Mountain girl or city chick? Beach or snow? So many options, but which season will I even go!? Choosing an adventure that is right for you can be a bit difficult at times when all you want to do is travel. There’s a whole world out there - places to explore, foods to try, mountains to climb. So how do I pick my next trip? Let us be your guide! Here are some critical questions to consider when deciding what makes the top of your travel list.
1
What season would you like to go?
Travel doesn’t schedule itself. If you want to go on an adventure that is out of the country, pick a season and set a week or two aside at least 5 months in advance, especially if you have a busy work schedule. Make sure to prioritize your personal needs over those of the people around you to ensure you are in this one for yourself. Now decide, winter, spring, summer, or fall? At WHOA, we offer a trip for every season, keeping your options wide open. The holidays are easy to get time off, but can also be hectic with celebrations and family obligations. Try traveling right after thanksgiving and before Christmas for the best airline deals. If you want to go to a popular destination, avoid high season and travel during Spring or Fall. The weather is calm and the options are endless! Summer is the most crowded time to travel, but nature is at its peak during this time of year. If you’re climbing a mountain or planning to camp a lot, this is the best way to ensure ideal weather conditions.
2
With a friend, group, or solo?
At WHOA, we’re all about the power of group adventure travel. However, traveling alone, or simply spending a few days in a smaller or more secluded town after being with a group for a long time is a great way to decompress and make the most of your travel high. Going on a group trip by yourself can be the best way to step out of your comfort zone and experience adventure in a whole new way. But maybe your friend hears about your next adventure and wants to join. Share the love! Traveling with friends is a blast and you will get to know them in a whole new way. Just be sure to set your boundaries and make time for yourself.
3
What kind of activities do you enjoy?
What you want to consider is how much physical activity you actually enjoy and how much you are willing to commit to. Adventure travel is a challenge, but that’s what makes it so fun and fulfilling. If you are the type of person that enjoys setting goals for yourself and seeing a final outcome, then summiting a mountain like Kilimanjaro is perfect for you! The trajectory is pretty straightforward and allows time for self reflection and growth. A trip like the Salkantay trail in Peru is a bit different because the hikes vary in distance and difficulty every day. However, this can be quite thrilling and a challenge in itself. If strenuous activity if not your thing, but you still want to get outdoors, yoga in the rainforest or soaking up the sun on the beaches of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica might be a better bet.
4
Is your goal to immerse in local culture or escape to a world of your own?
Adventuring to a new country far away from home can seem intimidating, but by getting to know the local culture, you will soon find comfort in your home away from home. On any WHOA trip, you will have a combination of both cultural immersion and self discovery. We like to partner with local organizations and see the countries we visit from the people who know them best. This is why we sponsor local girls on our Kilimanjaro trip and will be doing so also on Peru 2017 to climb the mountains with us. We do not approach immersion with the intend to “save and serve,” but rather create relationships. In doing so, we find bonds strengthening from all members of the group. However, if you are a person who would rather travel for the purpose of “me-time” and setting goals and accomplishing tasks with large groups isn’t your thing, set out on a solo journey and you will be surprised with all you will learn.
5
Pin it on a map! Where, Oh where, will I choose?
We’ve hand selected our favorite destinations in each country that we travel to ensure a diversity of experiences! We choose places that are vibrant with culture, and dancing with chaos. Are destinations are off-the-map, but also familiar and safe enough for a group of women to travel to. If you want to step out of your comfort zone, hop on your bike and check out India with us. Songs, smells, and sights all around. Costa Rica is the best place to chill and wander with amazing wildlife. Oktoberfest in Germany offers a perfect combination of nature and festivities. If you like to be kept on your toes, try out our Peru trip which takes you up, down, and all around the Andes. Lastly, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the challenge of a lifetime. Set new goals and reach new heights as you summit Africa’s tallest peak.