WHERE IN THE WORLD SHOULD WE GO NOW?

It really is tough - so many places, so little time! That may be pretty obvious, but when faced with the decision, many people default to the well trodden path. We return to Maui (or substitute another fave destination) because- well, it's wonderful, we know what to expect, and price aside, it's pretty darn close to heaven.....

But then the nagging thoughts return. If not Maui, why not Phuket, or Tahiti, or the Maldives? Ah, but they cost even more, are a lot further away, and are they really that much better, if at all. So we go wild, and try out Kauai!

Nothing wrong with any of this. Leisure travel, after shelter, local transportation, and food, constitutes the next largest investment for most middle class people. More than clothes, more than appliances, or insurance for that matter. The decisions about how often and where to take a vacation should be made carefully, and be well informed.

This blog is about a mental checklist that may help in your decision making.

• Match your dreams to your budget. The sunset itself is free! In simple terms, the first thing to do is visualize your holiday, and then make it affordable. There is always a way. If you want luxury, maybe go for a shorter time. Or go off-season, if you can. Travel business class on a long overnight to Europe, coach on return chasing the afternoon sun. Think outside of the box. Perhaps bang nails with Habitat for Humanity- http://www.habitat.org/getinv/volunteer_programs.aspx Make the travel itself be the dream.
• Bucket list? What bucket list? Sure- we all have places that we want to visit. But imagine traveling just to tick off entries in 'A thousand Places to go Before you Die'. Use filters. Think in terms of what is age and time appropriate. If you are fit now, take that trek. Your kids are more likely to enjoy Disneyland as preteens than mid-teens. So plan out the decades, and don't forego what is best to do now, or the converse. If you're young, there is plenty of time for that sedate river cruise. If not, why wait until next year?
• Do your homework. It is just SO easy to go online to read up on an area. Pick up magazines, talk to your friends. Nobody knows everything, but there are mavens out there who know a lot about certain things.
• Ask the experts. This flows from the last statement, and by expert I mean those with local current knowledge. The situation in Egypt 2012 is way different from 2011. Prices are cheap. Look into it.
• Truly learn to differentiate value and cost. We all want a deal, but know that an Audi costs more than a Ford, regardless. In travel, that equates not only to class of ship or hotel, but more importantly, to the quality of the experience. If you are time limited, the extra money for better flights is well worth it. The cheaper tours might have more people, and be 'dumbed down'. Look for the balance, and keep focused on what is really important to you.
• Be picky! After all it is your decision, your money. Don't settle for average. As you narrow down the options, carefully go through the inclusions, the extras, the location, the quality. Take your time on this. Sleep on any final decision.
• Expand your boundaries. (ie push the envelope) One of the great things about travel is discovery and exploration. It makes us richer. Consider mixing it up. Do something 'daring', but allow for a rest up period on the way out or coming back. For example, take a several day side trip, then retreat to that inclusive on the beach. Or, book a pre and post stay to that cruise.
• Don't be gullible! All brochures make what they are selling look gorgeous. Make sure what you are going to get is what you want.
• Dot your i's! Just reading about the horror stories that can and do happen (though pretty infrequently), should make you careful about choices. No need to head into danger, but in addition, make sure you give yourself enough time to make good connections. Buy proper insurance, and don't lie about any pre-existing conditions. Check and double check the small print, and go through recognized channels. Again, use the services of experts, where warranted.
• Just do it! This is not contrary to everything I have just written. In the end, make the decision. Make sure everything is in order before you go. And then, go! You'll love it, you deserve it, it'll make you a lot happier.... Enjoy!