Choosing the right vacation destination can make the difference between having a great time and having a great vacation. It all boils down to knowing what you like, what your companions like, and researching before you book. I am sure (as myself); you’ve looked at pictures in travel brochures showing sun-kissed beaches meeting beautiful blue seas and cloudless skies. Quaint indeed! Such a place can still be beautiful even if you like to ride off-road motorcycles through rough terrain, far from the beaten track, but for how long? How long will it be before your longing to feel the brush of branches against your arms as you slide under the overhanging branches kicking up clouds of dust from the dry runway gets the better of you and you begin to verbalize your frustration “Oh no, not another beautiful beach!”
Countries, areas, places are often frequented for quite specific reasons. It is not uncommon for a place to be visited by different types of people at specific times of the year. Nature lovers like to visit a place in spring when plants begin to sprout and migratory birds return to begin building and feathering new nests and the air is filled with the excitement and optimism that this special season so ceremoniously generates. . The same place can be a haven for ski lovers who flock there in winter to satisfy their desire to feel the crunch of freshly fallen snow under their polished skis and to hear the sound of cool wind whistling through the snow. through their darkened visors. Also, I was told that part of the appeal of this quest is experiencing the camaraderie of being part of a select community of similarly passionate enthusiasts.
Fast-forward to mid-summer and the same location is becoming associated with all kinds of thrill-seeking adventurers. You may want to sign up for a day of rock climbing or hang gliding. Maybe it’s the perfect day for a hot air balloon ride so you can fully capture the magnitude of the landscape in a way you couldn’t on land. Or how about a SCUBA dive to capture the true natural beauty of a coral reef or swim with dolphins. But what if all you want to do is relax in tranquil surroundings, perhaps in a place of serene, unadulterated natural beauty where you can marvel at like-minded people? Or you may be interested in architecture and want to visit places of historical importance or travel to an ancient ruin, where you can try to experience the lifestyle of a bygone civilization.
Having selfishly considered their likes and dislikes, throw some kids into the equation. Is your idyllic spot kid-friendly? Are there activities available to keep them busy and entertained (it’s their vacation too, after all), is there a nursery and play area for very young children, and are there facilities located for feeding and changing babies?
You see, when planning your vacation, there are many factors to decide. However, in the information age we all live in now, finding information about an intended destination is not difficult. Most large establishments will have a website or some form of information available online. You can always send an email with any questions you may have regarding aspects of accommodation, hotel facilities, food, etc. and request promotional brochures. You can research the area online for historical, geographic, and demographic information. You will often find reports and reviews about specific regions. If you plan to participate in many activities, then it may be wise to choose a place where such activities are abundant. That way, the presence of a lot of competition can help keep prices down or even give you some bargaining power. Make sure everyone has a say in the final choice to ensure all requirements are met (or at least to some degree) so everyone has something to look forward to. But most of all, be sure to have fun and be sure to factor in some downtime, or you may come back from vacation in desperate need of a vacation…
The main point is; don’t leave the success of your annual break to chance. Take charge and make it successful by design.