With pandemic restrictions slowly lifting, now it’s a great time to move around and travel. Due to work, domestic obligations, and overall life stress, it's always a good idea to take a break and move around as much as you comfortably and safely can. With that said, it's easier said than done to book a place and go through with your travel plans. The hardest part of the experience is picking a place to visit (So. Many. Choices.), and that's where most people scrap the idea entirely.

Planning a vacation shouldn't be as stressful as it is. Here are six things you should consider when planning your next vacation.

1. Comfortable Accommodation

One of the most important things about picking a travel destination is finding a place that suits your needs and wants. Don't think of someplace outlandish where no one goes—you won’t be able to find a place to stay, great restaurants, and things to do. Straying too far from the norm, especially with varying pandemic restrictions, could get you caught up in a bunch of issues. If you are traveling within the US, consider visiting Tennessee and experiencing the raw charm of the Smoky Mountains.

While researching your potential destinations, it's also important to research in advance and find the perfect place to stay. For example, if you’re visiting the beautiful Smoky Mountains, choosing luxury cabins Smoky Mountains could give you everything you want. Not only do you find yourself in one of the most scenic parts of the country, but the authentic cabins, glorious nature, and majesty of the mountains make the experience 10x better.

2. Step Out Of Your Budget If You Have To

Far too many people try and try to find a place to visit but just can't seem to narrow a destination down. One of the major reasons it's so hard to find a place is because you probably can't afford it. If you are investing so much money into this experience, make sure it's something you look back on positively.

Rather than sticking with a lower budget and going to a place that you don't particularly care about, try and increase your budget and make it worth your while. Consider delaying taking the vacation now, save up a while longer, and go about the process with better finances. 

3. Keep The Climate In Mind

The weather/climate can make or break your trip. If you are traveling to certain parts of Asia in the summer months, chances are you are going to have a hard time managing the heat. As tough as we want to be when handling the weather, it can take its toll on your health if you aren't careful. Heatstroke is extremely common for tourists who aren't used to the weather.  Don’t even ask me about extreme sunscreen and sunstroke….been there. Besides that, dehydration can be a killer; all of these weather-related issues could ruin most of your vacation.

The same applies if you are traveling to colder climates. For people who are prone to arthritic pain, the cold can cause immense discomfort and greatly impact your experience. It would be wise to research ahead and look at the general weather forecast and trends for the duration of your stay. If you’re set on one location, find the best times of year to visit for your particular health needs, and go then.

4. Think Fun And Lively

Especially if you are traveling with kids, you need to keep the trip as entertaining as possible. Your kids can make life extremely difficult for you if they are bored the entire time.

Find a place that has fun things to do as a family. You can't leave your kids alone in a foreign place, so try and find great activities to do together. This could be music, theatre, science or art museums, street markets…the world is your oyster! Ascertain what each member of the family wants to get out of this trip, and have them help research and plan a day or activities that suits them and gets everyone involved. I absolutely LOVE including my family in our travel planning…we always discover (and enjoy!) things I’d never have found on my own.

5. Research The Cuisine Beforehand

One thing that always helps narrow down a location is the cuisine. Especially when traveling overseas, it would be best if you enjoy the local food. One of the best ways to get to know a culture is by embracing its culinary arts. Search review sites for great restaurants, schedule a cooking class or two, wander the markets to discover local food (and recipes! I will never forget buying a fish at a street market in Ireland, and getting a recipe I continue to cook today). You can extend the essence of your travel with food, recipes, and knowledge; by bringing it home, you bring that location back with you for the rest of your life.

6. Keep A Realistic Timeframe In Mind

If you are going for a week-long trip and the transit time is upwards of 10 hours, you probably need time to recuperate on the first day (jet lag is real, my friend). Therefore, your time on vacation gets cut short, and you might find yourself pretty tired.

With that said, try and keep your timing and travel expectations realistic. If you feel like you are losing out on time spent, consider extending your stay. Sure, this will probably cost you a little bit extra, but it's going to be worth it in the long run. The goal of this trip is to maximize your explorations, experience, and journey! Don’t pack 10 locations into a 5 day trip—you’ll be too exhausted to fully enjoy each one.

Excited to get going? The way you narrow things down is entirely up to you, but we think that these tips could go a long way in making the process easier. From finding comfort in your trip to maintaining a realistic timeframe, be sure to consider these tips when booking the tickets for your vacation. 

What are your best tips for picking a destination?