Use Astrology to Plan a Perfect Vacation

July 11, 2012— -- intro:If you're like most Americans, you only get about two weeks of vacation a year. Take a day here and there for a family wedding, a funeral or a graduation and you're left with . . . not much.

With such precious little time off, it's no wonder that the stress of planning the perfect trip may make you want to go back to the same place over and over again. But if you're an astrology enthusiast, look no further than your birth sign to plan the perfect getaway. At least that's what the astrologer Joanna Martine Woolfolk says.

Woolfolk has written several books, including a 12-book series, one devoted to each sign of the Zodiac, and has been an astrologer for nearly 40 years. She's penned columns for everyone from Marie Claire to Self to Playboy and more.

"Our signs basically describe who we are," she said. "All signs love to experience vacations because it opens us to new worlds. But not all signs like to travel the same way. Some are more adventurous, some more structured."

Click through the next few pages to find out more about your sign and what it means for your perfect vacation.

quicklist: 1category: title: Aries (March 21 – April 19)url: text: Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac, connotes leaders and innovators. "They like to do something unusal, and to be the first one to do it," said Woolfolk. For the really adventurous Aries, Woolfolk suggests rock climbing or trekking through Nepal. Those who like less strenuous activities enjoy not only the new but exotic -- a river cruise through Vietnam, a photo safari in Africa or tango lessons in Argentina. media: 16747069

quicklist: 2category: title:Taurus (April 20-May 20)url: text: The Taurus, said Woolfolk, likes to be laid-back and comfortable, without exuding too much physical energy. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of creativity, affection and beauty. Any vacation a Taurus takes, she said, should feel homey.

Taurus enjoys good food and drink, so any trip should include both. Woolfolk suggests a luxurious train trip through Europe, a cozy inn in the mountains or renting a villa in Tuscany as the perfect vacation choices. media:16746955

quicklist: 3category: title: Gemini (May 21 – June 20) url: text: "A curious sign that's quick-moving and likes to multitask" is how Woolfolk describes Gemini. People born under this sign tend to not like a lot of structure, but do enjoy learning new things. Even a trip to the beach should have some sort of activity, whether parasailing or scuba diving.

Boredom comes quickly to the Gemini, so it's important to keep busy. A trip that includes museum-hopping, lively night life, musical events or art exhibitions would be a good option.

"Almost any European city offers a perfect Gemini experience," Woolfolk said. media: 16747042

quicklist: 4category: title: Cancer (June 21 – July 22)url: text: Nurturing Cancer is "happy in the company of the people they love," said Woolfolk. "They're a traveler who likes to unpack just once and have a central nest from which they can explore." She suggested a home exchange as a perfect Cancer vacation. Wherever Cancer decides to go, it's preferable they vacation by the water, as it brings great comfort to this water sign. media: 16747088

quicklist: 5category: title: Leo (July 23 – August 22)url: text:Leo is a sign of "great energy and great fire," said Woolfolk. Leos love glamour and prefer vacations where celebs might be, too. They don't like a vacation where they have to pinch pennies, preferring to go first class in every way possible. Leo loves culture, dining and nightlife and should vacation in cities like London, Paris and New York.media: 16747032

quicklist: 6category: title: Virgo (August 23 – September 22)url: text: The Virgo "likes to know what to expect and plans in advance." This is not a fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants traveler. It's an intellectual sign, and the Virgo prefers vacations with a specific theme and learning experience. A vacation that teaches cooking or a wine-tasting trip is perfect for the culinary Virgo. Other options include a walking tour of the homes of London's famous writers or a trip that teaches photography. Whatever the vacation, Virgo wants to put what he or she learns to practical use. media: 16746944

quicklist: 7category: title: Libra (September 23 – October 22)url: text: Called the sign of partnership, Libra is drawn to romance and aesthetics. An ideal vacation, Woolfolk said, is a getaway with a new romantic partner. Libra loves elegance and would enjoy a high-end safari vacation in a luxury tent. They don't enjoy roughing it.

Libras enjoy shopping, so Woolfolk suggests interesting marketplaces be on Libra's travel agenda."Romantic dining, art and music or an afternoon at a spa are in tune with Libran sensibilities."media: 16747007

quicklist: 8category: title: Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)url: text: Highly intelligent, intense and sometimes control freaks, Scorpios tend to micro-manage details and to become immersed in the culture of a destination. Scorpios are drawn to the water, and Woolfolk suggests the Galapagos as a perfect trip. Any vacation, however, should include time alone away from the group. Scorpio is primarily interested in exotic, less-traveled places. media: 16746970

quicklist: 9category: title: Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)url: text: Woolfolk said Sagittarius is the sign of "journeys of the body, mind and spirit." She said those born under this sign are explorers by nature, and prefer expansive spaces for their vacation destinations. They do not enjoy organized tours and prefer to explore on their own. Good choices for Sagittarius include trekking through the Grand Canyon, climbing Mayan ruins or hiking Machu Picchu. media: 16746983

quicklist: 10category: title: Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)url: text: Capricorns are organized. They're also deep thinkers who need control. This Earth sign likes stability, security and safety. It's a physically strong sign, so adventure vacations are likely a good fit. Capricorn is drawn to the past and fond of history -- a tour of Egyptian antiquities or learning about past European royalty would also appeal. media: 16747123

quicklist: 11category: title: Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)url: text: An Aquarius will avoid tourist traps like the plague and will seek out the unique in every vacation. Woolfolk said Aquarius enjoys meeting and talking to new people. An Aquarius is considered quirky and one-of-a-kind. Perfect vacations for an Aquarius would include an eco trip to Brazil or Alaska by floatplane. This "maverick" likes to do things differently, including travel. media: 16747134

quicklist: 12category: title: Pisces (February 19 – March 20)url: text: The last sign on the Zodiac, Woolfolk said people born under Pisces are "very spiritual, drawn to what fills the soul and creates serenity." They hate commerciality, and Woolfolk suggests they stay away from Las Vegas. A spa would be an ideal trip for Pisces to renew the body and soul. A trip to Sedona or Santa Fe, touring the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, seeing Stonehenge, or visiting ancient cathedrals all strike a chord with Pisces. media: 16746994