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How to Pick a Destination
Need help finding where to travel? Do you wonder which destination is best?
Need help finding where to travel? Do you wonder which destination is best?
It is the first step of any journey, but it is only sometimes clear. There are so many places in the world, and choosing can be challenging!
If this is your case, follow the steps that I indicate, and you will know your next destination by the time you finish reading.
I do not like categorical statements that ‘This’ or ‘That’ is the “best” holiday destination because we are not all the same, with the same circumstances or like the same things.
Therefore, I’ll detail the steps you must follow to find YOUR best travel destination—the one that perfectly fits your needs.
🗺️ Planning a trip?
Use my Free Travel Planner to organise your itinerary, budget, and days step by step without missing anything.
Let’s start!
1. What Type of Trip Do You Fancy?
Beach and relaxation, city break, culture, adventure, gastronomy, nature, cruise, a mix…
Don’t you know which type you want?
Check my post, Types of Holidays. It provides further information on the different options and examples of destinations.
You may never have considered some of them, and this could be the time to do so.
2. Who Are You Going With?
Friends, partner, family, with children, with your pet, or solo?
I’m not asking for gossip, I promise!
It is an important question because, for example, it is different to travel with friends looking for a party than to travel as a family with children (I’m being a bit extreme, I know). But let’s be honest, the ‘ideal’ destination for these two groups will hardly be the same.
This is related to the previous point about the types of holidays.
Based on this and your preferences, you can pick the most appropriate destination. Have a look at the Top Attractions of the Most Visited Countries.
3. When Do You Want / Can Travel?
Regarding this question, I am not referring to specific dates, though it would be helpful if you have them.
I mean, if you are thinking of any time of the year, month, week, bank holiday, etc.
Options
- If you do not have any limitations, it is easier for you because you can choose depending on the destination or price. Consult my posts, Top Tourist Attractions of the Most Visited Countries and The Cheapest Countries to Travel.
- If you have a clear idea of when you want to travel but don’t know where, I recommend reading my post Where to Travel Each Month.
- If you know where to go but don’t know the best time, consult my post, Best Time to Go. Some people do not give this much importance, but for me, it has always been something to consider.
For example, if you want to do a photo safari in Kenya and see The Big 5, plus as many animals as possible, especially if you only get to go once in a lifetime, go during the Great Migration (from July to October).
Of course, you can also go in March when flights and accommodation are cheaper, but it’s the rainy season. It will be much more difficult to see animals in the different parks. That’s why it’s so cheap!
I respect all opinions; however, I prefer to visit places when I can fully enjoy what each site offers.
4. How Many Days Do You Have?
This is important because, depending on where you live, what you are looking for may be farther or closer, more or less accessible, and require more or less time to commute.
For example, if you live in Urumqi (northwest China) and want to see the sea, you must travel about 2,500 km to reach the nearest coast. A weekend at the beach may not be the best option.
In my posts ‘How many days I need to visit each city‘ and ‘How many days I need to visit each country‘, you can check the days you need to see most of each city’s and country’s highlights, respectively.
5. What is Your Budget? Or How Much Do You Want to Spend?
Horrible question, I know.
Just as I also know the answer, “as little as possible”, or am I wrong?
Unfortunately, it is a critical question to consider when choosing your destination.
I believe it’s possible to travel almost anywhere, even if you’re on a tight budget (which is usually my case). However, we can’t ignore the fact that to reach certain destinations, you’ll need long-distance flights that might not be cheap, even during the off-season.
Standard Travel Level
This point is crucial because it will affect your budget.
Let’s not kid ourselves; the hyper-economical option of backpacking, sleeping anywhere, and eating anything is not for everyone, including myself.
I did it in the past, and it was fine, but today I prefer certain comforts, like not having to share a bathroom with people I don’t know at the accommodation.
That’s how much of a lady I’ve become! I’m not ashamed to say it because that doesn’t mean I love travelling less than any backpacker.
Depending on your standards or priorities, you will have to adapt your budget.
For example, if you don’t settle for hotels with fewer than 4 stars and want to stay in the centre of Zurich, which is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, the cost will be higher than a B&B in Kraków.
Or, if you want to go to Ibiza and get into all the famous clubs, which aren’t cheap, and you don’t know anyone there who can ‘sneak’ you in, you will probably need a bigger budget.
I recommend you read my post, The Cheapest Countries to Travel (and the More Expensive).
Anyway, in the Travel Cheap section, I will give you tips to save money on your trip, no matter the destination.
6. How Are You Doing With Languages?
For me, it can be secondary because I believe that, in one way or another, you can eventually make yourself understood.
However, I understand that some people may be apprehensive about not being able to communicate if a problem arises.
It is not such an issue for English speakers, as English is widely spoken internationally. But, believe it or not, there are certain places in the world, especially out of tourist areas, where people don’t speak English. I’ve been in that situation!
If you feel identified, choose a destination where they speak your language or another you control.
In my article Best Time to Go, I include the language spoken in each country, in case you have doubts.
Or, if you prefer to search by tongue, I recommend the post Countries by Language.
7. Is The Chosen Destination Safe?
Finally, before making a decision, it is essential to know the current situation at the destination you have selected for your trip.
If you are going to invest your money and time in getting to know new places and creating beautiful memories. Wouldn’t it be wise to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises?
Make no mistake; this does not mean that you are less adventurous. Because every so often, it seems that you must go to a risky country to be a real ‘adventurer’. Well, I’m afraid I have to disagree.
Security Check
So, before organising your trip, always check the latest information to see if it is safe to travel.
Here are two links that may interest you:
- The Foreign travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
At this point, you should be clear about where to go for your next holiday. Or at least reduce the options considerably.
If that’s the case, it is time to move on to the second part of the process in Step by Step.
🗺️ Want to make planning even easier?
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Travel Kit
To help you organise your adventure, I’ve gathered the best tools I use and recommend for booking flights, hotels, local transport and more. These links support this site at no extra cost to you.
- ✈️ Flights: Compare the best flight prices with Kayak.
- 🛏️ Accommodation: Find hotels and unique stays at great prices worldwide with Booking.com.
- 🚐 Transfers: Pre-book your airport or city transfers to avoid stress on arrival with Welcome Pickups.
- 🚗 Car Rentals: Explore destinations at your own pace by using Discover Cars or Auto Europe to compare reliable car rental providers.
- 💺Transport (Bus and Train Tickets): Compare schedules and easily book intercity bus and train travel with Omio.
- 📷 Tours & Activities: Book fun experiences, guided tours, and skip-the-line tickets in advance with GetYourGuide or Viator.
- 🌐 Internet Connection: Stay connected abroad with Airalo eSIMs.
- 🔐 For safe and reliable internet access wherever you roam, I always recommend using a VPN—NordVPN is my go-to.
- 🛡️ Don’t forget travel insurance — a small step that saves big headaches! I use Just Travel Cover for comprehensive protection, including coverage for pre-existing conditions. 🌍 Not based in the UK? VisitorsCoverage has you covered—easy, affordable, ready to go!
Safe travels! 🌏✈️
If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me by leaving a comment below or filling out the contact form.
Additional Information
You can also check my Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.
Alternatively, in the section Destinations, they are classified based on the type of trip:
- Amazing Experiences. It covers the most extensive and complete trips.
- Beach and Sea. For those who prefer quieter activities by the sea.
- City Breaks. Short trips with a single destination.
Remember to check Cook up Your Trip. There, you will find everything you need to organise your trip from start to finish.
