Sometimes, you know exactly where you want to go, and all you have to do is plan for the specific destination. Sometimes, though, you may just know that what you need is a vacation, but you have no particular destination in mind. The world is full of unique, beautiful, interesting and relaxing destinations for you to spend time in. You could fly across the world or you could pack up the car and drive a relatively short distance. How do you choose where to go? You could try throwing darts at a map of the world and just see where that takes you (and some people do! If you’re up for any possible kind of adventure, it’s worth a try), but a better route to take may be to come up with some specific criteria for your vacation, and then find a destination that meets your needs. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your search for a vacation spot.
- Decide what you want to do. Do you need rest and relaxation, or are you looking for thrills and excitement? Do you want a romantic hideaway, a family fun spot, or a party destination? Who will you be traveling with? Are you interested in history, archeology, and architecture, or in contemporary culture? These are all important considerations. If you’re looking for someplace restful, consider a beach destination or a place known for quiet bed and breakfasts. If you’re looking for something more stimulating, you might try an area known for safaris, white water rafting, or scuba diving. All-inclusive resorts are often couple oriented, theme parks are popular with families, and some destinations known for festivals, parties, or rowdy Spring Breaks may be ideal for young singles.
- What’s your budget? As mundane as it may be, your budget is an important consideration in deciding where to go. Leaving the country can be very costly once you’ve figured in the expenses of airfare and visas, so if your budget is limited, it may be best to travel within your own country, or search out destinations that are known for being inexpensive once you reach them. You’ll also want to budget your time. How long of a vacation can you take? This is particularly important if you’re planning a busy vacation rather than a restful one; you may need to schedule a few days at home to recover from your vacation.
- Learn from others. Talk to friends and family about the places they’ve traveled, particularly anyone who has similar interests to yours. Find out which places they loved and which places were not so enjoyable. Read travel blogs and ask questions on forums. The experiences of others may inspire you to try someplace that you never would have thought of otherwise, and may also save you from a travel experience that sounds good in theory, but doesn’t work out so well in reality.
If you have specific criteria for your destination in mind but just can’t settle on a place, your best bet may be to consult a professionals. A good travel agent should be able to locate a place that offers the experience you’re looking for at a price that meets your needs and the time frame that you have available.
