What will make a WOW holiday for you?
Before you start planning, it’s a good idea to talk to someone in the know. Travel counsellors have a lot of knowledge built up over many years. They can put together your dream trip with the benefit of all their experience, making it a breeze for you. Let’s start with what your ‘must-have’ elements are. What memories are you hoping to bring home? What is in those holiday photos in your mind? Think carefully about how you would answer these three questions:
Where on earth will you go?
If you are unsure on an exact location, think about what climate and terrain your ideal location might have. Are there any places you want to tick off your “bucket list” Are you a sun-seeker or a snow lover, or somewhere in between? Do you love mountains and rivers, or do you prefer sun, sea, and sand? Think about the place, and the ideal space for you.
Are you travelling for a special reason?
Do you want to get married at your destination, or hold a special party for someone? Do you want to visit a special place you’ve been to before? Are you going for that once-in-a-lifetime experience like hiking to Machu Picchu, or swimming with dolphins? Perhaps you are looking for a quiet hideaway for you and someone special. Are you an extreme foodie who wants to sample as much local cuisine as you can find? Maybe there is a show you are just dying to see. What is giving you itchy feet? Think about the small details too.
What dates work for you?
Are you stuck to certain dates, or can you be more flexible with your duration and dates, to allow your travel counsellor to find you a better value trip? Have you thought about the seasons for the destinations you may want to visit? Just like the UK, the climate of your location may mean there are better and worse times to visit, some places even have microclimates meaning that a certain part may be better in some months.
Your answers to these questions, along with a guide to your budget, can help a travel consultant to support you with building your dream trip. Often your reason for travelling is the most important thing, but a consultant’s job is to make the holiday more than you ever thought it could be. A whole string of memories you will treasure for the rest of your life.
As an example, maybe you would very much like to see Elephants in the wild. A travel consultant will help you to make the trip about more than just the Elephants. What about staying in a luxury tented safari camp? Then whilst you are there, imagine being able to wander through a rainforest or canoe along rivers, all with local guides who can show you the animals and plants you would definitely not find alone. You could follow that with a stay in a beautiful beach-front hotel where you can let your worries melt away on the sand for a few days, and just enjoy some pure relaxation.
Once your counsellor knows what makes you tick, they can work their magic and build a WOW holiday for you to simply enjoy.
Article written by Jade Hawkins – Travel Counsellor of Spalding, Lincolnshire, who can be contacted here.
