Are you a herd traveler? Do you go on tours and prefer to see the well-known travel sites and destinations? Or do you like to get off the beaten track and find places less traveled?
Some people know exactly what they like, or at least what they think they like. While others feel like their past travels haven’t really excited them, but they aren’t sure what they are looking for.
To often we get lured in by advertisers and tour company pictures to go places that are overrun with tourists, expensive and not the experience we are looking for.
Covid has changed the travel world and many of us have changed how we look at the world. Is it time to rethink your future travel plans? When I traveled to Europe for the first time, I was motivated to go because of a TV show called, “Around the World in Eighty Gardens”. As a gardener, I was so impressed by the gardens on the show that it propelled me to travel abroad for the first time.
My first trip taught me a lot about where I want to spend my travel dollars. Yes, I went to some well-known famous sights, and I am glad I did. But I am also thankful I threw in a few less-known places as well.
It might be a bit more challenging and require more planning to get off the main path, but the adventure may make your trip more rewarding.
In the planning section of my book “Trains, Buses, Hostels & Home Stays”, I list types of places that might be of interest. (See list below).
By thinking about the different types of places on this list, hopefully you can narrow down what you want on your travel list, or don’t want! This is also a good checklist to use when you are looking for a travel partner.
If you and your partner enjoy totally different activities, it’s good to know that ahead of time. Either they are not the right person for you to travel with, or each of you must be willing to compromise or do some activities alone.
What types of places interest me?
- art galleries
- beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving or other water activities
- famous statues and famous buildings
- hiking and other physical activities
- historical or archeological sites
- markets and shopping
- museums
- music concerts, and events
- parks and gardens
- religious sites, churches, temples, cathedrals
- sacred and spiritual locations
- sporting events
- theatre productions
- wine, food, tasting or cooking classes
- zoos, birds, or other wildlife
The book goes on to talk about preferences regarding weather types, hot or cooler places; locations, near water or in the mountains, and other elements to consider when deciding upon a travel destination. Later it talks about travel style: budget or 5-star accommodation, food preferences; street food or fancy restaurants, and much more.
Each of us have our own preferences. We may follow the desires of others at times but when we identify what uniquely suits us, and travel that way more often, our journeys will become more memorable.
You may also find you are a bit like me, I like variety! I love hostels and sleeping on trains, even when I don’t get much sleep. Then every so often, I take a night or two and pamper myself in a private room or a more luxurious place.
That’s the beauty of planning your own trips. You can go where you want, stay where you want and do what you want when you get there.
Have fun creating a journey uniquely suited to you!
