Choosing a Travel Destination When There are so Many Options

With so many incredible places to explore, choosing can actually become the hardest part of planning a vacation. Europe? The Caribbean? Mexico? Africa? A cruise? A train journey? Mountains or beaches? Luxury or budget-friendly?

Instead of asking, Where should I go? I like to start with a different question...

What kind of trip do I want to have?

Once you answer that, the destination usually becomes much easier.

Step 1: How Much Time Do You Have?

This is often the biggest deciding factor.

• Long weekend (3-4 days): Stay closer to home or choose a destination with nonstop flights.

• One week: Mexico, the Caribbean, parts of Europe with direct flights.

• Two weeks or more: Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, or longer cruises and rail journeys.

  
  

Recently, I chose Portugal for my European vacation. There are plenty of cities I'd love to visit, but Portugal won for two simple reasons: I hadn't been there before, and my vacation time was limited. A nonstop flight meant I could spend more time exploring and less time sitting in airports. Sometimes the smartest destination isn't the one that's been on your list the longest—it's the one that fits your life right now.

Step 2: What's Your Budget?

Every destination can be experienced in different ways, but having a realistic budget helps narrow your choices.

Think about:

• Airfare

• Hotels or cruises

• Dining

• Excursions

• Transportation

• Shopping (because we all know something usually comes home with us!)

Step 3: What Kind of Weather Makes You Happy?

Not everyone dreams of the beach.

Ask yourself:

• Do you love sunshine and warm evenings?

• Are you happiest walking through cool European cities?

• Would you rather see snow-covered mountains?

• Is avoiding humidity a priority?

  
  

The climate you enjoy is a great way to limit your travel searches.

Step 4: How Do You Like to Travel?

This may be my favorite question.

Do you enjoy:

• Exploring a new city every day?

• Relaxing at one beautiful resort?

• Waking up somewhere new on a cruise?

• Watching the scenery roll by on a train?

• Going on safari?

• Sampling food and wine?

• Hiking, biking, or staying active?

• Museums, history, and culture?

  
  

There isn't a right answer—I vary my vacations. Sometimes I want sun and relaxation and others I want culture and great dining experiences, and other times a little adventure.

A Quick Destination Cheat Sheet

Choose Europe if...You love history, walkable cities, incredible food, and don't mind packing a little sightseeing into each day.

Choose the Caribbean if...You want to completely unplug with sunshine, beaches, and relaxation.

Choose Mexico if...You want an easy getaway with beautiful resorts, great food, and excellent value.

Choose Africa if...You're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with wildlife, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Choose a Cruise if...You like seeing multiple destinations without constantly packing and unpacking.

Choose a Train Journey if...The journey itself is part of the adventure and you enjoy slowing down to take in the scenery.

My Final Tip

Don't choose your vacation based on what everyone else is doing.

Travel is personal.

The "best" destination isn't necessarily the one all over social media. It's the one that fits your budget, your schedule and your interests.

That's exactly why I chose Portugal this year. It wasn't because it was trending. It was because it made the most sense for the trip I wanted to take.

Save this guide for the next time you're asking yourself, "Where should we go?" It might make the decision process a whole lot easier.

Choosing your next travel destination