Picking the Right Destinations
Travelling can often be a tricky business, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect destination for your travels. Whether you’re looking for the weekend getaway or long-term travels, the right destination can make or break your experience. With the world becoming ever more accessible and the endless possibilities of holiday destinations available, it can sometimes be difficult to decide where to go.
Identifying Your Goals
Before you book your flight, it’s important to identify your goals when it comes to travel. Do you envision a beach holiday, an action-packed adventure or perhaps a combination of the two? Are you travelling solo, or will you be accompanied by family or friends?
Do you prefer somewhere cheap, with hostels and street food, or are you after luxurious accommodations and five-star restaurants? Do you want to travel quickly, stopping at as many places as possible, or take a leisure-paced journey, exploring up to three regions in-depth?
Research
Once you’ve narrowed down your goals, it’s time to start researching destinations. Don’t be afraid to explore, as there are countless options out there to spark your interest. You may have a favourite that’s on your dream list, while other cities may surprise you, such as a beach holiday in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam or a winery weekend in Marlborough, New Zealand.
To obtain more detailed information, talk to people who’ve been to the destination. Articles, reviews, travel blogs and social media can also provide invaluable insight. Don’t forget to research the destinations’ weather, insurance, currency and vaccination requirements to ensure you are fully prepared.
Money Matters
When booking your trip, make sure to keep track of your budget. Though travel can cost as little or as much as you want, you don’t want to overspend or stretch yourself too thin.
Research the costs involved with transportation, accommodation, food and activities prior to booking. Choose the budget you are most comfortable with and keep this in mind when choosing the destination and what type of activities you intend to do while you’re there.
Safety Comes First
When it comes to choosing a holiday destination, safety must always be your top priority. Unfortunately, certain places may suffer from unrest and/or high crime rates.
Check the governments’ travel advisories for any destination you consider, as they will have the most up-to-date information on the security situation. Also, monitor the news and social media while travelling, so you can act quickly if necessary.
Though this may dampen the enthusiasm of your plans, it is always best to err on the side of caution and only navigate destinations for which you feel comfortable and secure.
Live In the Moment
Whilst researching and preparing for your travels is important, it is also important to live in the moment. Sometimes, we can get so wrapped up with planning ahead that we forget to take in and savour the present.
When you arrive at your destination, be proactive – explore and visit places that aren’t listed on the typical tourist sites. Strike up conversations with locals, find the heart of the city and spend time understanding the daily life of the people living there.
Cherish the Experience
Exploring a new location and immersing yourself in its culture is not only exciting, but also an opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of yourself and the world around you.
Demonstrate respect for the culture you are visiting, treat everyone with kindness, be a responsible traveller and be mindful of your impact on the environment. Remember to pause, reflect and openly accept the differences you observe – these moments could even shape your views, values or life-long goals.
Choosing the Right Destination
Choosing the right destination for travel can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. Take the time to research your travel goals, budget, safety and the affinities of the destination, before committing to a location.
Don’t forget to be mindful, open and to savour each moment – these are the gifts you’ll carry after your journey, for many years to come.
