Feeling intimidated by the prospect of planning your next vacation? Overloaded with information, travel destinations and brilliant images? We've put together a quick guide to help you find the trip that's right for you.
When thinking about taking time off for vacation or travel, where do you start? With so many advertisements, TripAdvisor reviews, recommendations from friends and enticing brochures, it can be daunting to choose a destination, let alone what to do while there. Perhaps that's why so many of us choose an all-inclusive package that makes it easier to plan and organize our trip.
But planning a vacation can – and should – be a fun part of the overall experience. With a few tips, everyone should be able to find their ideal trip - whether it's lounging on the beach, swimming with dolphins or volunteering abroad.
Just follow these three simple steps to find the vacation that's right for you:
1. THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR VACATION (HAVE A GOOD TIME!)
We seem to be the victims of "too many choices" these days. We can travel just about anywhere in the world and do everything from relaxing in a villa to diving in Antarctica. The first thing everyone usually thinks about is where they want to go – but it may actually be easier to think about what you want to do first.
Relax...
How do you relax? Do you like to be pampered, do yoga, read a book or do you like to snack on something to distract yourself from everything?
Get away from it all
Do you want to escape into nature or immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of a new culture? Immersing yourself in a new way of life is a phenomenal way to put the stresses and strains of your daily life into a holistic perspective.
Go on an adventure
Relaxation can wait - you want to explore your world, try new things and let off steam! Maybe you've always dreamed of climbing Everest or wondered what it's like to live with an African tribe. Why not take advantage of your well-deserved vacation to make one of these dreams come true? Whether it's thrills or self-discovery, you won't regret having made a childhood dream come true!
Learn something new or make a difference
Sitting in a classroom to learn Spanish or getting up at 5 a.m. to explore the beaches while on vacation isn't for everyone. However, learning something new or volunteering can be an extremely rewarding form of travel. You will earn a lot by volunteering while giving back to the local community or the environment. And now you can learn almost any new skill in the stimulating environment of a new country and culture - from languages to cooking, from gamekeeper skills to journalism. Determining what you want from your trip is the first important step in vacation planning. But don't try to tick too many boxes; Focus on one or two things at a time. The last thing you want is to relax after your vacation after trying too hard!
2. GET THE BEST FROM YOUR TRAVEL COMPANIONS
It is important to think about the people you are traveling with (if any) and their needs and wants. Maybe you're embarking on a journey of self-discovery that you'd rather take on alone, traveling with a friend and meeting new people, enjoying a couples getaway, or maybe you want to take your young grandchildren with you. A successful holiday has many facets and these requirements are very individual. Try to make sure you're all enjoying the experience by thinking about the kinds of trips your family/friends enjoy and talking with them about how you can achieve both of your goals.
3. REMEMBER HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST
Think about the best vacation you've ever had and what made it so special. Maybe it was your fellow travelers, something you experienced or learned, the spontaneity, the tranquility or the discovery of other ways of life. Everyone is different; What made you happy on vacation? What experiences could you repeat or expand on and how?
Of course, there are always restrictions such as budget, traveling with children, or annual leave that may dictate which part of the world you travel to. But after these three steps, you should now be ready to have fun coming up with ideas for your vacation, without being intimidated or distracted.