February 25, 2026

Just as the iconic Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again quote says, “Life is short, the world is wide. I want to make some memories.” As travelers, this sentiment always rings true. But, with such a wide world, sometimes the hardest part of exploring it is choosing where to go. Every traveler has dealt with this dilemma before and every traveler has their personal tips and tricks to get past it. Let’s dive into our tried and true method of narrowing down the list and choosing the perfect destination to explore next.

First, find some inspiration

This part is always fun! Sit down, relax, and do some searching. If you have a bucket list or travel must-dos, start there. See which destinations are jumping out to you at the moment. Or, in the age of technology and social media, hop online. Our blog page is a great place to start, with information on different types of travel, unique experiences around the world, and much more. Ask your friends and family to tell you about their most memorable trips, scroll through your saved videos on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook, take the Condé Nast Traveler travel quiz (this was created right after Covid shutdowns - we took it several times and it perfectly fit the vibe we were looking for in our next adventures). As you are doing these things, make a list. Don’t fret about how long the list becomes, just jot down places that are speaking to you and you will narrow it down later.

Decide who you are traveling with

Chances are you may have begun your research already knowing the guest list. Whether you’re braving the world alone, hoping for a romantic getaway, or bringing the entire family along, the company you travel with plays a big role in deciding where to go. Destinations like Italy, Costa Rica, and Vietnam are well-known favorites among solo travelers, the Caribbean islands are endlessly romantic, and cruises and all-inclusives tend to be great ideas for family getaways (with destination options all over the world)! Sit down and compare lists with any fellow travel companions and collectively decide what type of activities suit the group. Cross off any destinations you don’t have in common, one of you has already traveled to, or one of you isn’t interested in at the moment.

Determine when and how long you are traveling

This step of the process can be done in two ways; (a) you decide on a region or specific destination and then find the time of year that is best to travel there and determine how long you need to make the most of your trip or, (b) you have specific dates during which you can travel and the destination you choose will depend upon them. In both cases, you should research what the weather is like during specific times of the year, how long the drive or flight is from your home to the destination, and how long it takes to travel between all of the places you would like to go. If you have one week to travel in July, a trip to Northern Vietnam may not be the best option, as it is extremely rainy and, from the U.S. flights can be 14+ hours long. However, a trip to Iceland around the same time would be ideal with mild weather, nearly endless summer daylight, and flights from the U.S. at only 5-9 hours.

Beach lounging or big city exploring - decide what pace works for you

Now that your list has hopefully been narrowed down quite a bit, you should set the pace for your trip. Are you hoping to settle into a lounge chair with a view and a good book or do you want to hike, explore a city, or immerse yourself in local culture and street food? Tropical destinations like Jamaica, the Maldives, or Seychelles are great for slowing down and taking in breathtaking landscapes, while bustling cities like Tokyo, Mexico City, and Rome are great for sightseeing, street food, and shopping. If time allows, something medium-paced may be right for you. River cruises are a great way to see multiple cities in a short period of time while only unpacking your bags one time. Remember, not every trip needs to be either fully relaxing or fully top-speed. Check in with yourself and choose a pace that suits your current needs. If life has been busy and stressful, take some time to wind down. If you’re seeking a change of pace and a reinvigorating energy boost, take to the mountains or the streets in a new environment.

What is your budget?

As you’re starting to hone in on several top contenders, it’s time to consider your budget. We often find that the decision is made for us when we research flights to two different destinations. For example, when researching a fall trip to Europe, flights to Lisbon, Portugal were almost $1,000 while flights to the Burgundy region in France were only $600. These savings alone made the decision much easier. Aside from flights, costs at the destination are important to consider. An entire week eating street food in Thailand will cost you about as much as dinner and drinks for one night in Norway. While luxury destinations like Scandinavia, Hawaii, and New Zealand are on the top of many travel lists (including ours!), they may require more advanced planning. With tighter budgets, destinations with a wide array of affordable accommodation, food, and activity options like Colombia, Romania, and Laos may be the way to go. It is also important to consider how cultural events and holidays can impact pricing. For example, Airbnb prices spike in September and October in Munich as tourists flock to Oktoberfest. If iconic events are prompting you to travel, you may need to plan and book early to get the best prices.

As you make your final destination decision, always remember that truly immersing yourself in a place is the most important part of travel. It can feel overwhelming to look out at the world and feel like you need to see it all…and fast! That is just not realistic. Be grateful for the places you do explore, take your time in them, really soak them in. Also remember there are so many places to see right here in the U.S. If you are short on time, passport applications get delayed, or the price of long flights skyrocket too much, check out unforgettable places like the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, or New Orleans. No matter where you are in the world, there is always something to discover.

Written by Erin Finneman