How to choose a destination for your next adventure

How many times have you dreamed of going to a place but never have? How many times have you started doing research but get discouraged at the prices? Or decided to go somewhere and get there to experience harsh weather conditions? I think at some point or another we have all experienced this. It’s a feeling all too familiar, especially now, with all the Instagram worthy places you see of destinations that seem like you will only see through the screen of your phone. You hear a lot of your friends going and wonder how they do it and what they are doing differently. Sometimes you go to the same places because you don’t know what else is out there or it’s scary. A lot of the times we don’t know how much it cost and if we can afford it. Some people want to take the plunge but don’t even know where to start. I am a wander lusting soul that believes everyone should get to see the world if that’s what they want to do. It’s even easier and less expensive than before due to all the websites and innovative apps where you can customize your trips according to budget, time, and weather. I came up with a few tips to guide those thinking of choosing a destination but don’t know where or how to start. I hope this helps and inspires you to go somewhere different or the same place but different city.

Sometimes I don’t chose the destination, the destination chooses me

There have been times I have chosen a place by chance and it has become like destiny. As cheesy as that may sound, it’s true. I am an avid traveler therefore I want to go everywhere in the world but sadly it’s not possible with time restrictions and money. However through new apps and websites like Momondo.com and skyscanner you can customize by when you want to travel, how much you can spend, and what type of destination you prefer. I have found amazing prices to places where I had never thought of going. You have to be open minded and be willing to do a lot of research on certain destinations. This will also allow you to learn about a new country or city in the process. This is also good for people that want to travel but don’t know how to start. This might not be for everyone because some like to go to the same destinations or to specific, but don’t be surprised if you find a last minute deal to Paris even if you were searching for the Bahamas!!!

Weather, Weather, Weather

So you live in Canada and it can get cold, you book a flight to Thailand to get away from the frigid weather just to get to your destination during monsoon season. You get there and it’s warm but also faced with tropical storms that leave you relaxing inside your Airbnb. It’s raining every day until the last when you leave back home to colder and wetter weather. While you can’t control the weather, you can do things to avoid harsh weather conditions. Do research on the country and specific city you are going to and the time of year you are planning to go. Sometimes you want to go to Cancun because the kids are out of school for the summer but it might be their winter. Therefore you can choose a different country or change dates. Check the weather in advance!!!!

Who are you traveling with?

The person or people you are traveling with are a big factor in the decision process to choosing a perfect destination. I have traveled with my spouse, friends, family, myself, and my child and each time I chose a destination I can imagine myself in with those people. I like to go to different countries but sometimes I like a place so much or I realize it’s not only a good “couples” destination but a wonderful family destination so I return. For a girls trip I always like to include 3 different options that incorporate everything the group is interested in doing. This is done according to budget and time of travel we have agreed upon. Last year I went to France and Spain…specifically Ibiza! This was an amazing girl’s destination, maybe it wouldn’t be the first choice for a family trip with little ones. Bali is a trip I took with my husband but I would go back as a family because it’s extremely child friendly. For family trips with parents, I find places that are closer and very relaxing are great. The Bahamas or Turks and Caicos would be ideal. Like I said, the people you travel with will be a big factor.

Time and Money

The destination you chose will also depend on how much you can spend or the amount of time you have for the vacation. Like I mentioned before, with websites like Momondo.com or google you can customize your trip according to length of time and budget. Maybe you want to go to Egypt but you only have a week to spare. It wouldn’t make sense to fly all the way to Egypt because you will lose a day or two traveling. Maybe you have 2 weeks and you have been dreaming about going to the Maldives but your budget is 2 K, the flights alone will cost you a lot even at the lowest time of the seasons. It doesn’t mean you can’t go, it means you just need to wait and save more money or go somewhere else now; it can be that you find a flight to Bali for less than half that price and decide to go there instead. It’s all up to you and how flexible you want to be.

Why are you traveling?

You have to ask yourself this question when you chose a destination. For myself, I like to experience new places, cultures, people, food, and I love warm weather. I consider all of these things when deciding where I want to go. I am also inspired by movies and books and it’s taken me to destinations like Thailand and Bali. Are you an adventurous type that likes to go on different excursions or simply lay by the beach and sip on cocktails? Sometimes you go to a place with certain expectations and get there to find something different which is fine if that is what you are looking for. For example, I love history and colonial architecture but I also wanted to see beautiful beaches with white sand. I chose Cuba which was a wonderful experience because I got all of that in one destination. I could have gone to Peru or Chile but I also wanted something closer and warmer weather with white sand beaches. Make a list of things you want to do and do some research!

Same destination, different city

People have asked me if it’s better going to the same destinations or different ones. I love to go to different cities and explore the unbeaten path once in a while and the unknown excites me. It’s thrilling to think that I will step foot in a new place I have never seen before. Of course, there are some that like what they like. This is ok too; I love the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico and have been many times. It calls me. It has everything I love in a destination and an easy go to. I tend to choose different cities to stay in and explore so I discover new things every time. If I have stayed in Cancun, I will go to Tulum next or Playa Del Carmen. On our next trip we are going to the island of Holbox which we have never been to but are in the same state. Consider doing this next time and it will feel like you are in a different place.

Take the Plunge

Be decisive!

Sometimes people think about a place they want to go to for too long and never make it there. In the past I have found that reserving an accommodation first is key to staying committed to your travel plans. Once you know where you want to go or maybe you find an amazing deal on a hotel you have always dreamed about staying at, book it! You can always make changes later. Many websites like booking.com and Agoda allow you to reserve with the option of canceling. Having a reservation in place and a set time will give you a push to buy your tickets and it will lock your price. Buying in advance is always good because it is often cheaper. I have also found that looking at prices for airlines and buying them in advance when they are cheap is a great way to ensure you are one step closer to your dream destination. Don’t hesitate, just do it. YOLO!

I hope these tips have enlightened you to start thinking of ways to choose the next place you want to explore. Remember, it’s a big and beautiful world out there; you have plenty of options for the rest of your life!!!! So start exploring and go wander!!!!

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