The earth is a big place and it can be hard to decide where to travel when the time comes that you can travel. There are so many cool and fascinating places to visit and see, and if you're anything like me, you'll have a hard time choosing where exactly you'd like to go. Here are 8 tips to help you choose your next trip destination!
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#1 Make a List
Despite it's simplicity, making a list is one of the most important steps to figuring out and creating a plan. According to Dominique Loreau, a famous author:
"Lists allow us to clarify our thoughts and take the weight off our minds. Zen philosophy counsels us to abide by forms in order to liberate ourselves from them and achieve freedom. Lists are that form. They will give you more lucidity and more ease in everyday life; they will hugely enrich every sphere of your life,"
If you want to effectively plan for a trip, you'll need to be able to think clearly and see all the information in front of you. Writing a list of all the places you'd like to go to will help you narrow down your true destination.
#2 Look for Places that Make You Curious & Excited
When choosing a travel destination, it is essential to travel to places that excite and pique your interest. This seems like common sense to many, but to it's not always that simple. It you're traveling with a group, it can be very easy to have your personal hopes and dreams lost to the winds of peer pressure and going with the flow.
Let's put it this way, if you are going on a trip for yourself, with your own money, it is necessary that you do things that your are interested in. Yes compromises while traveling with groups are essential, but remember that you need to have fun too.
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#3 Research, Research, Research!
Did I say Research enough times? NO! Before you travel, you NEED to do your research. Check the local politics, find out what types of food is eaten there. Learn if the water is drinkable or if you need to buy it. Find out about prices for hotels and cars. -Will you be renting a vehicle or walking most of the way?
These are all important pieces to finding out the perfect travel destination. Along the way, you'll discover stories and places that are completely new. By doing your research, you learn whether or not the location is a place that you actually want to visit or not. Check the news, read books, learn everything you can.
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#4 Ask Friends and Family
Still can't decide which place to go to? Well, set the aside the internet for a moment and go talk to your living, breathing compatriots that have your best interests at heart. (This is important, because if they don't have your best interests, they might tell you that need to visit Lake Minnihaha, which doesn't actually exist.)
Discuss your dilemma with your people and they will most certainly give you their answer. Some will want to travel to the tropics whilst others may wish to visit the Appalachian Mountains. Either way, their feedback will help you decide.
#5 Don't Limit Yourself
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Really ask yourself this question, it's important. -Do us both a favor and close your eyes for a second. This about where you would go if there was nothing to worry about. Think about where you would go if there was absolutely nothing stopping you. -Done? Good choice, that's where you're going. We're planning it out, and you're going to pack your bags.
Me personally, I'd go to Hawaii and snorkel with the dolphins, but you're choice sounds good too. -When choosing your destination, don't let fear get in the way. There are a lot of limitations in this world, don't add more.
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#6 Read Reliable Material
Unfortunately, we live in a world where it's scams are as common as breathing. According to thepointsguy.com:
"The Federal Trade Commission received nearly 54,000 reports of travel scams in 2021, with $95 million in total reported losses for consumers and a median loss of $1,112 per person."
Watch out for scams by checking your reference material. -For example, you could have papers that say that the Teton Dam still stands, when it collapsed decades ago. -Long story short, focus on what's important, stay smart, and stay safe.
#7 Plan Your Budget
As discussed prior, some places cost more money that others. As part of your research in Tip #3, you'll have looked at prices and done some cost analysis. This will be a big part of your plan. Figure out what you can afford now, with out taking out a loan. (Going into debt is a big no no.) Plan how much money you want to spend (fun things, souvenirs, etc.). Figure out how much you'll need to spend (tickets, gas, food, lodgings, etc.) -Once you have all this figured out, meet the plan in the middle and choose your pick.
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#8 Check the Weather
Before you finalize any plans, check for any hurricanes, blizzards, or flood warnings that might just pop up and ruin your trip. -Might seem like a hassle, but trust me, it's awful knowing that you traveled to sunny California for it to rain your entire trip.
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