of visual beauty.

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GEMINI (May 21–June 20):
VENICE
You need to be in a place that can appeal to both your sides, Gemini — the spontaneous and exciting side as well as the introverted, self-reflective side. Venice makes an ideal spot for your vacation. You can explore the narrow alleyways and canals in San Marco, the historic center of the city and usually the most crowded thanks to iconic sights like Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal. Later, hop over to quieter areas like Murano, with its centuries of glassmaking history, or Sant’Erasmo, the hub of local farms and rural paths.

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CANCER (June 21–July 22):
DINGLE, IRELAND
Wherever you go, lean into your water sign aspects, Cancer. You’ll want to hit a spot both comforting and beachy … not hectic Miami beachy, though. Think something more gentle and more historic, like Dingle in Ireland. The locals are incredibly friendly — just try hopping into a seaside pub and leaving without a fascinating conversation — and the town oozes historical charm. Ask one of the locals about the Dingle Dolphin and they’ll tell you a story of a bottlenose dolphin who made the same travel choice you did, thriving on local connection and watery relaxation.

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LEO (July 23–Aug. 22):
IBIZA
As the queen lioness of the zodiac, Leo should go somewhere that will cater to your high-end desires and flashy lifestyle. Ibiza covers all the bases that keep you sane. In the evenings, head to the Mediterranean island’s shore for nightclubs packed with people just as shiny and outgoing as you. But during the days, try to take some time for yourself at one of the island’s many spas and yoga retreats. You’ll feel replenished and ready for another night of parties and new pals.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22):
SCANDINAVIA
If there’s one thing you need on a trip, Virgo, it’s efficiency. Scandinavia is nearly as well-known for this quality as you are. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to Norway, Sweden or Denmark — and sure, we’ll throw Finland in, even though it’s Nordic and not Scandinavian — you’ll be pleased by accurate public transportation timetables and easy-to- understand maps. Plus, the Scandinavian aesthetic cuts out all the fluff, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by having to battle your way through a bunch of nonsensical ornamentation in each city you visit.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22):
FRANCE
Libra, you have one of the strongest senses of justice out of all the signs, so head to a place where that justice has played out throughout the centuries, like France. French activists historically have not been afraid to stand up for what they believe in, and you can see remnants of that history across the country. Place de la Révolution, anyone? (To visit the historic site of Marie Antoinette’s meeting with justice, you’ll head to present-day’s Place de la Concorde, in Paris’ 8th arrondissement.)

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21):
SVALBARD
For a sign as mysterious as you, Scorpio, indulge in the wonders of the world on a visit to the far north. In Svalbard, the arctic Norwegian island, you can see the beauty of the northern lights — a phenomenon ruled for centuries by folklore of spirits and heavenly combat — during the polar nights when the sun never rises. In summer, when the midnight sun crests the horizon and doesn’t set, you can explore areas of the world where few people have set foot.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 21):
SIEM REAP
You’re the ultimate wanderer of the zodiac, Sag, and it takes a special destination to quench your insatiable thirst for travel, new experiences and philosophical expansion. Siem Reap in Cambodia fits the bill. You’ll be captivated by the profound history and spirituality of the more than 1,000 temples at UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, where you can spend days exploring hidden ruins, scaling stone structures and discovering jungle surroundings. You’ll still have plenty of fiery energy to trek to the sacred waterfalls at Kulen National Park or take a boat tour through the stilt houses of Kampong Phluk floating village. As a natural storyteller, you’ll have every room rapt with your tales.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 19):
MACHU PICCHU
Cap, we all know how ambitious you are, so set yourself a travel goal that takes a fair amount of effort to achieve: Machu Picchu. Sure, you can take a bus there now. But why would you when you can take the iconic Inca Trail? The four-day hike speaks to your structured and logical mind while walking the Earth itself to such a historic site tickles your sense of feeling grounded in nature — while also being fully inspired by the grandeur of the journey.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18):
TRANSYLVANIA
Ahh, eccentricity. You thrive on it, Aquarius. Go somewhere people won’t expect, like Transylvania. Stop by Dracula’s Castle (it’s a logical choice that will appeal to your sensibility), but then go deeper. Sighișoara, Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace; Lăbărnești Bear Sanctuary; and vast Turda Gorge and Salt Mine amusement park will keep you — and others — guessing about what’s to come.

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PISCES (Feb. 19–March 20):
MAUI
Pisces, you need a watery destination that appeals to your sense of creativity, like Maui. This is the perfect place for you to simply exist and allow inspiration to greet you full-on. You have a natural aptitude for everything artistic, so be sure to bring along your artsy materials to lounge along the beach. The steady rhythm of the waves will put you in a meditative space, allowing your mind to wander … which, surprisingly, makes you feel more at peace.