Choosing a Destination

You've decided you need a break from work, from life - you need a VACATION. But where???

This is one of the hardest decisions... picking a vacation destination! Trust me, I know. I have picked places, researched them, decided on them, booked them even, and CHANGED them at the last minute. I can never make up my mind. And once you do, there are many doubts that can creep in. Did I pick the right place? Did I pick the right hotel? Do I prefer to go elsewhere? Do I want a beachy vacation, do I want to sightsee, do I want more culture? The questions are ENDLESS.

Here are some recommendations on how to start picking.

First, one of the easiest decisions can be whether you want to go somewhere tropical, relax on a beach - or whether you want to see more culture, visit museums, experience a different culture all-together. That's the beginning. If you opt the beachy vacation - where to? The Caribbean? Hawaii? Mexico? The Mediterranean?  If you're looking for both beachy AND culture/sightseeing - choose the Mediterrean, you'll get both. Barcelona is a great choice (although they are topless beaches!), or you could visit the South of France (be prepared for rocky beaches, as well). If you're looking for fabulous beaches, I will always recommend the Caribbean. The beaches in the Caribbean can't be beat. Mexico could also be a good combination for worldly places, as you may choose to go to Cancun yet make a trip to Chichen Itza (The Mayan pyramid). A great option for outstanding beaches are the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana will be extremely commercialized and touristy, but the beaches are great and are filled with All-Inclusives. Puerto Rico also offers great beaches and nightlife. More on Puerto Rico later! ;)

Here is a link to the TOP TEN BEACHES rated at the moment (*There's always someone, somewhere publishing a list of the world's best beaches):

http://trifter.com/practical-travel/top-10-best-beaches-in-the-world/

Furthermore, if you're looking for culture/sightseeing, Europe has always that grandeur feeling to it, whether you want to go to the romantic route and visit Paris, or go somewhere where you are able to speak the language easily, London, or the many options in Italy...

Here is another angle: Think of your bucket list? Is there a place you've always wanted to go and swore you'd make it there someday? Why not go now. Too many people wait and say "I'll go eventually" and then 20 years down the line... You realize you never did go. Have you always dreamt of seeing Machu Pichu in Peru? Or seeing the Sydney Opera House? Don't limit yourself. There are always deals - You'd be surprised what a little sweat equity could get you.

Another thing that works... Look at magazines, go to Borders or Barnes and Noble - pick up a travel magazine and start browsing. They help! Browse the internet... Or facebook. Check out other friend's pictures - you have no idea how much of an inspiration that is! I have planned an entire vacation to Panama (later was cancelled and changed to the Dominican Republic) simply because I saw a fabulous picture of some Panamanian beaches... and we went with it. Airline tickets were cheap (You'd be surprised! Same with Costa Rica. They are cheap cheap cheap) and voila... we had it all planned out - and it all came about from a picture that I saw. It only takes a bit of curiosity and a bit of inspiration to strike up the next vacation!! It's the most spontaneous decision you can make... but with careful planning to follow.

But probably the most important factor in deciding where to go... PRICE! Your budget and your price range mean everything. Hawaii - more expensive. Dominican Republic - less expensive. You really have to weigh your options, because while you might think a place is expensive, you'd be surprised!!! My all-time favorite site, and the one I refer everybody to is: http://www.travelzoo.com/. Every Wednesday at around 11am, they post their TOP 20 Deals. You can subscribe to receive them by e-mail or just check it daily. I am also their friend on Facebook :) Regardless, their deals are amazing and I always check them out for ideas. Our Ireland trip was planned on a whim by a travelzoo deal that we found. Just a little side note however, the advertised price may sometimes vary by a few hundred dollars (because sometimes the advertised fares are excluding some taxes), but regardless, usually they are great deals! So that's another great way to find a place you didn't think you'd go to, but the price was too good to pass up and you end up getting a trip of a lifetime out of it! KEEP YOUR OPTIONS AND YOUR MIND OPEN AT ALL TIMES.

My last piece of advice is: HAVE FUN VACATION PLANNING! Make it an enjoyable and bonding experience with your partner, or whoever it is that you're traveling with... It's truly my favorite part of going on a vacation :)

***For a sweet and shortened version of this article go to my Examiner page:
http://www.examiner.com/x-54235-Madison-Destinations-Examiner~y2010m6d15-Tips-on-how-to-choose-your-next-destination

Visit the destinations of your dreams. Stop resisting. Take the plunge and GO. Your mind and your life will be enriched by the experience. For now, truly, the world is your oyster.♥