How you travel is as important a consideration as where you travel, its just not as much fun to decide. Often we choose our mode of transportation based on the itinerary we want, but does that necessarily meet all of our travel goals?
Perhaps you are interested in an ocean or river cruise, a bus tour, rail passage, time at a resort, using public transportation or driving, either your own vehicle or a rental. Are you comfortable flying to a far away locale or do you want something closer to home.
Deciding how you travel is important in managing your expectations. Why book the trip of a lifetime only to decide upon your return that it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Take some time to discern what it is that you didn’t like before you book another trip. If you know what you want it is much easier to find and manage. Do not expect luxury at economy prices.
The amount of time you are willing to invest in your decision is also as important as the amount of money you are willing to invest. Consider a cost benefit analysis; “using a systematic approach to estimating the strengths and weaknesses of alternations to determine the option which best achieves your goals”.
There are a number of concerns that should be a part of your planning process. Consider the following;
- Budget – the amount of money you have to spend can be one of the most important deciding factors in your vacation plans. Consider as part of this how you will pay; the total amount on a credit card, from a savings account or installments over time.
- Length of time available – to get the most of your short time away the trip to and from your destination may best be served by being as close as possible
- Season – has an impact on cost and crowds but may be inflexible depending on your vacation availability
- Health and mobility limitations – become more of an issue as we age. Your age and health will also impact the cost of travel insurance.
- Smokers – many tours and cruises have limited opportunities for smokers, and airlines have banned it altogether so if this is a consideration then where it is allowed is important
- Family vacations or adults only – travelling with children, no matter the age, has its own challenges including but not limited to safety, family friendly activities and cost
- Language – may be a limitation depending on how comfortable you are navigating in a foreign language
- Independence – are you comfortable travelling on your own, booking your own accommodations and transportation and researching your destination or would you feel better with a professional planning these details
- Hotel or Airbnb – are you okay preparing some of your own meals or do you want to eat at a restaurant. The cost, location and convenience of your accommodations can influence your decision.
- Home Base or On the Go – depending on what you want to see you can decide between staying in a major city and taking day trips to the surrounding area or changing your accommodations daily or every other day to see a wider geographical area
Too often we are content with one specific model and annually gravitate in that direction. As you travel be on the look out for alternatives. Talk it over with other travel friends and your travel professional, but in the end decide for yourself how you want to get there.