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Vacation travel can be a rainbow of experiences, not just a monochrome one beach, one bar bad burger chill. It can really deepen and enrich your thoughts about being a world citizen in our great shared kaleidoscope of cultures, congregations and traditions.  You don't just learn about history, topography, biodiversity and development, you live it, eat it, breath it and it becomes part of who you are. Vacation travel should not be an arms length telescope. That's what travel books are for. Getting out there is your microscope on the world, looking as closely as you can get at the real cut and thrust of the world. There are hundreds of destinations in the world worth considering when you plan to go on vacation. There are so many places that offer beaches, mountains, great food and wine, culture, shopping, nature and entertainment. How do you choose from all these places? Well, here's a start:
Step 1:

Clarify your vacation goal. This does not call for a major goal setting but, at least, have a clear idea of why you want to hit the road. If it is to rest, why not hide at home, go to a spa close by and get a sun lamp. Save your funds till you want travel to be fun, not the pain of getting some place to do sweet diddly. If you want adventure, then go for places that offer the sports that give you an adrenaline high. Focus on your goal when you go on vacation.  Keep peeking at other issues such as the country's development challenges, gender issues or health problems but focus on your main goal. If you are really struck by some issues, come back another time to work on them.

Step 2:

Establish a time line. When you arrive in a place, review your itinerary with the locals. They may suggest better ways of getting to where you want or may give you alternatives given your schedule. Be flexible. The ideas they give you may lead to a totally unique vacation that still meets your goals. Don't try to do too much or you really end up doing nothing, seeing nothing and learning nothing. Build in down time. Sit outdoors at a bar and try to find that local feeling. Watch tourists and pretend you aren't. And when you get home, allow yourself time to get settled in so you don't rush into your work without having a chance to really think through your experience. Also remember, with delays in airline trips now, it is really better to plan more time gaps just in case.  

Step 3:

Establish a budget. You may go beyond or under this specific amount but it is good to have an anchor around which you can make decisions on the things that really make a trip. Once you are in a place, don't cheap out on the experiences. This is especially true in places that are harder to reach. You have already spent so much to be there, what is another hundred dollars to see the ancient paintings in a tomb or take that plane ride to see the mountain ranges in its spectacular beauty or a Land Rover ride into the jungle. Jump at opportunities. Experiences are the only things worth buying!

Beyond these three key criteria, think about the following:

Step 4:

Go to a place that offers much more than your desired goal. When you are on holiday, it is always good to have options. What if the mountain passes are closed? Or, there is so much algae in the water you can't really snorkel. Or, it rains so hard that being in the beach is not that pleasant. Some places like New Zealand or British Columbia offer you the seas, the mountains and wine country. Nepal offers you temples and pilgrimages, trekking and mountaineering, kayaking and rafting, safaris, cultural festivals and world heritage and nature sites. Thailand offers the mountains, the beaches, excellent and cheap food and cultural festivals, Buddhism, as well as cheap entertainment and the world's greatest foot massages right at the airports! Rome, Prague or Krakov offer strolls around great architecture, old churches and palaces as well as concerts and plays.

Step 5:

Go for the truly gorgeous. Some places cannot just be compared to anywhere else. You just go for this, no matter what the cost. Like mountain climbing and trekking in Nepal, skiing in Switzerland, diving and snorkeling in the Maldives or wine in Alsace.

Step 6:

Go to a place where you have friends and families. You get to visit them, for three days only, please. Fish and families last that long. People can stand almost anything if they know it will end soon. Being a host is very tiring and you will be welcome back if you leave while you're still welcome. If they live that far away from you, it may be for a reason.

Remember, places are just a stage for life to play out its scenes. This is not home. If you blow it, you don't have to face the music the next day. Get a life. Walk on the edge. Take a risk.  Push your limit and experience something new. Stay in small, local hotels and chat up the owners and guests. The best souvenirs will be memories of unique people, the unexpected view, the unplanned side trip and the wall-to-wall smile on your face each time you remember!

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