Where next to travel?

 

Very useful book!

As fate would have it, I managed to travel this summer to two of the most over-touristed places on the planet - Venice, Italy and Yosemite, California. While I still managed to have a very good time in both places (using strategies such as getting an early start on the day, being with a lovely travel companion), the crowds made the trips less than ideal. 

Having learned from my experiences, I am taking a more thoughtful approach to planning my next big trip(s). Ideally, I would like to take a two week trip in November and another month-long trip in January or February to escape the Minnesota cold for a bit. And I worry I am getting a bit of a late start. And it feels weird not to have an answer when someone asks, "Where is your next big trip?"

There are some well-recognized strategies for avoid over-touristed areas:

1. Go in the off season or shoulder season. Most people, primarily families, vacation during the northern hemisphere’s summer months. School is out. The weather in the US and Europe is warm. Travel during the fall months tends to be picking up for those who have flexible vacation dates. Late spring is lovely in Europe. Winter is great in South America. One does need to use caution when traveling to places like SE Asia and Central America since they both have rainy seasons and tend to be very hot and humid year-round. 
2. Go to less mainstream destinations. This one is a little trickier. If your goal is to see the Mona Lisa, a vacation in a small town in Provence isn’t going to be satisfying. But if you want to hike, bike,  or sit on a beach, you can find plenty of places off the beaten path if you dig a little. I see more and more travel companies and websites advertising “off the beaten path” suggestions.
3. Rely on a professional travel company. In my encroaching senility, I find that a professional travel agent can be of invaluable service. They can help one figure out how to answer the when and where to go questions. Do they get some form of compensation for their work that may cost you a little extra? Of course, but a little more cost upfront may be more than offset by a great time. (I have used MacsAdventures, Knowmad, Grasshopper, SE Tours, Road Scholar, and Boat Bike Tours with happy results.)

Things get a little more complicated for me since I have some personal criteria for my travels:

1. I like them to be active. Big cruise ships or sitting on a bus or staying in an all inclusive beach resort - no thanks. Biking or hiking - yes!
2. I want to see new countries. I’ve now visited around 60 countries and ideally would like to add one new one each year.
3. I don’t want to wind up spending my children’s entire inheritance. I don’t need (or want) 5 star hotels. I prefer local restaurants and street food to fancy restaurants. I would prefer to travel economically and more often. Or maybe I am just cheap.
4. I want to travel sometimes by myself. Sometimes with my SO. And sometimes with my family. Great reward is to be found in each type of travel.

Good travel is the result of not just knowing where and when you want to go, but knowing yourself as well. I always view travel as a learning experience. That helps when the crowds get claustrophobic. 

Your observations/advice about travel?