As spring gets underway, lots of people are thinking about where they want to head on vacation this year. You might already have a dream destination in mind, but if not, it can be a surprisingly difficult decision to make. After all, there are so many amazing locations to explore, from Japan to New Zealand to Peru. So, how do you choose where to go?
Only you can decide which of the many worthy destinations is the best one for you and your family, however the following 5 factors can help you to narrow your ideas down. Let’s get started!
1. Budget
Perhaps unsurprisingly, budget should be the first factor you decide on. That’s because it has an impact on the type of destinations, accommodation, and experiences open to you. You don’t need to have an exact amount at this stage, just a ballpark figure so that you know what sort of trip you can afford. Don’t forget that you can make trade-offs depending on your priorities, such as choosing a destination closer to home to lower your travel costs and enable you to stay at a more luxurious hotel.
2. Weather
The next step is to think about what kind of weather you want to have when on vacation. For example, if you’re eager to have a beach holiday then you need to look for somewhere warm and sunny. Alternatively, if you would prefer to go skiing, then you want someplace that gets a lot of snow. For city breaks, conditions that are dry but not humid are ideal. As well as helping you choose a location, this will also guide you as to the best time of year to travel.
3. Accommodation
Accommodation is an important factor for many people when they travel. After all, this is your vacation, so you want to feel comfortable and relaxed! One option is to stay at a luxurious hotel such as Kona, Hawaii resorts, where you can enjoy top quality service and facilities. Alternatively, a rental apartment or villa can be a great choice for large groups or those who like cooking at home when they travel.
4. Distance
Another factor to consider is how far you’re happy to travel to reach your vacation spot. This may not matter to you at all, however if you have young children then you might be more comfortable choosing a location you can fly to in just an hour or two. Likewise, if you’re going away for a few weeks then a long journey is more worthwhile. However, if you’re only taking a weekend break, you don’t want to spend most of your hours on the plane!
5. Experiences
Lastly, the types of experiences you want to have during your vacation will impact where you choose to go. For instance, do you want to simply relax on the beach? Explore a new culture? Enjoy bustling nightlife? Shop ‘til you drop? Engage in adrenaline-fueled sports and other activities? Learn a new skill? Visit museums and art galleries? Indulge in local culinary specialties? Have a think about the sorts of experiences you most enjoy, and then choose a destination that offers what you want.