Winter is the perfect time to start planning your next trip. Before you start looking at hotel prices and flight schedules, here are 3 things to know when planning your next 2020 destination.
1. Consider a river cruise River cruising is an expanding and growing trend. Rivers were the world’s first trade routes, with many cities and towns developed around rivers. Must-see cities like Paris, Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam are accessible by river, as well as destinations in Africa and Asia. “There are many options in addition to Viking River Cruises that most people are unaware of. We can help find the right travel style for our clients,” said Jenny Ruff, travel advisor at Compass Travel in DeKalb. River cruising offers an immersive way to explore areas around major European rivers, or consider an exotic tour on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia or the Nile River or Chobe Rivers in Africa.
2. Consider the experience you are seeking Focus on the value of the vacation package rather than looking at just the lowest cost option. Often times the inexpensive trip found online doesn’t live up to the best experiences. Compass Travel will work with your budget to help you get the most out of your vacation. Your experienced travel advisor will help you find the best deal value for your dollars to meet s your vacation needs. 3. Be aware of overtourism Overtourism occurs when there are too many visitors, creating problems for local residents. Many popular destinations like Venice, Italy, Mt Everest, Nepal, and Machu Picchu, Peru have grown in popularity in recent years, causing infrastructure issues and burdens to the population. Overtourism can cause traffic jams, or even scare away wildlife. Practice responsible tourism by working with an experienced travel advisor who can help guide you away from the crowds or help you plan your trip outside of peak season. “Consider instead traveling to those destinations in the off season or perhaps choose an unexplored jewel instead,” Ruff said.
