Tips for choosing the right holiday
You are thinking of taking some time out to take a holiday or to travel. Sometimes the trouble lies in choosing exactly what to do. We can pretty much travel anywhere in the world, and do everything from chilling on a beach, to sky jumping over the North Pole. Sometimes we have a great trip, at other times it's not been quite right for us at that time, and sometimes we feel that we've missed out. Mostly we end up being seduced by a brochure or by a friend's recommendation – but is this the best way to choose a trip? The first question everybody asks is where do you want to go? Well, we will get to that but it's maybe worth thinking about some of these questions first!
Why (beyond having a great time!) are you going on holiday?
Is it to relax?
If so, how do you relax best?
Flopping on a beach or experiencing/discovering something new?
What type of new things do you find rewarding?
Is it to get away from it all?
What are you hoping to get away from?
Where and how might it be possible to do this?
Are there any worries (relationships/money etc.) to sort out first?
Sometimes our problems travel with us!
Is it adventure or discovery?
The relaxation can wait - you want to explore your world, try new things, and get a rush!!!
Some dreams to fulfil? What are they? What is stopping you?
Do you also want to discover new things about yourself?
If so, what are the questions on your mind?
What could be an enjoyable way of finding the answers?
Is it to learn something new or to make a difference?
Is there something that you've always wanted to learn?
In the past what experiences have you learnt from most?
What environments do you learn best in?
Do you have friends or family who need you right now?
Could volunteering be rewarding for you?
Is there some other reason that you are taking time off?
Understanding why you are going is the first step to choosing the best possible trip!
Getting the best from travelling companions
Could your travels bring you closer together?
What types of things could help to make this happen?
What types of travel do your friends/family most enjoy?
Speak with them, how can you meet both your objectives?
Are you travelling alone?
If so, is this the main idea?
Or would you like to meet new people on the way?
How do you feel most comfortable about meeting new people?
What does this say about the type of trip for you?
Think about the best holiday that you have ever had
What was it that made it so special?
Travel companions?
Shared experiences – what type?
What you learnt?
Meeting local people?
Discovering different ways of life?
Spontaneity?
Tranquillity?
Happy accidents?
Remember that you are not the same as you were, but what types of experience could you repeat and how?
Now put this all together…
Think about why you are going
Figure out who to travel with (or whether to go alone) – talk with them to make sure that they share your ideas
Remember what makes you happy on holidays
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