Steps to narrow down the destinations

Wade and I were finally able to line up our schedules to take our first trip out of Japan since moving to Okinawa 14 months ago! YAY! In our worlds, getting significant time off together is rare. At first I wanted to plan an excursion to one of the southernmost islands of Okinawa. As I sat there, figuring out plans, hotels, etc something didn't feel quite right. The more I thought, the more I realized that we needed to take advantage of this opportunity. We needed to spend time in another country while we are on this side of the world. This idea had me ecstatic until I sat down, opened my Google maps and Skyscanner app and became completely overwhelmed.

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bali, Hong Kong, Thailand... I could go on forever about all the places I want to travel to from Okinawa. Our original plan when we found we would be moving here was to backpack through South East Asia for 4-6 weeks. This dreamed was crushed by not only the job I was able to secure but learning what Wades work life would hold. I get summers off, which just happens to be his busiest time. Life is perfect like that!

Wade travels often for work and though I'm jealous of the stamps in his passport, he doesn't get much leisure time. He will be returning from a trip just before our vacation so, his two requests are that we allow him a few days before and after for some down time and we take this time to experience something other than island life. That leaves us about 10 days and narrows it down...slightly! So what now?

There are several ways to pick your next destination and its really up to you but these are my steps.

1. wish list!

Go through your wish list. Don't have it written down? Ha me either, I'm actually taking the time to write mine down now as I write this! I'm terrible at making decisions so I know this will come up again and again.

2. time available to travel.

Some can travel for months, some can only take long weekends. Your time limit will greatly help narrow down the possibilities. You have to consider how long it is going to take just to travel to your destination and then within the country based on what you want to see.

3. time of year Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the fall and spring

Are you a risk taker? Would you want to travel during a hurricane? How about the hottest month of the year? Research the weather for that time of year. Don't just read the guide books, use blogs and weather charts for more specific areas. Remember, sometimes the best deals happen when it isn't the best time to travel. Typhoon season happens in Okinawa from June - November. That doesn't mean we get a typhoon every weekend in those months, in fact this year we had one in early May. Consider your risk versus reward.

4. Money Money Money

I would like to spend 10 days in Australia right now, but that just isn't happening. Flights, Hotels, food, activities, shopping..... money, money, money. Set your budget and stick to it. Traveling will only make you want to do it more so make sure you set yourself up so you can continue to travel. We came home from Greece under budget, it's a good feeling!!

But what if you can't pick based on time of year ( it is rainy season in most of SEA) and your budget opens up several spots that are on your wish list. How do you even begin narrowing it down? Now, don't get me wrong, I understand that this is hardly a horribly position to find yourself in. Some dream of being this lucky but that doesn't make it any less overwhelming of a choice.

5. festivals, concerts, cultural events?

Maybe look into what is happening around your travel date or base your travel around that time. I love flowers and gardens, my next dream vacation would be Holland during tulip season which falls in March, April and early May. An unpredictable season of highs and lows

Obon festival -Japan

6. what do you want to do?

I am down for anything when it comes to travel but for some this is their only time to relax and they want a beach chair and a good book ( I'm looking at you mom!) Think about what you want the "after effects" of your vacation to be. Relaxed? New wardrobe? A few pounds heavier? Well no one really wants that but you only visit Hong Kong once and you best believe I'll be looking like a dumpling when I leave there.

Aspen food and wine festival

7. visas and shots

Make sure you can get them before you go!

Still having trouble? I know I am.

8. do the inevitable

This is the point when I tell myself I'm over thinking everything and go get my husband and make him choose. He chose Thailand. (with no help from the above mentioned process HA!)

So we are off to Thailand. Now I need to decide what to do once we are there... back to point one.

I wrote this while thoroughly enjoying the NIWA cafe in Uruma, Okinawa.

* All images are copyright of orignal owers.

#travel #travelbasics