Where to Next?

One of the things I always have a hard time with is deciding where to go when I travel. I have so many places that I want to see that deciding on just one or two can be difficult. After struggling with my choice of destination several times I have come up with 3 questions that I ask myself to help me decide.

1.       What time of year is it?

This question is a great place to start when planning a trip. There are so many amazing festivals and events around the world that the time of year can make a huge difference. I won’t be taking cruise to Alaska in December and I won’t want to visit Oklahoma in tornado season. The cherry blossom viewing in Japan, the Balloon festival in New Mexico or the running of the Bulls in Spain are all things on my bucket list and if I get an opportunity to travel during one of those events it’s easy to decide where I am headed too.

 

2.       When will I be able to travel there again?

One of the things I have learned from the jetsetters before me is travel wisely. When you are young and you have the option to travel, choose the destination that is farthest and hardest. If you are deciding between camping in the Sahara and going to Niagara falls. Pick the Sahara. Unless it’s on the very top of your list, save the trips that are easy and closer to home for your retirement years.

3.       Can I Afford it?

This is the ultimate question that all others rely on. Unfortunately the answer to this question is often no. So, I try to shuffle my options to see if I can make the trip cheaper. Can I take a different flight? Can I stay at a hostel instead of a hotel? Will cutting few days off the trip save me money without ruining the experience? Hopefully I can find a happy balance between an amazing travelling experience and not having to sell my car when I get home.

These three main questions will not solve all of your travel decision dilemmas but for me they help put my options into perspective. What questions do you start your travel planning with? How do you decide on your destination?

 

Sincerely yours, Lady of Adventure

 

 

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