I am often asked, how do I choose a travel destination?
My answer is always…it depends, and I mean it really does depend.
It depends on my budget, it depends on the time of year, if I have the time off work, It depends on why I am traveling (vacation, wedding, etc.) and most of all, it depends on where I really want to go.
As I have many destinations on my bucket list, it really depends on many factors when, where and how I travel.
Here are a few examples of situations that determined my travel destination:
1. Finding a Cheap Flight
In early 2019 Icelandair {{do you make the world Icelandair a hot link to their website?}} was flying from Cleveland, Ohio to Reykjavik, Iceland for about $230 round trip. So guess what? That was my destination.
When doing research about Iceland I could see that lodging was pretty pricey but I paid so little for the flight that I could splurge on something special and stay a few days longer.
Icelandair no longer flies out of Cleveland, so that was a one and done deal, but a great deal nonetheless. Then it ended up I was not able to go, so I sent my daughter to Iceland as part of her college graduation gift.
2. Friends and Family Living Abroad
In the Summer 2019, my daughter got accepted to the SOAS University of London. So that was my destination choice over the 2019 Christmas holiday London.
It was perfect timing, I had always wanted to go to London, I was off work for the holiday break and I could stay with my daughter in her flat so that saved money on lodging. It was a win-win situation.
Here is an example of low cost flights when I purchased my airline tickets in June for a trip happening in December and it was a great price on a one way airline trip, $59 for the Cleveland to Boston on Jet Blue and $122 for the Boston to London flight, with a 39 hour layover in Lisbon, Portugal.
3. Making the Most of a long Transfer Layover
Most people would be kicking and screaming over a 39-hour layover, but I was thrilled because I had never been to Portugal and had two full days to see the city of Lisbon.
My daughter flew from London to meet me in Lisbon, we planned a full two-day itinerary and we had a great time before heading to London the evening of our second day.
4. Find a Cheap Group Tour
In January 2018, a friend told me about her wonderful package tour of China and she was going a second time. When she was telling me, in my mind I had no desire to go on a tour, and certainly not to China, but when she droppped a bomb that that the cost for China Tour was $399 that included the tour, airfare, hotel and meals, I was sold. Especially since my friend has gone the year before and was taking her second rendezvous.
This tour no longer exists, but this is an example of how I choose to go to China. A lead from a friend, was all I needed to make my decision. But when another deal is in the works, I will for sure let you know.
That same day, I booked the China Tour for my daughter and I for departure on November 2018.
I choose November because when doing my research, the weather is not too cold yet in China, and I had a few days off work for the Thanksgiving holiday. The kicker was that the per person price was really and trully $399.
From January when I booked the tour and November when we departed, I planned, saved, researched the culture about what to expect. Also we had time to get a Chinese Visa.
My daughter and I had a fantastic trip seeing the sights of China and enjoying our new Tour friends. I cannot wait to go back.
5. Find Travel Opportunities
When President Obama eased the restrictions on travel to Cuba in the fall of 2016, I began my research. I wanted to know about the experiences of travelers from Canada and the UK and their Cuban destinations.
I purchased tickets for a trip to Cuba and took my adult son and daughter with me. We visited four cities and had a great time.
The trip required much research to determine what to do and what not to do, how to shop, and where to stay. But overall, it was worth the time and effort.
Cuba is one of my favorite travel destinations.
Other ways to choolse a travel destination include: Travel on a church mission trip. Volunteer with Red Cross or other Philanthropic Agencies, Chaperone a Youth Group, Drive to the Border Country, Study Abroad, even as an adult.
6. Create A Travel Bucket List
I always have a bucket list of countries that I want to see and things I want to do in the near future. Sometimes I see something on TV and that will spark my interest and determine where I want to travel to next. Then begin my research on how to get to this destination. I want to know about the cost of flights, best times of year for a visit, what to see, cost of admissions, etc.
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