DISCOVER WHERE YOUR HEART WANTS TO GO
By Rob Sangster
At last the road is opening up before us again. Even though we’ve had our vaccinations, I suggest we not be too quick to return to where we vacationed a couple of years ago. Or visit some crowded spot just because it’s trendy. We’ve been cooped up for quite a while, so it’s time for an adventure.
As you begin to think about possible destinations, answer two questions. What kind of experiences do you want? What do you hope to gain from the trip? With those answers in mind, you’re ready to think about where to go without being influenced by the popularity of a destination or desire to impress anyone. Now, close your eyes and conjure up the names of places that make your heart beat faster. Think of cultures, history, art, and music you love. Where will you find the adventures, weather, and scenery you most enjoy?
Next, prompt your memory with a world map. Read travel books to stimulate your imagination. Work the Internet. Skim copies of National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler. Watch the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Explorer. Ask friends for their most treasured travel tales.
Make a list, grouping your choices by continent or geographic region and post it where you’ll see it every day. After you’ve lived with this list for a while, cut it to a few magic places. With your original objectives in mind, rank them and then let the following factors influence your final decision.
One country–or many
The differences between a survey trip through many countries and a trip that focuses on a single country or region are substantial. If you have just a week or two, a narrowly focused trip, dealing with only one language, transportation system and culture, may be ideal. In general, daily costs of transportation, lodging, and food are lower when you spend most of your time in one place. On the other hand, a multi-country trip is like a buffet table loaded with rich and varied dishes, many of them new to your palate. That requires more effort and a faster pace to sample everything. Which best fits your objectives?
Political conditions
When the welcome mat has blood on it, think twice before you cross the threshold. While safety conditions in certain countries may not be as dangerous for travelers as media reports suggest, skip these places until things quiet down.
Mental and physical fitness
Ask yourself how much input you can handle from cultures very different from your own and for how long. There are times on the road when you won’t know exactly what’s going on or what will happen next. If your tolerance for ambiguity is low, you may prefer familiar cultures until you’re a more seasoned traveler.
Don’t underestimate the rigors of walking the halls of Parisian art museums and galleries for a week, let alone visiting a dozen Egyptian temples and tombs. Where heat, altitude, or exertion will be issues, be honest with yourself about the physical condition required. If you’re considering trekking in India’s Zanskar Valley or to the summit of Kilimanjaro, don’t think in terms of how fit you were at eighteen, or how fit you could be if you worked out for three months. Think of how fit you will actually be when you board the plane. Err on the side of caution and stay well within your capacity.
Ben Franklin said that, “Travel is one way of lengthening life.” I agree 100%. For example, board a bus in Sri Lanka I struck up a conversation with a sturdy, white-haired English lady who looked to be about 65 years old. Turned out she’d just ridden her bicycle solo the entire length of India. She exemplified the point that age need not be a disqualification when your flame is burning bright.
Local languages
Since we humans use approximately 5,800 different languages and dialects, you may worry about your inability to communicate ion some faraway place. You needn’t. English is rapidly becoming the global language. Besides, there’s plenty of assistance available when you need it, starting with friendly local people. Berlitz and many other series provide useful word, phrase, and pronunciation guides. They, along with your computer or mobile phone, are divided into functional sections, such as how to order meals, ask directions, and change money. If you can’t speak a single word of Setswana or Bahasa, or whatever, handling daily details can be a bit difficult, but a few phrases and a couple of dozen words will get you through anywhere.
Again, start by listening to your heart in choosing your destinations.
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