My prior Sixty and Me blog covered the reasons why we travel. Now, where to go? Many of us have a long list of potential destinations. How do you prioritize?
What follows are some comparisons that may help narrow down your choices.
Domestic vs. International Travel
Choosing a domestic versus international destination hinges on cost and travel simplicity. Traveling within one’s home country eliminates complications related to culture, language, and currency. Also, transportation options will most likely cost less.
If domestic travel is so much easier, why travel internationally? World travelers want to expand their range of vistas to encompass more of the globe. They want to experience sights, activities, and cultural attributes outside their familiar home turf. For example, if you want to see Mount Fuji, you need to go to Japan. You must also be willing to pay the cost of getting to Japan.
If you’re planning to travel internationally, here are some additional considerations.
Travel Agency
Familiarity with one’s own country may make a travel agent unnecessary. International travel, however, can be more complicated, especially for rookie travelers. In this case, international travelers can avoid many unforeseen pitfalls and discover new opportunities by using a travel agency.
Mobile Phones
Phone systems differ among countries. International travelers should research options for maintaining mobile phone service outside their home country.
Electricity
If you plan to bring your hair dryer or other electrical device outside your home country, make sure to bring the appropriate adapters to use local utilities.
Healthcare
Research the healthcare situation in each of your destinations. For instance, do you need additional vaccinations? It may also help to have additional healthcare insurance that covers the places you plan to visit.
Security
Check your country’s government website for travel advisories. For example, the U.S. Department of State rates countries based on their security status. Also, be aware of local conditions to avoid theft or other issues.
Stress
While international travel can be exciting and fulfilling, it can also be stressful due to language and cultural differences. Proper planning and a flexible attitude can lower the potential stress level.
Urban vs. Rural
Finding a destination that differs from your familiar surroundings is a common criterion when choosing a travel destination. An urban dweller may want to escape the hectic pace of city life by going to the tranquility of the countryside. Conversely, rural residents may seek out the fast-paced excitement of big-city life.
Some travelers may want to experience a little of both. For example, a European river cruise might traverse quiet country areas and dock at major cities so passengers can enjoy those urban spaces.
Land vs.Water
Do you want your feet on the ground, or would you rather head for the open seas? The variety of possibilities on land is enormous, so let’s look at experiences on the water.
Cruises are very popular. Larger, ocean-going cruise ships are floating resorts with an immense array of diversions. A growing industry segment is smaller-scale cruise opportunities with ships carrying less than 1,000 passengers. These cruises appeal to people who prefer a less-crowded experience. These ships are also able to dock at more ports of call. For example, some smaller vessels are equipped for adventurous voyages, such as to Antarctica.
Some travelers charter sailboats for an even closer-to-the-water experience. Alternatives for such trips range from a fully crewed vessel to a “bare-boat” option for those with maritime credentials to captain a boat.
DIY vs. Resort/Tour
Do you prefer a “do-it-yourself” vacation or a more scripted experience like a resort or a tour? The former will require more work, but you could save some money. On the other hand, if you’re willing to pay, enjoying resorts or tours means you simply need to show up.
A resort stay typically entails a lot of relaxation time with plenty of food and drink. A popular resort option is all-inclusive, where everything is included for one price. However, all-inclusive resorts vary in quality. To avoid unpleasant surprises, find out precisely what is included and what is extra. Also, check online reviews so you have some idea of what to expect.
Like resorts, tours require less planning from the traveler. However, unlike most resorts, the activity level of a tour will likely be higher since you’ll be moving from place to place. The amount of exertion will depend on the physical demands, the number of daily events and the modes of transportation. For example, you could choose a luxury coach tour where you merely need to get on and off the bus or opt for something more vigorous like a bike tour.
Choosing where to go can be a fun task, but make sure you consider all the angles to increase the probability that your travel experience will live up to your expectations.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What type of travel do you like the most? Is a river cruise on your bucket list? Do you like luxury and resort travel, or do you plan your own vacations?
