If you’re thinking of taking some time out to take a holiday or to travel, where do you start? With so much exposure to adverts, TripAdvisor reviews, recommendations from friends and seductive brochures it can be a daunting prospect to choose a destination, let alone contemplate what to do while you are there. Maybe that is why so many of us settle for an all-inclusive package that takes away the hassle of planning and organising our trip.
But planning a holiday can – and should – be a fun part of the whole experience. With a few tips, everyone should be able to find their ideal trip – whether that is lazing on a beach, swimming with dolphins or volunteering.
Just follow these three simple steps to find the right holiday for you:
1. Think about what you want from your holiday (beyond having a great time!)
These days, we seem to be victims of “too much choice”. We can travel pretty much anywhere in the world, and do everything from chilling in a villa, to scuba diving in the Antarctic. The first thing everybody usually considers is where they want to go – but it may actually be easier to think first about what you want to do.
Relax…
How do you relax? Do you like being pampered, practising yoga, reading a book, or do you like to get your teeth into something to take your mind off everything?
Get away from it all
Do you want to experience the wilderness or delve into the hustle and bustle of a new culture? Being immersed in a new way of life is a phenomenal way to put the stresses and strains of your daily life into a global perspective.
Go on an adventure
The relaxation can wait – you want to explore your world, try new things, and get a rush! Perhaps you’ve always dreamed about climbing Everest. Why not use your well-earned holiday to fulfill one of those dreams… Whether it’s thrill-seeking or self-discovery, you won’t regret making childhood dreams come true!
Learn something new or make a difference
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to sit in a classroom learning Spanish or getting up at 5am to survey beaches during their holiday. However, learning something new or volunteering can be a most rewarding form of travel. You’ll gain so much when volunteering, whilst also giving something back to the local community or the environment. And you can now learn almost any new skill in the stimulating environment of a new country and different culture – from languages to cooking. Finding out what you want to get out of your trip is the first important step in planning a holiday. But don’t try and tick too may boxes; concentrate on one or two things at a time. The last thing you want is having to recover from your holiday after trying to cram too much in!
2. Get the best from your travelling companions
It is important to think about who you are travelling with (if anyone), and about their needs and aspirations. Perhaps you’re going on a journey of self-discovery that you would rather undertake on your own, travelling with a friend and meeting new people, enjoying some time away as a couple, or maybe you would like to bring your young grandchildren along. There are many aspects to a great holiday and these requirements are very individual. Try to ensure that the experience is going to be enjoyable for all of you by thinking about what type of travel your family/friends enjoy, and discuss with them how to meet both your objectives.
3. Remember the highlights of holidays in the past
Think about the best holiday you have ever had and what it was that made it so special. Perhaps it was your travel companions, something you experienced or learned, spontaneity, tranquillity or discovering different ways of life. Everyone’s different; what made you happy when you were on holiday? What experiences could you repeat or build upon, and how?
Of course there are always restrictions such as budget, travelling with children or annual leave which may dictate which part of the world you travel to. However, having followed these three steps you should now be ready to search and have fun coming up with ideas for your holiday – without being daunted or distracted.
Planning a holiday is always exciting, but with so many wonderful destinations to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to go. Here’s a guide designed to help you navigate this decision and find your perfect holiday destination.
1. Determine Your Budget
Your budget is a crucial starting point when planning a holiday. It will determine how far you can travel, the kind of accommodation you can afford, and the activities you can enjoy. Remember to factor in all costs including travel, accommodation, meals, sightseeing and souvenirs.
2. Identify Your Interests
Identifying what you hope to gain from your holiday will help narrow down potential destinations. Are you looking for relaxation or adventure? Do you want to immerse yourself in history and culture, or would you prefer exploring nature?
3. Consider the Climate
Consider the type of weather you enjoy most when choosing your destination. Check the weather patterns for the time of year you plan to travel. If you’re dreaming of a sunny beach holiday, make sure it’s not monsoon season in your chosen locale!
4. Research Activities and Attractions
Look into what activities and attractions are available at potential destinations. If you’re travelling with family, ensure there are activities suitable for all ages.
5. Think About the Type of Accommodation You Prefer
Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a charming bed-and-breakfast or a self-catering cottage, think about what type of accommodation would best suit your needs and preferences.
6. Consider Travel Times
Long travel times can eat into your holiday time, especially if you only have a week or two. If you want to maximise your relaxation time, consider locations closer to home or with short flight times.
7. Evaluate Safety
It’s important to check the safety level of potential destinations particularly if you’re travelling with children or elders. Check travel advisories provided by government websites which provide up-to-date information on safety concerns.
8. Look for Special Events
Sometimes, special events like festivals or sporting events can enhance your holiday experience making it even more memorable so do check if there are any happening at your potential destination during your visit.
9. Check Visa Requirements
If travelling abroad ensure you check visa requirements well in advance as some may take time to process.
10. Read Reviews
Reading reviews from other travellers can give insights into what a destination is really like and help make an informed decision.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect holiday destination involves careful consideration of various factors but it’s all part of the fun journey leading up to the actual holiday! Remember that the goal is to choose a place where you can relax, enjoy and make wonderful memories – after all that’s what holidays are all about!