TRAVEL GOALS

                            TRAVEL GOALS

Just like every year, for 2017 you’ve made a list of all those things you want to do or change. That list might include a fresh new start, a do-over of sorts, or cutting back on bad habits. But the hardest item to cross off that list might be that you wished you had traveled more.

So, instead of reminding yourself of all the things you didn’t do in 2016, offer yourself a late Christmas gift from you to you, and see more of the world in 2017. Here’s how …

1. Stop dreaming and start planning

Sometimes the problem isn’t finding time to travel, but rather finding time to plan to travel. We can get so caught up in our daily lives that it seems impossible to just sit down and get the little things done.

Luckily, we’re here to help. Save time and use momondo’s Trip Finder tool, where you search for travel destinations based on mood, interest, weather, continent, month, and most importantly, budget. Whether you’re leaning towards a ski resort in somewhere in Sweden or a sunny beach in Thailand, there are endless options that will make booking that trip so much easier.

2. Pick destinations within your budget and start balancing!

The planning always gets easier once you know what destinations you can or cannot afford. If your budget is endless, good for you, the sky is the limit! For everyone else, all is not lost, but you do need to think a little bit more tactically about your travels.

For some destinations, the ticket fare is the most expensive part, and others (nearby weekend getaways, presumably) are cheaper to get to. It’s always good to think about the balance of your budget, so focus on places where the currency exchange leaves you at a considerable advantage or where local lifestyle is much cheaper than back home.

This balancing act is tricky to pull off, but even just trying will allow you more opportunity to de-stress, avoid overspending and get the most out of your travel experiences.

3. Start listing

We love lists, and soon you will too. Set yourself obtainable travel goals and make a list of places you could realistically visit this year, plus a few extra desirables. Then, when the moment is right and you are ready to take the travel plunge, treat yourself with a visit to one of the destinations.

It’s not rocket science, but writing these goals down will give you the encouragement you need to achieve them.

4. Be a big-mouth

Been dreaming of going to a yoga retreat in Kerala? Want to camp out with wolves in Quebec? Tell people around you; it might turn out that others have already been on the trip of your dreams.

Sharing with those around you could bring about surprising travel tips and anecdotes that will get you even more eager to pack your bags and go.

5. Don’t be afraid of traveling alone

Are you ready to hop on the next plane out but no one could take the time off to come with you? Don’t let that stop you: try traveling alone. Experience the freedom of traveling where, when, and how you want. The challenge can be extremely rewarding, and you might even make a couple of new international friends along the way.

6. Get in touch with locals

The world can seem so vast, but connections can be made in one click of a button. Knowing someone where you wish to travel might make the adventure a bit less scary. Different online communities, forums, and accommodation services help you get in touch easily with people living in your next travel destination, who will be able to give you great local insights and knowledge about the place.

7. Explore your backyard

Who said traveling has to mean going far away and for a long time? Awesome things are happening all around us, and your travel goals might take flight if you start with a couple of “staycations”.

Get to know your own country, go to all the museums, and check off all the tourist attractions and sights on your list of things to see. With less time dedicated to transportation, you’ll have more time to visit, enjoy and learn more about the place you call home.

8. Find a travel buddy with similar interests

The right travel buddy can make or break a vacation, so it’s good to spend time finding the right one. That might mean that your best travel companion isn’t always your childhood friend or significant other, but perhaps a newish friend, a colleague, or that cousin you haven’t seen in a while but with whom you’d love to reconnect. In sum, don’t be afraid to mix it up.

Once you’ve found your partner in travel, be sure to discuss budget, interests, and expectations before traveling. This may inspire you to visit places that you’d never heard of before! What’s more, you can share local contacts. That makes twice as many places to visit and twice as many people to meet.

9. Connect in order to disconnect

The internet is great, and can be very useful, but it’s nice to reconnect with real-life when we’re abroad. Stop trying to learn how to say “Do you have free wifi?” in Cantonese and try out momondo places – our very own downloadable city guides – instead.

Each of the 21 (and counting!) guides features offline maps and over 150 bars, restaurants, shops, museums and more great places to visit in each city, as recommended to us by locals. Download them to your iPhone prior to your trip and use them offline.

10. Be spontaneous

If your suitcase is ready and you can book a flight at a moment’s notice, set up a Fare Alert on our website. As soon as the price for a route you are interested in has changed, we’ll let you know. It’s like a travel lottery, but you’re always a winner!





                                     >TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE!<