So you’ve decided that you are interested in travelling more this coming year. You’ve finally realised that experiences can be much more rewarding than physical possessions. This has led you to come up with a plan to begin saving for your next big experience.

However, you’ve yet to decide where to go. How do you decide with so many places to choose from?

Both budget and time are going to play a big role in determining where you decide to go. However, with so many exotic and enchanting options from a peaceful retreat in Bali to a bustling trip in Hong Kong – it can be tough to narrow them down. You also need to consider your options for a hotel. For example, if you’re visiting Egypt, you might consider Sea Star Beau Rivage.

If you are anything like myself, you are looking to explore everything you possibly can! Sadly, unless you are taking years out of your life to travel, that’s not too practical. Some may have a seemingly endless list of places they want to go and visit. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some people don’t have a desire for any place in particular.

No matter what situation you find yourself in, here are some of the best tips that you can use to identify your next ideal travel location.

First, you’ll want to ask yourself several questions.

• What do you enjoy the most city, beach, or countryside?
• Do you want to go somewhere with cold or hot weather?
• Do you want to have more of an adventure or are you looking for someplace relaxing?
• Do you want to experience new cultures or are you looking for an adrenaline rush?
• Are you travelling with others? If so, with whom?
• Are you looking to have things organised for you?
• Are you travelling on a shoestring budget or are you willing to spend money?
• Are you looking for a popular destination or something off the beaten path?

Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to start getting yourself in the right state of mind.

Have An Open Mind

You need to open yourself up to new possibilities. Don’t be closed off. Try to be open-minded while searching. Found a vacation spot that has cheap plane tickets? It’s not a big deal if you’ve never heard of it. Google it and find out more about it. You never know, it could be your dream destination and you scored a major deal on it. You will find that there are plenty of destinations you may never have heard of that check every box for you.

Be Creative

So you want to travel to a specific destination but the flights are exorbitantly expensive. You give up right? No. You can find a lot of different ways to save money for your dream trip. It could be staying in a hostel to save on your accommodations or you could find a cheap bus that gets you there. While you may need to make sacrifices along the way, half of the experience is the journey anyways.

Consider The Underdog

Every country has a city that everyone wants to go to. The popularity (demand) of visiting these cities inherently makes them more expensive. You can consider going to second-tier cities instead. This can save you money and allow you to have a much more authentic and unique experience.

Be Decisive

If you’ve found the right place for your next trip, go ahead and book it. Don’t wait too long. You will find that the longer you wait, the more likely the opportunity is to pass you by. The flights could get sold out or your accommodation could get booked. It’s best to go ahead with it once the opportunity presents itself.

Ask Yourself Why

Why are you looking to travel? Are you out to find a relaxing place? Are you looking to have fun and exciting experiences? These are the things that will make or break your decision. You want the place you go to fit your “why.”

You Will Only Regret What You Didn’t Do

Believe it or not, you aren’t going to regret the things you did as much as the things you didn’t do. Be open to adventure and you’ll have a better time.

Safe Choices Aren’t Always Bad

While you may want to have an adventure, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to prioritise safety or something deemed “popular.” If you want relaxation, there’s nothing wrong with heading to an all-inclusive resort. It’s your trip and you know what you want better than anyone.

Go Alone

What if no one wants to go to the place you’ve dreamed about visiting? It doesn’t matter. Go yourself! Nothing is stopping you from travelling solo. It can open you up to new experiences you would never have if you travelled with someone else.