With social media and search engines advancing into our lives, the desire for a trip to a new destination grows by the month. But where to next? If you glance at Instagram, many will show that your next trip has already been done. But if you want something new, then consider these simple guidelines.
Insta-Options
As the old saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them. So why not consult Instagram and consider your next adventure? Even with people having already been there and done that, you can, especially if you are travelling solo, get a feel for a place by seeing images and information about people’s experiences before you go.
Travel Sites
For most people, dipping into travel websites usually occurs after they have booked. But you can turn that around by viewing the likes of the Wise Traveller or Trip Adviser for some inspiration before settling on a final destination.
Seek Recommendations
One of the best ideas when searching for a new trip is to seek recommendations from family and friends. By speaking to other people, they can offer real insights into a place and the potential dangers that may not be obvious until you get to the destination.
Be Adventurous
In other words, think beyond the obvious and look at locations that may be outside your comfort zone. But always do the research before committing. And if everything slots into place, continue researching to maximise your travels as much as possible while you are there.
Short on Inspiration
If you are short on inspiration, a local newspaper or magazine will carry holiday features that could start an idea for a destination trip. Alternatively, look at what flights go from your local airport and build the destination around a short hop to your airport.
Budget
Most people’s ambitions are limited by their budgets. If you are fixed on a destination, take a snapshot of the money side of things, with the cost of flights, hotels, local transportation, and days out. You may want to go on a shorter trip, such as a long weekend, to your place of choice, which could determine whether a longer stay in the future is on the cards.
Bucket-list That Idea
One key thing to realise is that you will only achieve some of your destination ideas at a time. So it may be best to get a list of locations on paper that you’d anticipate going to. Work around them being local, regional, and long-haul, and then take aim.
Safety
As much as you’d like to visit a destination, one of the first components to look at is your government’s website and related searches to give you a 360-degree view of what is happening on the ground. Make extra checks by Googling news with keywords, such as political unrest, disasters, and strikes, to gauge how safe it will be. If you don’t feel confident with what you find, you can choose a different destination.
Group Considerations
Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends, family or a big group, then be prepared to compromise as there will be different dynamics and people’s preferences to consider.
Treat Yourself
If you have chosen your trip, why not consider indulging yourself for at least one day? Whether that is in a luxury hotel or a trip to a memorable location, the world is your oyster.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist based in Turkey. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
