1. Plan In Advance
Though a spontaneous adventure may become the most memorable in your life, it’s better to plan your holiday in advance. Place to stay, pricing, entertainment, transportation, etc. do need some planning. Make sure, you have 2-3 months before going to your destination to do a thorough research on peak season, prices, traditions, language, economical and health situation of a place you want to visit. Nothing to say, most countries request visa to enter, which also takes time and money. Alternatively, one can also consider exploring destinations that allow visa on arrival like Thailand, the Maldives and Mauritius among others. Today every country also has their set of Covid safety and quarantine protocols, be sure to examine them before booking tickets. Choosing when to go is also a very important factor for a lot of destinations. While traveling to a destination in it’s off season might seem attractive for the cheaper prices. the middle of winter on a tropical island probably isn’t the best time to really enjoy it to its full potential. So, step one is to plan and research as much as you can about places you would like to visit.
2. Make A List Of Preferences
Your decision about a destination also depends on the experience you are planning on having. It depends whether you like a beach holiday, want to go shopping, see some sights or spend time in nature, all these things are the main constituents of the decision about your destination.
Shortlisting a destination simplifies the process of planning further. While some places are better to visit in their peak season, there are many picturesque ones that are likely to offer budget friendly experiences and unique offerings in their off season.
Your decision depends on your needs:
- For a relaxing and peaceful holiday choose an island, beach or secluded mountain location that lets you completely relax and come back feeling rejuvenated.
- If you prefer to be more on the go and make the most of your time, then an island isn’t for you. Instead choose a destination with lots to see and do, a big city maybe or a whole region where you can move from place to place exploring.
- You want a mix of two previous points? Time to relax while also seeing some of the sights without too much hassle getting around. South East Asia, Australia or Southern Europe for example, are perfect places to relax while still having lots to keep you busy when you feel like it.
- For more cultural immersion, for studying language and culture, you can choose exactly the country under the skin of history and culture of you want to get. It’s usually Italy, France, England, etc. depending on your purpose.
3. Plan Your Budget
It is very important to know your budget and to plan everything accordingly so that you weigh out your options for transportation and accommodation for your trip. Saving money on flights, accommodation, food, and transport are the most important elements of a trip, all this cost can be reduced by being creative and smart. Planning a trip between peak and low season can help you get more reasonably priced accommodation and flights. Different destinations have different exchange rates, so the destination you have chosen can affect your budgeting due to the exchange rate. Always check for the exchange rates and purchasing power of your chosen destination’s currency before deciding on your final destination.
4. Learn About The Language
Before choosing any holiday travel destination, you should also consider learning about the language that is spoken. While you may be able to get by on English in countries like England, South Africa, or Australia, for example, there are many places around the world where this will not work out as well for you, including France and China, which both have their unique languages. Citizens of those countries usually react respectfully when you try to speak their language even if you do it not so well. What’s more, speaking the local language you will experience a whole new level of immersion in the local community and culture. You can buy a transnational language program to help you learn the basics of a new language before your trip or even take formal lessons during your holiday.
5. Choose A Holiday Partner
Picking a good travel company simplifies the hassle of doing it yourself. A holiday partner should be the one you feel comfortable with during a long time together, otherwise your quarrels may ruin the whole holiday. Moreover, your friend or a loved one may be a good navigator or cope with traveling stress better than you which may be a great benefit.
Who you are traveling with also has a big impact on choosing your destination. For instance, if you are traveling with a family it requires careful consideration of everyone’s preferences, for family travel, finding the balance between preferences is very important, on the other hand, solo traveling is easier as you only have to decide for yourself.
6. Don’t Forget About The Insurance
Though travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense, having travel insurance is mandatory in Europe. It may not be a prerequisite in all countries but it’s one that could save you from enormous out-of-pocket expenses regardless of whether you choose to holiday. Be sure to get adequate cover and always check what is excluded in the insurance. There is nothing worse than having denied claims for inapplicable clauses.
All in all, it is always better and safer to keep all these things in mind while planning your trip so that you can make it cost-efficient and enjoyable, research about your destination so that you know everything good or bad which can help you enjoy your trip more and stay out of trouble.
Still hard to decide? Try searching for travel bloggers on Instagram and read their pieces of advice, consult with tour agencies or simply follow your heart and visit a place of your dreams. Just watch out for your safety and health and everything will be fine. Good luck!