“GREAT THINGS NEVER CAME FROM COMFORT ZONES.” ~ ANONYMOUS
Have you made a promise to yourself to step out of your comfort zones and travel the world?Perhaps you’ve decided to broaden your horizons by experiencing different peoples and cultures. But where do you start? Choosing your next travel destination can be tricky. If you are an aspiring world traveler like me, there isn’t any place you wouldn’t go at least once. Egypt, Italy, South Africa, Israel…the list continues yet how do you choose? Recently, I went on an amazing trip to Thailand and one of the most frequently asked questions is, how did you choose Thailand?
Here are some important factors when choosing your next destination abroad:
Travel Bucket List
What places have you imagined visiting before? This is a great place to start. As you read, interact on social media, or converse with friends, jot down the places discussed and discover the wonders for yourself. I personally have a long list of ideal places to visit as you can imagine from the several mentioned above.
Food
This was an obvious second stop for me. I am an extremely picky eater and would not want to go the whole trip without eating. I’m all for trying a few local favorites, but I have to take it slowly. You may be an adventurous eater, but considering the food you’ll eat is a high priority.
Price
Your budget is a huge factor. A lot of touristy can be really pricey and there’s no need to break the bank just to get a few pictures for Instagram. Many countries are relatively cheap and airlines offer specials periodically. Consider avoiding popular travel times like Spring Break or early summer vacation.
Safety
Whether you’re embarking on a solo trip or preparing for a group one, safety is still extremely important. You can research the safety of your dream destination though travel advisory websites and apps.
Referrals
Nothing beats a review about a foreign place like the one that comes from someone you know. I’ve made it a point to listen to family and friends regarding flights, hotels, rental cars, excursions and attractions.
Language Barriers
Remember, you’re may be traveling to a place where your language isn’t prominent and communication is vital. Think about if a native tour guide may enhance your trip or brush up on your known languages. Even if your language is acknowledged, it’s always fun to learn a few words or street terms.
Other Resources
There are many platforms at your finger tips for discovering how to choose and prepare for an international getaway. Here are some that I use and recommend.
- Trip Advisor
- Travel Bloggers
- Instagram Tags
Happy traveling! What’s on your travel bucket list?
