One of the interesting things about traveling more is deciding where to go. Some people have a place or two that are high on their list and they only look for those places. Other people strictly go where good deals are and they’re open to anywhere. I’m somewhere in the middle.
Over the years I’ve found a few things that help me decide where my next travels will take me. Here are some of the ways I narrow down my choices:
Make A List
I’ve always started the new year off with a comprehensive list of my goals. For the last 3 years, that list included much more travel which I break down by location. Each year the list has grown tremendously.
My list usually starts with the places I’m most interested in visiting and haven’t been yet. I like to see if I can combine any of the places on my list to make it easier to get through my list. It also helps me figure out when is the best time to travel to a certain destination based on cost, season, weather, etc.
For example, with Europe, because generally countries are so close and easy to get to, I almost always try to do at least a couple countries per trip.
To Repeat or Not to Repeat
One of my biggest challenges with picking a destination is, do I go to a place I’ve been before and want to repeat, or do I try a new place?!? This is always hard. For instance, some of the places I’ve been but are currently back on my list are: Lisbon, Cartagena and Mexico City. I loved all of these places and would be down to go back anytime. Byron absolutely loves Cartagena and Mexico City and is always throwing them out there to return. But I feel conflicted. There are so many places I haven’t been and I feel a sense of urgency to get to those places first. On the other hand, I like going back to places I’ve been, already having that familiarity and getting to have a non touristy experience.
I decided that since getting to new places is my priority right now, I’d limit myself to one repeat place per year……unless a great deal comes up, then all bets are off!
Good Flight Deals Are Key
I don’t care if I’ve never been or if I’ve been a hundred times…..I’m only going ANYWHERE if the price is right! I refuse to pay astronomical prices for flights, particularly since frequent travel is essential to having a travel business. There are a few ways I keep up with the best flight deals. I LOVE the site formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights that currently goes by, Going. If you’re interested in traveling more, you should subscribe to this service ASAP! You get great deals emailed to you. But you have to be able to act fast because those prices don’t usually last more than a day or two. I also subscribe to The Flight Deal for more great info on great deals. I frequently use my Skyscanner app when I want to be more proactive about seeking tickets out myself. However, Google flights is almost always my starting point. It allows so many options and gives the best pricing options. Give me a good flight deal and I’ll go almost anywhere in the world!