One of the most dreaded questions a traveler is asked is, “Where are you going next?” If I have an upcoming trip or potential destination in mind, it’s not hard to answer, but if I just got back, there’s a 50/50 chance I know where I’m going next. Then the next question I’m asked is, “How do you choose your next destination?”
Usually, I have a long-term plan for larger trips, but smaller ones or weekend getaways are always up in the air. I may be tracking cheap flights for a deal or planning a variety of trips with Google MyMaps. I may also be planning a trip with travel companions or a family vacation and coordinating vacation time from work.
The scratch-off map above my office desk often inspires me. Where on the map is not scratched up?
For fall trips, the lists have been: Sweden, Thailand, USA National Park Road Trip, Guatemala, and Colombia (which Colombia won that year) – so you see, it’s quite the variety. When we have almost 200 countries and an endless amount of cities and natural wonders to explore, making a decision on a trip can be impossible.
Sometimes, we can have TOO many options so we don’t decide anything. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as “choice overload” or “analysis paralysis.”
We have a certain capacity for decisions every day that we use every day from the moment we wake up til we go to sleep. You make decisions constantly, from what to wear to how to drive to work. Routines help ease those decisions. This is why high leaders often have minimalistic closets, so they don’t run into decision fatigue. People often choose the default option to avoid making a choice. Sometimes, the fear of making the wrong choice can paralyze us, leading to no decision at all.
When it comes to travel, if we want to travel somewhere new – but it’s hard to figure out what we want the most. Do you want a relaxing beach getaway to Costa Rica? How about seeing Mt. Fuji in Japan? Gorilla trekking in Uganda? Enjoying a winter wonderland in Finland? Taste fondue in Switzerland? Feeling overwhelmed yet?
And then, what if it doesn’t live up to the hype? What if it’s not as good as our favorite place?
Contemplating options can be mentally taxing – the pros and cons of each decision, the impact of that decision, and thus the following decisions that will need to be made. How long will you go? What will you see when you get there? How will you see everything you want to see? Feeling anxious yet? Because I am.
Honestly, choosing a destination is one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, and I don’t think I’m the only one. I figured I’d share my process for narrowing down Spencer and my choices to help you narrow down yours.
Also, if you need help with this, you can always contact me for travel planning assistance!
5 Steps for How to Choose a Destination
Deep Breaths and Acceptance
Understanding that this will be an overwhelming process will make it easier to move through it. Deep breathing can help calm you when you feel overwhelmed. I also advise you to do this when you start planning your trip.
It’s also helpful to accept that you won’t be able to go everywhere (something even us regular travelers have difficulty accepting).
Create a List
Ever watch the movie Bucket List? This is your equivalent. Where are the top places that you want to see in your lifetime? I’d start with writing everything down – Eiffel Tower? Great Migration? Mountain climbing in Patagonia? Enjoy amazing foods in Italy? Anything that you can think of goes on the list.
From there, start prioritizing which ones are most important to you. Your top ten will help you figure out where your next trip should go.
When will you Go?
When you can travel is almost as important as where you can go. If you can only travel in July (for now), then seeing the Northern Lights is probably not going to happen. If you want to see cherry blossoms in Japan, then you’ll have to go in April. Some places have very extreme dry and rainy seasons that make travel more difficult. Some places, like Antarctica, you can only visit at a certain time throughout the year. If you’re limited in time off or when you can travel, that may determine where you can go.
It’s also important to know that peak season is the most expensive and crowded for a travel destination. Ideally, you would want to visit during the shoulder season (the months right before and after peak season). You’ll get most of the benefits of peak season without the cost. However, there are some trips (like animal vacations) that peak season should be embraced since wild animals can’t truly be predicted. Do your research before confirming your dates of travel.
How Long Can You Go?
Related to the question above, if you only have a few days available to travel, then that may limit where you can go. You probably don’t want to take a 16-hour flight for a trip that is shorter than two weeks. Do you only have a long weekend? Then maybe we cross off somewhere closer to home.
Start Researching
I always start planning my trip with Google My Maps. If, during my research, I find out that something I thought I knew was incorrect, it may change my destination. There may also be a pros/cons list of that destination and another place may be better for what I actually want to (i.e. Kenya vs. Tanzania). This is where deep breathing comes into play – what you think about a place may or may not be accurate.
Be sure to check out my guide for how to plan a trip in 8 steps and how to use Google MyMaps to plan. Using Mymaps also allows me to save all of my research for future trips, so if you change your mind, the research will not go to waste.
Bonus Tip: Start tracking flights and accommodation early. Finding cheap flights is a patience game. Often, you can save money on accommodation by following places early and getting deals.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect travel destination is difficult, with so many amazing places to see. Your travel experience will be unlike anyone else’s. Your travel dreams are different, but that’s what makes them special. Finding the perfect destination for your next trip is possible, but if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, let me know, and I can help!
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Save “How to Choose Your Next Destination” for Later
Thanks for sharing your thoughtful process for choosing travel destinations—it’s both relatable and inspiring! Your tips, like using scratch-off maps and Google MyMaps, are practical and fun, and your perspective on overcoming analysis paralysis is so refreshing. It’s a great reminder to embrace the adventure of decision-making as part of the journey. Grateful for the inspiration—happy travels! 🌍✨