This year, seven planets are in retrograde at the same time. And what’s better than a trip to follow the retrograde motions of the planets? But where to go on vacation to align with the stars?
To find out, you first need to take a step back.
Retrogrades occur when a planet rotates backward in its orbit. It’s believed that they have an astrological impact, presenting time frames that force people to slow down, revisit, and perfect challenging matters in their lives.
And since, according to a study by Booking.com, 84% of travelers say their motivation for traveling is to improve their mood, what’s better than a journey to follow the retrograde motions of the planets?
So, here’s a list of traveler-recommended destinations, each aligned with the distinctive characteristics of the zodiac signs.
Where are the Stars Leading You?
Aries: Adventure Seekers in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Aries, fiery, full of energy, and always on the move, seek a vacation full of tours and excursions.
Nestled amidst the Andes Mountains, San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis city 2,400 meters above sea level and is known for its desert, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs.
It’s among the top destinations on Booking.com recommended for adventure seekers.
Aries can head to the pink-striped mountains of Valle de la Luna in the nearby Los Flamencos National Reserve, spot flamingos in the salt flats, or take a dip in the turquoise lagoons of Baltinache. The region’s high quantities of quartz and copper are believed to give its people positive energy, amplifying Aries’ electric personality.
Due to the absence of light pollution, San Pedro‘s night skies are deep blue, making it one of the best places in the world to stargaze.
During the retrograde phase, travelers can tune into the stars at the Alma Observatory, the ideal setting for observing the Milky Way and more.
Taurus: Thrills in Orlando, Florida
Taurus is known for being stubborn, but with the planets in retrograde, it’s time to let loose a bit. And what better way than to venture on thrilling roller coaster rides in Orlando?
This extraordinary city in central Florida is home to Disney World and Universal Orlando, and it’s one of Booking.com’s top-rated destinations for theme parks.
In this destination, you can explore the three theme parks and discover marvelous, mythical worlds of fantasy, as well as settings from your favorite TV series. Or step into the timeless universe of the world’s most beloved building blocks, with over 50 rides, shows, and unique attractions at LEGOLAND® Florida.
As an earth sign, Taurus feels nourished and grounded in nature. Embark on a day trip to Clearwater Beach with a dolphin-watching cruise along the coast of Caladesi Island to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, or rent a car to explore the area’s numerous and beautiful mangrove swamps.
Gemini: Gastronomic Delights in London, United Kingdom
If you were born under this adaptable air sign you might want to focus on yourself and your needs to overcome old negative situation.
With their desire for stimulation and love for large cities, intellectually curious Geminis will find an array of culturally enriching experiences in London.
Geminis can enjoy a walking tour of lesser-known London, discovering forgotten alleyways, hidden medieval courtyards, and captivating stories of the city. Or take a tour of historic pubs that will take you to the most iconic venues in London, with a stop at Charles Dickens’ favorite pub for a pint of beer.
Just like Geminis, London has two faces: it’s rich in history and culture, but also famous for its vibrant nightlife. The city comes to life at night with a wide variety of restaurants and cocktail bars and is one of the top destinations recommended by Booking.com for its culinary options.
Book a 3-hour private gastronomic tour in London to sample a selection of top restaurants, or explore the lively streets of Soho for a drink, dinner, and dance.
Cancer: Social Fun in Bangkok, Thailand
The typical communicative abilities of Cancers might be hindered during this retrograde season, so a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation will work wonders.
Friendly and emotionally connected, Cancers travelers will appreciate the warm nature of the locals in Bangkok, a highly-rated destination on Booking.com known for its particularly welcoming population.
During the retrograde phase, you can get to know the ancient past of this capital, where you’ll find gleaming golden temples, a network of canals, and a rich culinary heritage.
Moreover, the water element typical of Cancers will particularly enjoy being aboard a long-tail boat for a tour of Damnoen Saduak floating market, departing from Bangkok.
Here, you can experience the colors, flavors, and atmosphere of Thailand’s most famous floating market and meet friendly farmers selling flowers, fruits, and food.
For the best panoramic views of Bangkok, thrill yourself with a visit to the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, the country’s tallest observation deck at 314 meters, where you can admire views of towering skyscrapers and majestic palaces.
Leo, Heart of a Lion: Book for Cairns, Australia
During this retrograde phase, Leos might feel they’re not getting enough affectionate attention from those around them, so a vacation to bond with friends or family could be just perfect.
Located on the northeastern coast of Queensland, Cairns is an exciting city that speaks directly to the brave and bold personalities of Leos.
Along with idyllic beaches and a vibrant backpacker-friendly atmosphere, skydiving is what draws people from all over the world to this tropical city, one of the top recommended destinations for this thrilling activity on Booking.com.
Leo travelers can enjoy an exhilarating skydiving experience in Cairns, leaping from an altitude of 4,500 meters in tandem with a professional skydiving instructor while admiring breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef.
Back on solid ground, Cairns is a touristic city with a wealth of resorts, bars, and barrier reef boats, serving as the gateway to the world’s largest coral reef system. This bold fire sign can cool off during a snorkeling and diving excursion at the Great Barrier Reef, discovering a magical world of colorful fish and diverse marine life, with the option to add a helicopter flight over the reef to complete this experience in true Leo style.
Virgo: The Sign of Virtue in Tokyo, Japan.
Rather than facing the confusion of retrogrades, Virgos will want to get away from it all.
For this diligent earth sign, the perfect choice is a destination that combines education and culture, and a trip to Tokyo will fit the bill. A blend of timeless history and space-age technology, ancient temples and futuristic shopping centers—it’s the fusion of past and present together and Booking.com’s top recommended destination for sustainable travel.
The practical and precise nature of Virgo individuals will appreciate the advanced technology and energy-efficient high-speed trains that provide efficient transportation for tourists and locals.
Virgos can explore the city on a guided walking tour steeped in history and culture, or discover Tokyo’s stunning landscape while preserving the environment through low-impact activities like kayaking. A hike through the geological wonderland of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on a private Hakone tour will best satisfy this earth sign’s desire to immerse in nature. This tour includes a cruise through the crater of Lake Ashi and incredible views of Mount Fuji.
Libra: Loyalty in Portofino, Italy.
Libra is a zodiac sign ruled by the planet of love, Venus, meaning this sign loves to be in love.
This year, however, it might be better to focus on self-love. When it comes to destinations that will win the heart of a Libra, Portofino is the undisputed queen.
This postcard-perfect coastal village is characterized by pastel-colored buildings, fabulous yachts moored in the harbor, and luxury boutiques. It ranks among the top five recommended destinations by travelers for a romantic getaway on Booking.com.
Explore the village with a Portofino tour that includes a pesto-making course and a boat ride along the Italian Riviera, providing you with the opportunity to test your culinary skills.
Or, step back in time during this retrograde phase with a day trip to Genoa, just an hour’s drive away, for a tour of ancient paths, hills, and panoramic views on centuries-old hill trails.
Libra can enjoy incredible vantage points for taking selfies from lofty heights, always accompanied by a guide who tells the city’s history with a creative touch—playing the guitar and singing.
Scorpio: Movement in Berlin, Germany.
This year, Scorpios might see their relationship situation evolve, especially in terms of partnerships, so a last-minute trip could be the ideal remedy to reconnect or take a reflective break.
With its eclectic culture, rich historical heritage, street artists, and trendy alternative nightlife, Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a dynamic city ideal for deep and mysterious Scorpios.
Currently, Berlin is the second most recommended destination for city stays by travelers on Booking.com. Visit the Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Spree Island with five world-famous museums, and the modern James Simon Gallery.
Or ascend to the Panoramapunkt to ride the fastest elevator in Europe and enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the city.
Scorpios find inspiration in being in the presence of something greater than themselves, a natural wonder such as the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, 1 hour south of the city, will soothe this water sign and contribute to its balance. Navigate the network of emerald canals flanked by forests on a traditional boat, or rent a kayak or canoe to escape the crowds.
Sagittarius: Refinement in Lhasa, Tibet, China.
Work matters could be challenging this year until retrogrades turn around, so it’s the perfect time to get away, take a breather, and alleviate anxiety.
There’s no better place to unplug than Lhasa, a magical destination known for its high mountains, stunning lakes, and splendid Buddhist monasteries. Sagittariuses need thrilling cultural experiences and time to recharge and nourish their souls, and Lhasa is unquestionably one of Booking.com’s recommended destinations for culture.
Embark on a half-day tour of the Potala Palace to explore the historic white and red fortress, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant market surrounding it.
This adventurous sign loves to discover local delicacies and try new dishes, including momos (dumplings) and thenthuk (noodle soup), paired with chang (barley wine). The archer sign also has a wild streak and feels rejuvenated in the presence of birds: head to the wetlands of Lalu and try to spot snow finches, buntings, and larks, guaranteed to thrill your free-spirited side.
Capricorn: Try Country Life in Queenstown, New Zealand.
This retrograde phase might make Capricorns feel alone, so an adventurous, action-packed vacation will help them distract themselves.
Queenstown, acclaimed as the “adventure capital of the world,” offers the ideal setting that hardworking and motivated Capricorns need to fully immerse themselves in a holiday atmosphere.
You can count on a wide range of activities, including bungee jumping, paragliding, and skydiving, making this city one of Booking.com’s top-loved destinations for outdoor activities that will make your heart race.
Those born under this sign, who don’t like frills, will appreciate the guided canyoning tour in the Gibbston Valley, where they can abseil next to beautiful waterfalls within a scenic canyon, or participate in the off-road and jet board adventure, with a safari on four-wheel-drive vehicles through the wild followed by an exciting jet boat ride on the Shotover River.
To take a break from more dynamic activities, explore Queenstown’s stunning vineyards and discover its cosmopolitan gastronomic scene and a wide range of welcoming bars, where Capricorns can make friends with other outdoor activity enthusiasts who share the same passions.
Aquarius: Seeking Independence in Bac Ha, Vietnam.
During this retrograde phase, Aquariuses might need to utilize their conciliatory skills to assist their loved ones in dealing with family conflicts.
Independent and accommodating, Aquarius will appreciate a well-deserved break in a destination off the beaten path, allowing them to visit freely and determine their itinerary. The wild and remote northern Vietnam contains some of the country’s most captivating landscapes and is populated by a mosaic of local communities.
The tranquil rural district of Bac Ha, home to the Flower Hmong people, comes alive on Sundays with its famous colorful market, where mountain tribes gather to sell handmade and traditional products.
All of this makes it one of Booking.com’s highly recommended destinations for markets. Naturally community-oriented, Aquariuses will embrace and fall in love with this dynamic local atmosphere.
They can also visit the waterfall near the village of Huang Thu Pho, a short distance from Bac Ha, with a natural pool large enough for swimming and go trekking north of the city.
Pisces: Colors and Fantasy in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisbon has something special for those who cultivate a passion for art, making it the perfect destination for Pisces, who are imaginative and always seeking enriching experiences. A thriving art scene has firmly placed this capital among the top 10 art-recommended destinations on Booking.com.
Pisces can explore from one art gallery to another, from the magnificent Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, which showcases some of the world’s most beautiful collections. Pisces cherish the magical experience of connecting with the ocean, and Portugal’s turbulent waters and vast sandy expanses are renowned for providing just that.
Explore the city with a sunset cruise in Lisbon along the Tejo River on a traditional boat that will pass by Praça do Comércio, São Jorge Castle, and the Ajuda Palace. Alternatively, head to one of Lisbon’s beautiful beaches, all easily accessible from the city.
For those who prefer to stay on land, it’s worth getting a Lisbon City Card valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, providing unlimited access to public transportation and entry to art galleries and museums. During this retrograde phase, be sure to visit the Old Town to take a step back in time, admiring white-domed cathedrals, pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone alleys, and ancient ruins built over the centuries.
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