How to Pick a Destination
Need help finding where to travel? Do you wonder what is the best destination?
Need help finding where to travel? Do you wonder what is the best destination?
It is the first step of any journey, but it is only sometimes clear. There are so many places in the world, and choosing can be challenging!
If this is your case, follow the steps that I indicate, and you will know your next destination by the time you finish reading.
I do not like categorical statements that ‘This’ or ‘That’ is the “best” holiday destination because we are not all the same, with the same circumstances or like the same things.
Therefore, I’ll detail the steps you must follow to find YOUR best travel destination—the one that perfectly fits your needs.
Let’s start!
1 – What Type of Trip Do You Fancy?
Beach and relaxation, city break, culture, adventure, gastronomy, nature, cruise, a mix…
Don’t you know which type you want?
Check my post, Types of Holidays. It provides further information about the different options and some destination examples.
You may have never considered some of them, and this could be the time to do it.
2 – How Are You Going With?
Friends, partner, family, with children, with your pet, solo?
I’m not asking for gossip, I promise!
It is an important question because, for example, it is different to travel with friends looking for a party as a family with children (I’m being a bit extreme, I know). But, let’s be honest; the ‘ideal’ destination for these two groups will hardly be the same.
This is related to the previous point about the types of holidays.
Based on this and your preferences, you can pick the most appropriate destination. Have a look at the Top Attractions of the Most Visited Countries.
3 – When Do You Want / Can Travel?
And with this question, I am not referring to specific dates, although it is better if you have them.
I mean, if you are thinking of any time of the year, month, week, bank holiday, etc.
Options
- If you do not have any limitations, it is easier for you because you can choose depending on the destination or price. Consult my post, Top Tourist Attractions of the Most Visited Countries.
- If you have a clear idea of when you want to travel but don’t know where I recommend reading my post Where to Travel Each Month.
- If you know where to go but don’t know the best time, consult my post, Best Time to Go. Some people do not give importance to this, but for me, it has always been something to consider.
For example, if you want to do a photo safari in Kenya and see The Big 5, plus all the animals possible, in case you only go once in a lifetime, go during the great migration (from July to October).
Of course, you can also go in March when flights and accommodation are cheaper, but it’s the rainy season. It will be much more difficult to see animals in the different parks. That’s why it’s so cheap!
I respect all opinions; however, I prefer to visit places when I can fully enjoy what each site offers.
4 – How Many Days Do You Have?
This is important because, depending on where you live, what you are looking for may be more or less far away, be more or less accessible, and require more or less time due to commuting.
For example, if you live in Urumqi (northwest China) and want to see the sea, you must travel about 2,500 km to reach the nearest coast. A weekend at the beach may not be the best option.
In my posts ‘How many days I need to visit each city‘ and ‘How many days I need to visit each country‘, you can check the days you need to see most of each city’s and country’s highlights, respectively.
5 – What is Your Budget? Or How Much Do You Want to Spend?
Horrible question, I know.
Just as I also know the answer, “as little as possible”, or am I wrong?
Unfortunately, it is a critical question that you should keep in mind when choosing your destination.
I believe it’s possible to travel almost anywhere, even if you’re on a tight budget (which is usually my case). However, we can’t ignore the fact that to reach certain destinations, and you’ll need long-distance flights that might not be cheap, even during the off-season.
Standard Travel Level
This point is crucial because it will affect your budget.
Let’s not kid ourselves; the hyper-economical option of backpacking, sleeping anywhere, and eating anything is not for everyone, including myself.
I did it in the past, and it was fine, but today, I prefer certain comforts, like not having to share a bathroom with people I don’t know in the accommodation.
That’s how much of a lady I’ve become! I’m not ashamed to say it because that doesn’t mean I love travelling less than any backpacker.
Depending on your standards or priorities, you will have to adapt your budget.
For example, if you don’t settle for hotels with less than 4 stars and want to stay in the centre of Zurich, which is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, the cost will be higher than a B&B in Kraków.
Or, if you want to go to Ibiza and get into all the famous clubs, which aren’t cheap, and you don’t know anyone there who can ‘sneak’ you in, you will probably need a bigger budget.
I recommend you read my post, The Cheapest Countries to Travel (and the More Expensive).
Anyway, in the Travel Cheap section, I will give you tips to save on your trip, whatever the chosen destination.
6 – How Are You Doing With Languages?
For me, it can be something secondary because I believe that in one way or another, eventually, you can make yourself understood.
However, I understand that some people may be apprehensive about not being able to communicate if a problem arises.
It is not such an issue for English speakers, as it’s an internationally widely spoken language. But, believe it or not, there are certain places in the world, especially out of touristic areas, where people don’t speak English. I’ve been in that situation!😱
If you feel identified, choose a destination where they speak your language or another you control.
In my article Best Time to Go, I include the language spoken in each country, in case you have doubts.
Or, if you prefer to search by tongue, I recommend the post Countries by Language.
7 – Is The Chosen Destination Safe?
Finally, before making a final decision, it is essential to know the current situation in the destination selected for your trip.
If you are going to invest your money and time in getting to know new places and creating beautiful memories. Wouldn’t it be wise to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises?
Make no mistake; this does not mean that you are less adventurous. Because every so often it seems that you must go to a risky country to be a real ‘adventurer’. Well, I’m afraid I have to disagree.
Security Check
So please, before organising your trip, always check the updated information to know if it is safe to travel.
Here are two links that may interest you:
- The Foreign travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
At this point, you should be clear about where to go for your next holiday. Or at least reduce the options considerably.
If that’s the case, it is time to move on to the second part of the process in Step by Step.
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me by leaving a comment below or filling out the contact form.