How to choose a destination

What makes it a top destination?

The Top 10 destinations can vary from person to person depending on an individual’s choice and interests. The popularity of a place could be gauged in many ways. For example it may be because of the number of people that visit a place each year or because it is very ancient ruin in the books of history or it is very scenic, or religious, or simply because it is one of the wanders of a world. Whatever it may be our idea of a vacation is to enjoy and to broaden our knowledge of the world that is rich with different cultures. My perfect vacation destination might not be the ideal destination to another. It is all very perspective, therefore it is important to choose your place of visit with a proper sense of what you intend to see or do and not because someone else said it was a perfect holiday destination. You can always keep your mind open for opinions and experiences of others. However, keep your options open. In this site I would be writing regarding different places of interest that could have anything great from scenic, religious, adventurous, festive to relaxing. I would be introducing places that are not only known to many but also about places that are hardly heard of. I invite any comments and suggestion of any place that you like to share with readers as long as you limit your comments and suggestions to around 15 words. You also can include a photo if you like.

Choosing a destination

Whenever you decide to take that long needed vacation you should do a little research of your own about the place so one knows what to expect when you arrive at your destination. Sometimes, very hard surprises await you if you are not prepared. It basically can ruin a holiday. Therefore, little bit of research can go a long way. The first important factor to consider is what type of vacation are you looking forward to? Relaxing by a beach, relaxing in a cabin, sporty, Outdoor, family oriented, or some adventures wildlife? For example if you want to do a lot of outdoor activity while you are holidaying you may need to pick a place where there are facilities for outdoor fun. For example if you intend to do mountain climbing check whether there is a place to hire equipment or whether you should bring your own. If you plan to go hiking or camping whether proper facilities are available and whether it is a suitable place to do these activities. Most of the time outdoor activities are seasonal because of weather patterns. Weather patterns can vary from country to country. Ex. Winter in Australia is during mid year or the when the rainy season is in tropical islands, the country’s political situation etc. Therefore, choosing the proper destination is the most important.

Cost

The second point to consider is the cost involved. This is very vital. The air fares, accommodation, dining, sightseeing, all involves money. As most holiday destinations could be very pricy. You should be able to get price ideas from various websites. You do not want to go to a place and find you are short of cash to enjoy the vacation you dreamt about. Therefore, budgeting and planning your trip is very essential. Every country has its own currency. Check whether US Dollars or your country’s currencies are accepted. Check also on the exchange rate and the commission on traveler’s checks. Though you think you have enough in your currencies when it is exchanged to the local rate of the country you will be surprised how little or how much more you will get to your hand to spend. If a cost is a one of the major factors sometimes during off season things are cheaper. This is if you yet don’t mind going during off season you might be able to get good deals. But what you have to keep in mind is some places are closed during off season.

Language

Language is also very important. The country you are visiting will have a language that they speak which you would not understand a word. Don’t assume that everyone speaks English, French, and German etc. Most people only know their mother tongue, especially in the rural areas. If it is a country that does not speak the language that you speak and it is your first visit and you don’t know anything about how to get about it is best you join a local tour with a guide that can speak English or a language that you understand. Sometimes it helps to speak to someone that has already been to the particular place you are planning to visit to get a few tips so that getting around would be easy.

Accommodation and Transportation

Is there public transportation? Do not take it for granted that there are cheap ways to get around. If not do you need to hire a vehicle and the rates. What type of vehicle will be sufficient? With accommodation there are different options to consider. If you find prices of hotels to be too expensive you can look into small guesthouses or even renting a room from a house in the area. Most of the tourist places will have room rentals available on short term basis for the season. Sometimes religious organizations like YMCA have hostels where you can book in advance.

Distance

Distance is another factor to consider as some would not like to travel for days. In this case you may break journey. This may give you to relax and enjoy your trip better. Specially, if you are planning to travel with kids. Kids tend to get crabby and restless during flights. Some times over exhaustion in travelling will have you sick during your holiday. You will end up wasting time looking for medical care and medicine. This will end up making you frustrated, bored or sometimes even hate the place.

Other things to consider

Travel insurance- In some countries medical is very expensive and not nationalized therefore having travel insurance is sensible. Check with your travel agent for good insurance deals. Most of the time travel insurance cover from medical to lost baggage.

Visas- Sometimes to enter a country you need to obtain visas in advance. Your travel agent or airline will know whether you require a visa before hand or it is on arrival. Don’t get disappointed at the airport if you don’t have proper travel visas to enter a country. You also can get information from the Embassy or the Consulate of the country you’re planning to travel and the procedure to apply for visas.

Travel light- It is always best to travel light. You can shop more!!! Also most airlines have a standard size for suitcases. If you are overweight you might be asked to pay for excess baggage.

This world has unlimited choices of places that you can visit. But you may not be able to visit everywhere but what you choose could be a vacation pleasurable and memorable. With all in mind, now you can book your ticket to a nice place and just enjoy your vacation!!

In my next article I thought of going to a place in a small tropical exotic country on my first visit.