Physical pastimes, like hiking, swimming, or skiing. Cultural activities, such as museums, dining, and theater. Rest and relaxation, such as spa treatments or simply reading a book poolside.
For example, if you’ve been working 60 hours per week, fixing your house up during your off-hours, and training for a marathon, you might appreciate more laidback activities that will allow you to unwind, such as sightseeing or cultural/cuisine related experiences. Conversely, if you’re bored stiff by your routine, you may want to climb out of your rut by challenging yourself with more adventurous pursuits, such as waterskiing or even skydiving.
If there’s an odd duck in the group whose interests don’t match everyone else’s, ask them to prioritize items on their list so at least some of their expectations are met. For example, if their #1 priority is hiking, while everyone else is more interested in museums, shopping, and theater, consider going to a city that also offers a lot of walking tours. If only you and your significant other are going on this trip, and your lists don’t match, consider letting one person decide on a destination this time around, and then let the other decide your next trip.
Sources that are attempting to sell you something. Out-of-date information Reviews based on a different set of criteria than yours.
Ask yourself if you are willing to stay at a campground or hostel in order to see the sights you want to see, or if you need comfier accommodations. Make the same call regarding food: is dining out an integral part of your dream vacation, or are you willing to live on peanut butter sandwiches to reduce costs?
Factor in basic items (like, say, grilled cheese sandwiches if that’s what you’ll be living on) as well as items specific to your trip (such as theater tickets). If you are considering other countries, also factor in the exchange rate between their currency and yours. Also consider whether each destination has a tourist season, when costs may rise above their off-season norm. [7] X Research source
A brief trip (like a week or two) may enable you to spend more on luxuries like fine dining and accommodations. Or, it may make a steady diet of PB&J seem more doable so you can spend your money on things like scuba gear rentals, Broadway tickets, or high-end shopping. [9] X Research source A longer trip of a few weeks will allow you to visit multiple places, such as all of Holland instead of just Amsterdam. You may have to sacrifice some luxuries in order to stretch your budget, but with so much time at your disposal, you can also utilize more cost-cutting options, such as indirect flights. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll also need to consider their school schedule and whether or not you want them missing school.
Whether you will need to get a passport, visa, and/or vaccinations beforehand (which will also have to be factored into your budget). How developed their infrastructure is in terms of medical services, public transportation, roads, internet and cellphone service, and availability of ATMs and/or currency exchanges. How comfortable you’ll feel when visiting a country or region where you don’t speak the local language. What special needs you or fellow travelers may require based on age, disabilities, or medical conditions.
For example, if you don’t mind the extra heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, there is little difference between visiting Puerto Rico in the summer and any other time of the year. On the other hand, if you’re an outdoorsy type who hates the bitter cold, but who can only currently travel during the winter, you may want to postpone that trip to Maine for another time. Also consider the weather’s impact on your health or those who will be joining you, based on age, medical history, and current health.
Research how large of a crowd will attend based on past numbers. Then find out how this number affects availability for things like accommodations, tickets, restaurant seating, and transportation. Consider the nature of the event versus the people you will be travelling with. Planning a family vacation to, say, Daytona Beach during spring break may not be the best idea.
Health risks, such as outbreaks of diseases. Civil unrest, like protests, riots, rebellions, and war. Spikes and trends in crime. Environmental concerns, like seasons of high-risk (such as hurricane or wildfire seasons).
The likelihood of being able to travel as a group again in the future so you can visit both. Whether individuals in the group will have a chance to go to their top pick on their own in the future. Timely considerations, like the season, special events, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Whether a previous option that has already been nixed for this or that reason should be reconsidered if everyone can agree to it.
