As winter wanes and we crawl out from our hibernation dens, it might be time to think about travel plans for the year. Everyone has a unique travel personality. Some people prefer cities, while others love to get out in nature. Some like to return to the same area year after year, while others think life is too short and the world too large to do the same vacation on repeat. There are so many options when it comes to travel that it can be difficult to narrow down a decision, but we hope to offer some inspiration for you for 2024 and beyond.
Initial considerations
With social media and smartphones, inspiration is literally at our fingertips for choosing a location. But before we set our hearts on a place, we should make some initial choices. The first is financial: what is the budget? While a trip overseas can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the number of people going, a road trip can be pretty reasonable.
Once the budget is determined, location is next, says Karen Thompson, a self-employed travel adviser with Keys to the World Travel. “They should think about how difficult the destination is to get to from where they live. How long is the travel time?” she says. Even if we have the money to afford a trip that includes airfare, car rental, train tickets, or cruises, we may not have the desire to spend so much time en route.
When Karen meets with a client, she likes it when they come with several ideas in mind, which can help her tailor her questions to narrow down where to go. “Do they want guided tours, independent travel, or a combination of both?” she says. “Are they looking for adventure or relaxation? Are they foodies or art lovers and do they want to learn about culture in the destination?”
Another consideration can be mobility issues either for ourselves or our travel companions. Karen is seeing more and more intergenerational travel with grandparents and suggests cruises as a good option. “You can choose from several different land experiences in port ranging from an active bike tour to a guided museum tour with accessible transportation,” she says.
To seek help or not
There are all kinds of websites for planning travel, but sometimes it is advisable to contact a travel adviser. Since they plan vacations daily, they often have better insights on what to do and likely have suggestions from their own travel experiences or from their colleagues. Karen says travel planners also receive training from suppliers and can provide resources that you simply cannot find on a web-based booking engine.
Overseas excursions
If funds and time allow, Karen has some suggestions for locations to consider outside the US. “Croatia is becoming a popular destination in Europe,” she says. Treat yourself and look up images of the walls of Dubrovnik or Plitvice Lakes National Park, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – you’ll be packing your suitcase shortly afterward. Karen says Iceland and Antarctica have become increasingly popular places for individuals looking for adventure. If you’re wanting a warm, tropical locale, St. Vincent/Grenadines and St. Kitts should be considered.
By Carrie Vittitoe
P.S. Plan A Dream European Vacation To Italy
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