Sarah Sheedy shares her Top Tips for Choose Your Holiday Destination
The holidays are approaching and you are still looking for the ideal place to go on a trip? Rest assured, you are not alone in this situation, and solutions exist! In this article, we give you all the best tips and inspiration for selecting your next holiday destination.
How to Decide?
The first step in your thinking process is to establish what you want to do. Every country or region has different things to offer, so with a little research, you’re bound to find THE perfect destination for you. First, ask yourself the following questions:
What Do You Want to Visit?
What do you like best? A city full of history or a concentration of art museums? Perhaps you’d like to see some theatre? Enjoy the local music scene? Get out amongst the beautiful nature a region might be renowned for?
Would You Like to Relax?
Are you looking for a sandy beach, an afternoon by the pool, a spa break or a cruise? Make an ordered list of your favourite activities and holiday essentials.
Are You an Adventurer?
Rafting in the rapids, paragliding, skiing, bike rides or even camping… What are your preferences? If you are interested in camping abroad, then check out this article for some more ideas.
Are You a Nature Lover?
What kind of landscapes would you like to discover or rediscover? What level of difficulty can you handle?
Are You in a Group or Traveling Solo?
If you are travelling in a group, it is likely that some of your companions have different tastes and desires than you. Consider consulting them and finding out their preferences to find the best compromise for everyone.
How Do You Want to Travel?
Are you looking for a turnkey trip or do you prefer to be guided once you are there? Do you prefer to stay in one place for the duration of your stay or do you want to move from one city to another?
How Long Do You Want to Stay?
There’s nothing worse than finding your holiday inspiration and then realizing that you don’t have time to do everything you wanted to do, especially when you’re going halfway around the world. For example, if you want to explore South East Asia in a week, you’re likely to be disappointed, as you clearly won’t have time to see everything.
What is your budget?
Depending on your budget, not all destinations are created equal. Obviously, if your budget is unlimited, your choice will not suffer, but if you are on a tight budget, make sure you can afford to do everything you want.
Now, Do Your Research
Now that you have asked all the important questions about your desires, needs and budget, it’s time to start looking for a destination and making some decisions.
A good way to find suitable suggestions is to use the internet and the “best country/city for…” formula. If you want to go scuba diving, type in “best places to scuba dive” and check the first few results on the Google page. Make a shortlist of the destinations that best match your criteria.
If you are open to more than one possibility or are looking for a combination of activities, do the same search on a different topic and make another list. The destinations on both your lists are the most suitable!
Now that you have narrowed down your list of candidates, it is time to refine it to the best choices for your ideal holiday. For each destination, find out the pros and cons. This way, not only do you ensure that you get a destination you like, but you also avoid unpleasant surprises at the last minute!
Helpful Tips to Consider
Choosing the right holiday destination can be a daunting task, as there are so many options to consider. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a longer vacation, it’s important to take the time to choose a destination that will meet your needs and leave you with unforgettable memories. Here are some tips to help you make your decision:
1. Determine your Budget
Before you start researching destinations, it’s important to know how much you can afford to spend. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on destinations that are within your price range. Consider the cost of flights, accommodation, transportation, food, airport parking and activities when determining your budget. Remember to also factor in any unexpected expenses, such as travel insurance or medical expenses.
Tips for Saving when Traveling:
If you are interested in saving money on traveling, the best advice is to book things in advance. This is a surefire way to find great deals and promotions on activities, lodging and so much more. If you are also planning on driving to the airport upon departure, then consider saving money with Flyparks. Flyparks offers an amazing airport comparison service to help you find the most affordable option for your travels.
2. Consider your Travel Style
Are you looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled trip? Do you want to experience the culture of a new place or simply escape everyday life? Are you a solo traveler or planning to travel with family or friends? Knowing your travel style will help you choose a destination that caters to your interests. For example, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, you might consider destinations such as Hawaii or the Caribbean. But if you’re looking for an adventure, you might choose a destination like New Zealand or Costa Rica.
3. Research the Destination
Once you have a shortlist of potential destinations, do some research to learn more about the culture, weather, and attractions of each place. This will help you get a better sense of whether or not the destination is the right fit for you. Research the best time to visit, what to do and see, and what to expect from the locals.
4. Check the Visa Requirements
Make sure to check the visa requirements for the destination you are planning to visit. Some countries may require you to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Also, check for any vaccination or health requirements for the country you are visiting.
5. Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
Look for reviews and recommendations from other travelers to get a better sense of the destination and what to expect. Ask friends and family who have been to the destination for their thoughts and advice. This can also help you identify any potential issues or concerns that you may not have considered.
6. Consider the Timing
Lastly, the timing of your trip can also play a big role in your choice of destination. Some places are best visited during certain seasons, while others may be too hot or too cold at certain times of the year. For example, if you’re planning a ski holiday, you’ll want to go during the winter months when the snow is at its best. But if you’re planning a beach holiday, you’ll want to go during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a holiday destination that meets your needs, interests and budget. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to have a clear idea of what you want, and stay flexible to find the best options. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider destinations that you may not have considered before. With a little bit of research and planning, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
What is important in choosing YOUR holiday destination?
What are your ‘must-have’ components to identifying your ideal holiday destination? How far out do you plan? Do share what is important to you in the comments below.
