Trifter

Note: The following series is specifically about international travel for the purposes of fun and enjoyment.

The word “vacation” is usually associated with tropical climates and sunny beaches, but this type of destination is not everyone’s idea of a great time. When you are choosing a place to visit, take into account your personal preferences and personality.

• Hot or cold? If you dread summertime and suffer in the heat, why would you search the equator for vacation spots? There are many beautiful destinations with mild, temperate or even brisk weather. This preference can also affect the season that you plan your trip. Research the average temperatures and amount of rainfall in the country that you are considering.
• Outdoors or in? While most of us enjoy a beautiful view, some love to experience the outdoors more than others. If you are uncomfortable participating in a lot of activities outside, you shouldn’t feel obligated to go outside of your comfort zone during vacation. The opposite is true as well – a luxurious resort will end up being wasted money if you plan to use your hotel room only to bathe and sleep!
• Open ended adventure or planned itinerary? If you can’t stand having every minute of your day planned, you will be better off not over-scheduling yourself with activities. Regardless of your destination, you can either strike out into the area on your own and explore or you can plan to have a guided tour. Keep in mind that commercial tourist attractions and cruises appeal to those who want every aspect of their vacation taken care of by professionals. The adventurer may feel limited by this setup.
• Exotic or familiar? One of the reasons why we take international vacations is to experience something very different from our daily lives. The amount of difference that one enjoys varies. Are you willing to drastically change your diet? Can you deal with having few English speakers nearby? Are you able to adjust to unfamiliar local customs? When in doubt, choose countries that are similar to yours. For example, an American will have less trouble with language barriers in England than he will in Chile.
• Historic or modern? When picking your vacation spot, it makes sense to choose a site with several points of interest nearby. However, be honest with yourself. Do you genuinely want to visit museums, churches and historical sites? If you choose a hotel near the Louvre but spend all of your time in the shopping district, you will use up unnecessary travel expenses. Don’t be afraid to house yourself near what you want to see! Also, modern vacation spots are more likely to have wifi access, cell phone signal availability and other technological amenities.
• Just the adults or family fun? Certain cities lend themselves more to family entertainment than others. If you are traveling with children, check to see what activities and outings are available that they can enjoy also. Tourist areas that are arranged around casino gaming, the bar scene and other adult forms of entertainment are unlikely to feature a wholesome atmosphere for kids.

Coming Soon: Before You Go!