People often ask me for recommendations for where they should travel, especially for their first trip abroad. My initial response is always the same: what type of travel experience do you want? I have a million amazing memories from my travels, but I don’t assume that others will find interest in any of them. Travel is a very personal choice. The concept of what constitutes a great trip will vary from person to person. So here are some things to consider in planning your trip.
- What types of things are you most interested in? Outdoor activities? Culture and history? Mountains or water? City or country?
- Would you prefer to travel independently or with a group? I will write a full blog about organized tours, as there are some important things to consider in booking one.
- Do you want to travel abroad or stay in the US? International travel is not for everyone, and that’s okay. We live in an amazing country, and there is so much to see and do right here in the US!
- What is your comfort level in being in a place where English may not be spoken? While I have found that people all over the world do speak some English, when you leave the US, you should never assume this! You need to always remember that you are now in their country, and English may not be spoken by everyone. With the many different translation apps available, this is usually no longer a problem any way.
- Are your dates flexible or are you locked into a certain time period? We have no control over the weather, but weather can put a real damper on your trip (pun intended). Doing some research on climate patterns for places of highest interest to you is a must. There are other considerations to factor in such as high vs. off season, which can greatly impact cost and the size of crowds, and local customs including religious holidays which may result in many places being closed. If your travel dates are flexible, a little research will drastically improve your chances of having an amazing trip.
- Start with a list. Write down all of the places you would like to visit. Once you have your list, there will likely be 3 or 4 that clearly rise to the top. Ask yourself: what place would be your biggest regret if you didn’t get to travel there?
I hope this advice gets you started in planning your next trip. Where to go is often the first hurdle, so start working on your list!