Sometimes the hardest part of Summer Vacation planning a trip is figuring out where to go in the first place. But as you consider possible destinations, there are some important factors to keep in mind.
“The secret to picking the right destination for your next trip is to know exactly what you are looking for and do proper research. That way you don’t get blindsided and end up in some place you don’t like,” says world traveler Matt Kepnes of Nomadic Matt.
Here are the top three things you should do before you hit the road, sea, or sky.
1. Make sure activity options align with interests.
Before you book, the most important thing to think about is what you want to do on your vacation. A trip to Paris or Rome might sound nice, but if you would rather spend your time on a beach or hiking, you probably don’t want to head to a metropolis where sightseeing and visiting museums are your primary options. If it is culture you seek, on the other hand, you are probably better suited to a big city trip rather than a tropical island resort, national park or quaint beach town. Nicola Burke of Jetlag & Mayhem also takes local food options into consideration.
2. Consider the seasons across coasts and hemispheres.
Beyond knowing a Caribbean vacation means sunshine and warmth year-round, there are more realities to consider when it comes to a particular destination’s weather. Seasons vary across hemispheres and while summer in the Pacific Northwest means beautiful warm days and cool evenings, summer in the Pacific Southwest means sweltering heat.
“The weather is an important factor,” says Sebastian Canaves of Off The Path. “When wanting to travel to Argentina, December probably is a good time since then it’s summer down there. In July, it’s winter on the Southern Hemisphere.” Plus, look into whether a certain region has a rainy season, as being confined to your hotel room or rental house day after day is probably not the vacation experience you had in mind. Weather may be the one thing you have no control over, but you can do the research to get it as right as you can!
3. Figure out costs and how to get the most for your money.
When you are traveling, there are going to be a variety of expenses. Be sure to research what the airfare will cost, as well as the lodging, transportation, activity and dining options of a certain destination. For a sight-seeing trip, lodging costs in major cities will be steeper than those in more remote or rural areas, but you will be able to use public transportation and avoid renting a car and paying for gas. If you are in the market for a beach or ski vacation, renting a house could be more cost-effective than a hotel, plus you have the option of a kitchen to cook your own meals instead of dining out all the time.
Canaves recommends checking if there are any major events in the area that you want to visit. “Prices often are higher when there are big events in town,” he says.
An all-inclusive resort or cruise, on the other hand, means you pay for almost all aspects of your vacation upfront. Just be sure to confirm what exactly is included so you don’t find yourself disappointed upon arrival. A Royal Caribbean cruise, for example, guarantees a wide range of both on-board activities and opportunities to explore new cities, countries and cultures at ports of call.
Once you have done your due planning diligence, booked your trip and arrived at your destination (or cruise ship) of choice, Sherry Otts of Otts World reminds, “The most important thing is to keep an open mind, embrace the culture, try to learn from your surroundings, live in the moment and say “yes” to opportunities that present themselves. Then any place can be the right destination!”
Happy vacation hunting!