Have you ever dreamed of going on a trip but you aren’t sure where to actually go? You’re not alone. First-time travelers to seasoned travel veterans aren’t always confident where their next trip should be. If you’re US-based like me, I know my initial thought used to be, “I need to go to Europe, of course” because it’s easy and somewhat common. But in hopes of helping you think outside the box, below are five helpful questions to ask yourself as you start planning your solo trip. This is different than beach vs mountain. I want to help you find your dream destination!
1) How much time do you have?
Time may only be an illusion for some lucky travelers, but you still need to figure out how much time you are willing to travel. Regardless if it is a weekend or a year-long jaunt, think about the amount of time you want to be gone from your real life. This will help decide how far away you want to go, how long you want to actually be traveling, how much money you can spend, and so much more.
2)How much money are you ideally wanting to spend?
Many countries around the world having different costs associated with traveling to them. Summertime can be expensive to go to Europe, while the winter months in the northern hemisphere means summer in the Oceanic region. So think about the country and the cost of traveling there. Some are just naturally more cost effective than others! If budget is a concern, think about heading to Southeast Asia. It is a great option with more bang for your buck!
I have an entire post on how to save money for your solo trip. Check it out!
3) Do you like adventure or leisure travel?
If you want to lay on the beach all day, good for you! That’s relaxing and you deserve that. But if you are looking for more adventure in your day-to-day, plan on looking for locations that provide that kind of fun. Think about the following:
- What do you hope to gain from your travels?
- What experiences do you want to have?
- How do you want to remember this trip? Is there a lasting impact you’re hoping for?
All these questions will help you decide how action-packed you want it to be and what you want to do while you’re there. Knowing what you want to get out of a trip will help you decide what kind of trip to go on in the first place.
4) What kind of weather do you want?
Weather can be a deciding factor in how much adventure and leisure you have outside. Google the average temperature for the month and place you are considering going. Know that things can change, but it is probably a good indication of what to expect. Not looking for a super warm vacation? Consider going to parts of the world that are in winter, for example.
5) What time of year do you plan on going?
In a similar idea to the above, the time of year can make a big difference in the cost of travel. Summer months are particularly expensive for European countries, while over the holidays like November and December can be expensive everywhere. Consider the time of year
This may be important…
Do you want easy access to English language speakers?
Regardless of how often you travel, and with people or by yourself, safety is always a concern when traveling. (I wrote a whole post about it here). But for some, being with people who speak your language makes traveling a whole lot easier when the people in that destination speak their native language. It is totally not a requirement, but sometimes you feel better and more safe when this is a priority. I love listening to different dialect, so this is not something i Consider, but I wanted to give you all the options as you begin looking for your next trip.
No matter where you decide to go, know you are going to have a good time and it is exactly where you needed to go! Every trip is an adventure, and you are setting out on some of the most eye opening of your life as a solo traveler. So enjoy it!
Have you had an opportunity to check out the Pack This Journal yet? It was made with YOU, the traveler, in mind!
Want to learn more about it? I have a whole post on it HERE!
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