To visit some place nice

CEBU, Philippines - Everyone, for sure, has a hankering for going somewhere nice. Some place where one would find renewed enthusiasm for life, a different meaning to one’s existence, new thrills, new vistas, better comforts etc. Unfortunately, such a place is not always easy to find.

Even if one has the means to go anywhere, he may still end up somewhere he doesn’t like to be. The very idea of deciding where to go is in itself not an easy one. It is a thorough process that one has to undergo, knowing the reasons for wanting to go somewhere and where that place is.

With the right reasons, the trip is more likely to take one to somewhere nice. It is nice because there is a reason – a purpose – that necessitates it to happen. When that reason or purpose is served, it brings a kind of fulfillment, which in turn makes one feel good about himself.

Again, to decide on a nice place to visit takes a certain process, basically a decision-making process. One has to go through the process in order to be sure that where he finally decides to go is really where he wants to be. The website http://thetravelhack.com suggests practical points worth considering:

Ask yourself ‘why?’ Why do you want to travel? Do you want to relax, have fun in another place where no one knows you, reconnect with dear relatives, get away from work, learn something new, get a tan or have an adventure? It’s easier to decide where you’re going when you know why you’re going there.

Be open-minded. Haven’t heard or thought of a place? Can’t even pronounce the name of a place your friend proposes? Have no idea where it is? But you’ve found out it’s so cheap to get there. Check the place out, Google it, and if it looks like a safe and interesting place, buy a ticket. Sometimes it pays to be a little adventurous – after all, adventure is what everyone looks forward to in a trip.

Be creative. If you want to travel to a certain place but getting there is really expensive, don’t let the cost put you off. Find an alternative route or mode of transportation. You don’t really have to take a flight to go somewhere. There may be boats and buses that ply the route. If you don’t really need to get there quickly, a trip by boat only takes one night sleep; and a land trip usually only takes hours.

There’s always a budget option. Don’t let your budget stop you from traveling somewhere. Even the most expensive destinations have budget options like hostels where you can cook your own food, free city tours and public transport. You need to be creative, yes, but that often makes it more fun.

Consider the underdog. Every major destination usually has a “second city,” where it’s often much cheaper and more unique compared to the capital city.

Be decisive. Once you’ve decided on a place to go, book your trip at once. Go on, book it. Don’t think about it for three more weeks and then think a bit more still, only to realize you’ve already missed the opportunity.

Think up things you want to do. There’s nothing worse than coming back from a trip and regretting the things you didn’t do. If the trip is about having some adventure, then you have to make sure you’re going to have it.

Safe choices aren’t bad choices. Being adventurous doesn’t always mean climbing cliff faces or scuba diving. Being in another place where you will have to ask your way around is enough of an adventure if you find it fun. So what if a million people have done it before you. If you have a good time, that’s all that matters.

Go solo. If you’ve decided on a place to go but no one wants to go with you, don’t back off. Don’t let this stop you from going ahead – go solo! For all you know, life becomes a totally different experience if you go it alone.

Don’t dismiss your own backyard. Who said traveling always has to entail long flights? Search a little closer to home – the next barangay or town must have its interesting features too. You may be surprised what hidden gems you will find.

The itch to visit some place nice is instinctive. Humans want to see more of their world. It makes them feel bigger, more whole. Thus, the desire to travel shall not be suppressed – but, instead, planned for. (FREEMAN)