The Why is More Important than the Where

Travel planning usually starts with a destination in mind. I suggest we may be looking at this from the wrong starting point.

Most people plan travel this way: "I have vacation time coming up Where should I go?" Next they look at the travel 'deals' which may not be deals at all when you consider everything involved, and pick a possible destination. Maybe at this point they talk to a few friends and family for their feedback and recommendations. Some of those suggestions could be great, some absolutely worthless. Finally they pick a place, put their hard-earned money down, and settle in to wait until their vacation arrives. They may do some research in advance or only a few days before they leave to see what activites are available in their destination of choice. Then they are off on their trip, they see a fraction of what they could, walking right past some amazing celebration or natural wonder in their blindness. Once they come home they become the experts on that destination. And the cycle continues. I give this kind of person credit for traveling, but not much else. They do not really leave their comfort zone, not really. They do not really see the world. 

What if instead of the destination, we started our search centered on the experience we want to have? Adventure? Pampering luxury? Family bonding? To stretch and grow? To serve? To bask on a beach under a foreign sun? To get deliciously lost in an urban setting and excited curiosity instead of unsafe?

There are literally thousands of destinations. There are literally thousands of types of experiences. Combine some of them and make it your own. You don't need your neighbor's advice. You can put away someone else's top ten list. Make your own list. Follow your own interests. Bring home better stories.

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