Immersing in a new culture, food, scenes, and activities are just a few of the things you experience when you travel to a new place. It gives you a better perspective of the world, and with social media and the internet, it’s easy to explore and make a bucket list of the places you want to visit. To some, they call these travel goals.
Is traveling a goal?
Is traveling a goal?
A goal can be interpreted as an ambition — a dream that you’re working on or planning to work your way towards. If you’re thinking about traveling as something you want to prepare for in the future, then traveling can be a goal for you.
Benefits of having travel goals
While some people might tag a travel bucket list as nothing more than a daydream, setting travel as a goal or having travel goals can actually be beneficial for you. Here’s why we think having travel goals is good for anyone:
It helps you to save
One of the most important things you will need when traveling is money. When you’re thinking of going to your dream destination, you would most likely spend more than usual so having a travel goal conditions you to save up for it.
Unlike spontaneous travel, having a travel goal allows you to plan ahead including how much you need to save for the trip.
It gives you something to work towards
Another benefit of having a travel goal is having a target, or something you could work towards. Since you’re not traveling on a whim, you have more opportunity to anticipate what is going to happen and what else you need to do before leaving.
It helps you prioritize and make time for travel
When you’re working, it can be challenging to set aside time for leisure, especially traveling far. With a travel goal, you can plan out the preparation process, including the allocated travel period, so you can prioritize what needs to be done.
During preparation, you can request for time off from work or you can start saving up for your travel expenses.
It helps you to stay motivated
It helps you to stay motivated
Let’s admit it. A good travel goal is exciting, even if it means waiting for a few more weeks or months. But that doesn’t take away the joy of anticipation. A travel goal helps you stay motivated and provides something you can look forward to.
It can help you feel less overwhelmed and not give up on your goal
Goals are different from dreams because they are something you plan on acting upon. This is why setting a travel goal can keep you from swaying or giving up. It is a future plan, so it’s easier to follow through.
It can help you to create a new experience
Traveling allows you to experience many things you would never have experienced at home. It forces you to get out of your comfort zone, and the memories shaped during this experience will always stay with you no matter where you go.
You’ve got something to look forward to
You know what they say: all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It’s not a bad thing to work hard, but balance is key to living a happy and healthy life. A travel goal is one of the things you can look forward to outside of work.
How to achieve travel goals
Goals are dreams with a plan. To achieve your travel goals, there are many things you should consider and prepare for. Here’s a quick step-by-step process to achieving your next dream vacation:
Set your goals
Is there a specific place you have always been meaning to visit? Before planning anything, determine what your goals are. This includes what location you want to go to, what culture you want to experience, or what food you want to try out.
Create a vision board
It might not sound that important, but having a vision is actually helpful in fulfilling your plans. According to initial research, visual aids such as a vision board make it easier to reflect on your goal, motivating you to pursue it.
There are many ways you can create a vision board. If you want to go traditional, cut out pictures or words from magazines and pin them to a board that you can see on a regular basis.
You can also go digital if you’re not into crafts. Online platforms such as Pinterest make it easier for you to explore photos and use a digital board or space that you can easily access from your phone or computer.
Create SMART goals
Setting travel goals is not enough. Instead of randomly throwing all sorts of objectives into your travel goals, make sure you must also create SMART goals.
SMART in SMART goals refers to Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Determine the details of your trip, such as where you can go with your current funds, who you can bring along, what dates you can file for a vacation leave, et
Be realistic
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, but it helps to create goals that are also realistic. This makes your travel goals easier to achieve. For example, if your current passport or travel documents cannot take you to Europe yet, setting a travel goal to France or Spain might not be a good idea for now.
Decide on a travel budget
Money is one of the most important factors when it comes to planning for a trip or vacation. Before deciding where and when to go, determine your options, your current savings, and other sources of funds.
Once you have picked a realistic destination, decide on a travel budget.Your budget may vary depending on where you want to stay and what kind of activities you wish to experience in your dream destination. Write down your plans and an estimate of the expenses for the kind of trip that you want.
Keep an open mind
Although planning and keeping a system is beneficial to make your travel goals come true, you must also remember to keep an open mind. Sometimes you don’t get everything you have hoped for, and that should not keep you from enjoying your trip. That’s the beauty of traveling. Anything can happen, and that is part of the experience.
Be willing to take risks
Visiting a new place can be exciting, but it also comes with some risks. That’s why we call traveling an adventure!
Going overseas, for example, is literally going to a different territory, especially when their language and culture are very different from what you are used to. And yet, in traveling, you are expected to take risks such as trusting strangers, walking through strange streets, eating exotic or unfamiliar foods, and a lot more.
Try new things
To travel is to try new things. This isn’t just limited to trying new flavors or trying new activities. This could also mean meeting new people and doing things you’ve never done before where you live.
If you want to get the most out of your travel goals, be more willing to try out new things.
Planning a trip and designing your dream vacation
Once you have settled on a realistic travel goal, it’s time to plan your trip.
Choose a destination
Choose a place you want to visit and be more specific about it. So if you say you want to visit Vietnam, for example, think about which region or city you want to go to in particular. Do you want to stay in Ho Chi Minh, or do you want to go north in Hanoi?
Setting a specific location for your travel goals will determine the majority of your travel plans, such as your budget and the activities you can try out.
Make a list of activities to do there
Once you have chosen a specific destination, it’s time to make a list of the activities you can do there. Technology has come a long way, and researching for this kind of information has never been easier. Consult travel websites and videos and take note of what activities locals and other tourists recommend others to try out.
Sort the activities based on their cost
Don’t forget to take note of how much each activity costs. Some activities can be very expensive, while some can be enjoyed for free. Knowing how much you need to pay for each activity makes it easier for you to set a specific budget for your trip later on.
Decide how long you want your trip to be
Another thing you need to consider when planning for your dream vacation is how long you want to take the trip for. The length of your travel can be influenced by the kind of activities you can do on the trip. Check out travel websites to learn more about the ideal travel period for each country or destination so you can maximize your vacation.
Find out what kind of weather to expect in that area at that time of year
Don’t forget to look up what kind of weather to expect during your trip. Is it going to be dry or sunny? Should you expect snow?
Knowing these details helps you plan what to wear when traveling and what kinds of activities you can do during your stay.
Research hotel and flight costs and reviews
There are many booking platforms to choose from when researching for hotels and flights that fit your budget. Take note of the hotels’ distance from your actual destination. Don’t hesitate to ask how far your hotel is from the town center or the train station.
Don’t skip the review section as well. Sometimes photos can be deceiving, but feedback from actual customers can give you an idea of whether or not the establishment is something you would want to stay in.
Book your plane tickets and hotel rooms early
The earlier you book your plane tickets and hotel rooms, the better, especially when you’re thinking of visiting your dream destination during peak season. This is because prices are more likely to go up the closer it gets to your arrival date and the demand for these tickets and rooms increases as well.
Preparing to depart – Packing and organizing
If your plans are in place and you’ve finally decided where to go, what to do, and how long you’re going to be away for, it’s time to pack and organize!
Choose your bag
Choosing your travel bag is one of the most important things you need to do before leaving. The kind of bag you need to bring mainly depends on where you are going, what weather to expect, and how long the trip is going to take. Don’t forget to check with your airline and see what types of bags are allowed for check-in and carry-on.
Pack light, but bring everything that is essential to your idea of a good vacation
Even if you’re going to be gone for weeks, it’s still best to travel and pack light. A heavy baggage can sometimes get in the way of fun, especially when you are going to move around or transfer a lot. Instead, pick out basic clothing items that you can mix and match. Even if you run out of clothes during the trip, you can always wash them as needed.
Organize your travel documents
Your travel documents may vary depending on your destination but in general, prepare the following and store electronic copies on your phone:
- Passport
- Visa approval
- Insurance certificate
- Bank statements
- IDs
If you’re traveling with a group, don’t forget to share the documents with them, so everyone has a copy as well.
Check the weather at your destination a few days before you leave
If you want to make sure you’re prepared for the trip, check the weather at your destination a few days before your departure. This helps you prepare for unwanted weather-related issues such as wrong outfits or canceled activities.
Consider bringing a few favorite snacks with you
The last one is optional but if you’re picky with snacks or if you want to prepare for a long flight, bring your few favorite snacks with you. Be wary of what you bring though! Some passengers might not appreciate the smell of some food such as eggs or tuna, so bring snacks you know won’t bother the person next to you!
Make good memories
Planning for a dream vacation may take time, effort, and money, but the experience you get and the character you build from traveling to new places are priceless.
Once you have set a clear travel goal and prepared for it, it’s time to make good memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re still stuck with the idea of a travel foal, we have a community in Roam Trips that you can join and connect with for an easier and more convenient planning process.
While overwhelming at first glance, it really shouldn’t be. In fact, you can consult communities for travelers like the ones we have here in Roam Trip if you’re looking for pre-planned trips, travel and tours services, or travel companions
