TIPS ON HOW TO PICK YOUR NEXT TRAVEL DESTINATION

It’s fun to go to places and discover new experiences, so each year we have been fortunate enough through our business to travel to exotic new destinations and explore the wonderful wide world. Our destination is chosen for us 12 months in advance and then the planning begins. It’s a great opportunity for us to take a break from work and strengthen our relationship together as a family away from day to day stress. I also seem to have gotten into a really bad habit of travelling to South East Asia each year!! I just can't get enough of it, Its close to Australia, Its relatively inexpensive once you are there, the food is to die for, the culture, the Shopping and the massages on the beach! I dream of it daily!!

Of course, we have our own way of planning where to go for family Holidays. In our case, I take a look at the seat sales of local airlines, book our tickets and plan around that. It may not work for everyone, so I asked friends and family what are their considerations when they’re picking their next travel destination. Here’s the top answers, and I hope you find them useful.

1. Budget

How much you are willing to spend and how much you can spend is a big factor when deciding where to go. As much as we all wish we had unlimited travel funds, the reality is most of us are operating on limited budgets. Consider taking a trip to places where food and accommodation are affordable and of good quality. In this regard, Southeast Asia has always been a popular destination for Australian's. A destination that won’t leave you financially crippled or in debt is always a wise choice.

2. Length of stay and travel time

The amount of time you have for your holiday can help you choose your next destination. Note that this includes travel time and not just your holiday time. Going to place that requires 10 hours of travel doesn’t seem practical for an overnight stay and you’ll probably end up too tired by the trip to really do anything. Pick a place with a reasonable amount of travel time that will also allow you enough time to explore and enjoy your time away. If Travelling with Kids, take that into consideration, how will they cope with the flights, heat, humidity etc, you don't want it to become a Helliday.

3. Climate and season

Airfare and accommodation prices will change dramatically depending on the season, so your destination may depend on when you plan to go. Some places are popular during certain times of the year. For example, Japan gets plenty of visitors during late March to April when spring season starts and the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Brazil gets a lot of attention during the Carnaval season, and so on. You can save up on costs by booking early, or going to a destination during its off season peak.

4. Activities

The things you want to do on your holiday is a considerable factor. Do you want to swim in the ocean, lounge by the pool, work on your tan or possibly try some water sports? Do you want to go trekking or nature tripping? Do you want to stay in and be pampered? Where you will go should offer or be able to accommodate the things that you want to do. No sense of going to a ski resort if you can't ski…right?

If you are traveling in a group, you have to take into consideration what the group want to do as well.

5. Get recommendations and do research

There are several ways you can get ideas for your next travel destination. Travel magazines always have reviews or articles, Tripadvisor is a great source of knowledge or you can go online and check out blogs and forums for ideas. Another great source of ideas on where to go next is from your friends who have been there. Listen to their stories and adventures, how much money they spent, what they did there, and if they enjoyed it and would go back. Of course, nothing beats experiencing everything for yourself, so weigh up your options.

6. Travel wish list, or where do you want to go?

We all have a dream destination, and in one way or the other, we want everything to fall into place so we can get there. If you have a place in mind, regardless of budget, time constraints and what other people think, then go for it. Mountaineers and spiritual tourists may want to spend the holidays in Tibet, while couples tying the knot in 2014 may want to honeymoon in Koh Samui or Palm Cove(FNQ), or the cool climes of Thailand’s Chiang Mai. I know I’m basically telling you to forget everything I said here in this article, but if you really want to go and get there, trust me…...

you’ll never regret it.

Happy and safe travels!

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