QOD: Where to Next?

Preparing for a trip can seem like a lot of work that maybe not all of us are ready to take on. Where should I go? Should I stay in an Airbnb? A hotel? What activities should I schedule into my itinerary? Try not to think of this planning as a chore, but rather as a guarantee that you will have the most rewarding and relaxed time. Lucky for you, we live for planning our next adventure and are here to help with some of your travel concerns. 

Wondering where to go next? There’s literally a world of possibilities. Photo found here.

The first step to planning a getaway is choosing your destination. Are you looking for a metropolis or a quaint small town? Are you wanting to spend your time hitting notorious tourist attractions or unwinding with a scenic view of nature? Once the environment is decided, the next step is to narrow down the map. Brainstorm a list of dreamy places with the climate you’re looking for. Take some time with this. Doing a little research and asking friends and family for recommendations can go a long way. Perhaps the dreamiest of all places is one you may have never heard of. Or, maybe it’s time for that city you’ve been dreaming of for a while.

Once the location has been chosen, advance to transportation and accommodations. Would you prefer to fly or drive? Both have benefits and, depending on your budget and time frame, one may be the obvious choice. Driving allows the freedom to travel at your own leisure rather than having to rely on public transportation. Flying may be quicker, but also pricier. It’s also important to consider the logistics of each decision. For example, let’s say you opt to fly, will a car be necessary upon arrival? If so, factor the rental price of a car into your budget. Once the logistics have been sorted out, it’s time to figure out our favourite part: the accommodations. 

This is an area where creativity can fly and the options seem limitless. Airbnbs tend to feel more homey, and that’s completely intentional. The idea is a “home away from home.” Another amazing feature about Airbnb is that they’re perfect for groups. Oftentimes we’ve found that if traveling with a group, an Airbnb is the most practical in terms of space and cost. Hotels on the other hand, may be easier to find in the heart of a city. And while cooking may not be an option in a hotel room, they often offer complimentary breakfasts. Depending on your intentions for this getaway, your choice may differ. It’s also important to remember that these aren’t the sole options for accommodations, either. We didn’t forget about the unconventional accommodations millennials are loving. We’re talking about yurts, treehouses, glamping resorts, and tiny homes. All of these are rising in popularity as renters are getting more and more creative. If staying in a silo sounds appealing to you, don’t worry, they have those too! A quick Google search will introduce you to some of the most unique stays.

Now that the transportation and accommodations are in order, look toward activities. This is where you can relax when it comes to preparing. It takes off some of the stress and saves a lot of time to have an idea of your plan of action. We recommend curating a list of nearby attractions and just simply taking note of what you want to do. Give yourself some leniency because you may be fickle and change your mind about how you’d like to spend your days. On the contrary, if not having a regimented itinerary will increase your stress, plan accordingly. 

Lastly, it’s a good idea to check into some of the locale cuisine and shopping options. We’re all in favor of generating a generous list of local favorites. Feeling like you’re wasting valuable time looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat is the absolute worst, especially when your pick is disappointing. To avoid both of these unfortunate scenarios, make sure to have a few scrumptious places in mind beforehand. 

For smooth sailing, consider these points when planning your next getaway! Get your ideas flowing and try not to rush the process of planning. Close attention dedicated to the planning process will be sure to pay off down the road. Oh, and don’t forget to tag @theedgemag if you’d like to share an itinerary with us. 

Featured image found here.

We do not own any of the images pictured in this article.