If you’re anything like the rest of us, you’re probably itching to get out of the house. Even those who don’t typically travel are experiencing wanderlust. As the ability to travel returns to us, you can plan for how to get a much-needed change of scene. There’s just one question: where will you go? Some people have destinations already in mind. Maybe there’s a city you’ve been dying to visit, or maybe you want to travel to see relatives. But some only know that they need a vacation. If that sounds familiar to you, these tips for picking your next vacation destination might help.
How to Choose Your Next Vacation Destination
Draw Up a Budget
The first step in the plan is also the least exciting: budgeting. But it needs to be done before you can focus on anything else. Your budget will impact where you travel, what lodgings and accommodations you have, and what activities you can participate in during the adventure. It also helps to have a length of time in mind. For most people, this will be whatever vacation time you have saved up. But if you want to save some of those days for relaxing at home, you can scale back your plans and have a smaller vacation.
Budgeting can sometimes make people anxious. You might feel like you’ll never have enough money to plan your dream trip. But it’s not impossible. There are ways to finance a fabulous vacation through smart investments or taking out a loan. A private lender can help you acquire the needed funds now and then pay the debt back over time at a reasonable interest rate. How much can you spend on the whole vacation? Now break that down. How much can you spend per day?
Make a List
Now it’s time to put your budget aside. Without thinking about the potential expenses, make a list of five destinations you might want to visit. They can be as close or as far away as you want. Can’t think of any destinations? Try looking up places where you can have adventures while touring based on your hobbies and interests. Theater people flock to New York City for the Broadway shows, beachgoers love the California dunes, and hikers trek through New England in the fall. When you’re not sure where to travel, pick a place that enhances the interests you already have.
Look Up the Costs
You’ll need to figure out the costs of travel, lodging, food, and activities. Are you driving or going by plane? Are you staying in a hotel or with friends? Are you going to any expensive events or planning to make any expensive purchases? Figure out a ballpark estimate for each of your destinations. Those that fall within your budget are viable. Does any destination on the list make you feel more excited than the others? If so, that’s the one. If not, consider crowdsourcing. If you’re vacationing with friends or family, you can ask them for input on the destination. Well-traveled friends and colleagues might also have recommendations for the best places to visit.