vault backup: 2025-11-22 12:48:36

Personal/Areas/Vacations/2026 Vacation Planning.md

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+# 2026 Vacation Planning
+
+## Potential Destinations
+
+### Japan
+- **Status**: Interested, but likely postponed beyond 2026
+- **Notes**:
+  - Research needed on best seasons to visit
+  - Consider cherry blossom season (March-April) vs autumn colors (October-November)
+  - Budget considerations
+  - Duration needed (minimum 10-14 days recommended)
+
+### Hainan, China
+- **Status**: Recommended destination, under consideration
+- **Best Time to Visit**: March (sweet spot - nice weather, not peak season)
+  - Overall best period: November to April
+  - Optimal months: December to March (18-26°C / 64-79°F)
+  - March specifically: Great weather, crowds thinning out compared to winter peak
+  - Avoid: Chinese New Year (Jan 29, 2026) - extremely crowded, high prices
+  - Avoid: Summer (June-September) - typhoon/rainy season, very hot and humid
+- **Target Window for 2026**: March 2026 or November-December 2026
+- **Notes**:
+  - Research needed on what makes this destination appealing
+  - Activities and attractions
+  - Comparison with other beach/tropical destinations
+  - Visa requirements for China
+
+### Madeira, Portugal
+- **Status**: Alternative destination under consideration
+- **Best Time to Visit**: April-May or September-October (sweet spots - pleasant weather, fewer crowds)
+  - Overall best period: April to October
+  - Peak season: July-September (warmest, driest, most crowded)
+  - Spring (April-May): 18-24°C, drier, longer days, Flower Festival
+  - Summer (June-September): Up to 26°C, driest weather, busiest period
+  - Autumn (September-October): 22°C, mild weather, cultural festivals, fewer crowds, increasing rainfall
+  - Winter (December-February): 16-20°C, rainiest months, cheapest, fewest crowds
+- **Target Window for 2026**: April-May or September-October 2026
+- **Year-round appeal**: Mild climate year-round due to location off West Coast of Africa
+- **Notes**:
+  - European destination, easier visa/travel logistics
+  - Good for hiking and outdoor activities
+  - Cultural festivals in autumn
+
+### Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
+- **Status**: Alternative destination under consideration
+- **Best Time to Visit**: November to June (dry season)
+  - Dry season: November to June (mid-20s to low-30s°C)
+  - Best for sun/beach: February to June (predictably hot, bright days, no rain)
+  - Best for cooler temps: December to March (sunny, breezy, dry, ideal for beach)
+  - Quieter period: April to June (warm but not scorching, fewer crowds, good for hiking)
+  - Greenest landscape: October to December (after rainy season)
+  - Rainy season: July to October (short sporadic showers, not continuous rain)
+  - Wettest/warmest: September
+- **Target Window for 2026**: February-May or November-December 2026
+- **Year-round appeal**: Hot temperatures year-round, very little rainfall, Atlantic sea breezes
+- **Notes**:
+  - Beach-focused destination
+  - Good for water sports and relaxation
+  - Volcanic islands with year-round warm weather
+
+## 2026 Available Days
+- Total vacation days:
+- Days already allocated:
+- Days remaining:
+
+## Planning Criteria
+- [ ] Budget range
+- [ ] Preferred travel season/months
+- [ ] Trip duration
+- [ ] Type of vacation (beach, cultural, adventure, mix)
+- [ ] Travel companions
+
+## Research To-Do
+- [ ] Hainan destination overview
+  - Best areas to stay
+  - Main attractions
+  - Typical costs
+  - Best time to visit
+- [ ] Alternative destinations for 2026
+- [ ] Flight costs and availability
+- [ ] Accommodation options
+- [ ] Required travel documents/visas
+
+## Decision Timeline
+- Target decision date:
+- Booking deadline:
+
+## Notes