Choosing the Perfect Trip Destination

Your next journey starts with selecting your destination.

Think about what kind of travel experience you want — a relaxing beach holiday, cultural immersion and sightseeing, or active outdoor excursions. Consider if you want to go abroad or stay in the United States.

Next, consider your budget. If you are traveling abroad on a small budget, look into traveling during shoulder season when airfare and hotel stays tend to be cheaper. Shoulder season is the period of time at a travel destination that is between offseason and peak season. Depending on the destination, shoulder season may be before or after peak season. That means most attractions and tour operators will be open and active, but there will be fewer crowds.

Also consider skipping costly amenities; hostels in Europe can be a great cost-cutting measure if you are okay with giving up some of the extra comforts a hotel offers. If your budget allows and you want a luxurious journey with guided tours and fine dining you might opt to travel on a tour where much of what you do and where you stay is taken care of for you, or you might choose to book a trip of a lifetime with private tours and high-end hotels.