Where To Go?

Loaded question. And it is often the first one asked, if it has to be asked at all. Many trip planners have a pretty good idea of where it is they want to go before they would even visit a web site like this one. Once you have conquered a couple of parts of the world, however, you may be more likely to be asking "Where next?" You have heard so many stories of the great places your fellow travellers have been to, and you are also drawn to return to the places you loved so much.

If you are wondering where to go, you have lots of things to ask yourself. Start with asking what part of the world will be suitable for your level of travel experience and comfort in a foreign locale and culture. Younger or first time travellers are likely to start in Western or Northern Europe, Australia or North America, where the culture is somewhat familiar and the economies more developed. Next stops may include Eastern Europe and the beaten tracks in areas like Southeast Asia, Central and South Africa, Central America, South America and parts of South Asia (India and Nepal). After that, the world is your oyster. Adventurous and experienced travellers are usually the ones found off the beaten track in the above-mentioned destinations, in Northern and East Asia, Northern and West Africa and the Middle East, where facilities for foreigners are less common and travel just ain't so easy. Having said all that though, there are always exceptions to the rule, there are easier and safer as well as more dangerous and difficult pockets everywhere.

Consider what it is you want to see and do on your travels. Are you an art or history buff who wants to study the architecture of Gaudi's work in Barcelona or peruse the Egyptian pyramids? A culture and religion study who wants to experience enlightenment in a Tibetan monastery? An indulger in the scenic visions of the world who should be purveying the outback from the top of Ayers rock or photographing a herd of Zebra on the African plains? A nature loving tree-hugger who should be hiking Chile's Aconcagua or trekking Nepal's rainforest? An adrenaline junkie who should be shooting the rapids in the Swiss Alps or catching the swell off an Indonesian coast? There are so many prospects out there in the world - where can you go that offers the combination of opportunities you want?

Other factors may play a part in your decision depending on what your priorities are. Is it a higher or lower cost destination in terms of both getting there (airfare, visa, vaccinations) and being there (accommodation, transportation, activities, etc.)? (See Money: How to Save How Much?). How safe will you be in the destination you plan to visit? (See Is it Safe?). Do you have enough time to get there, get around and to cope with the ways (and delays!) of the local culture? Are the weather and temperature conditions suitable for the activities you want to participate in for the time of year you plan to go? (See Time: How Long and When?).

Making a decision on where to go is a biggie. To get some ideas on where you might like to go, peruse the travel sections of your local library or bookstore to look at travel literature, guidebooks and books on foreign culture and sights. Talk to others. Surf the net. Or spin the globe and see where your finger is pointing when it stops! Try playing pin-the-tail-on-the-map. In the early stages of thinking about a trip, you may change your mind many times. Just remember though, that whatever stone remains unturned on this journey can be unturned on your next one.

For lots of pictures and stories from around the world, check out eye on the world.

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