I would be remiss if I didn’t lead avec Paris is my second home (this post is NOT to slander the city j’adore.) Maintenant, that we have that out of the way, let’s take it from the top.

Bonjour mes amies! As someone who spends more time online than offline, I know firsthand the power of influence. This power is so intense that we often don’t realize we have been influenced. We soon find ourselves replying to real-life circumstances avec un trending audio or only using social media videos as a reference.

This subtle influence determines what we eat, what we wear, and ultimately, where we want to travel.

We may not like flying, but suddenly, we’re encouraged to book a 24-hour flight to Bali to swing on the infamous swing. We could have a love for the Spanish language, but we find ourselves wanting to wear a beret by le tour Eiffel.

As an unabashed francophile who at times spends more of my days á Paris than in the States, and as someone who has not only traveled the world but has lived in the EU, Middle East, Canada, and Africa. I’m here to share a secret: the world is GRAND.

Before booking a trip catered to something you saw on your feed, take a moment to consider your interests, your childhood dreams, and ultimately, your physical and emotional states.

Sadly, most EU cities aren’t trés accessible, and walking is recommended much more than driving. So, if walking long distances is challenging, consider how you will navigate seeing and experiencing the city you want to visit. If you’re strapped for vacation days and you plan to fly a long distance that includes a significant time change, it can leave you spending most of your days suffering from jetlag (click here to read how I spent 72 hrs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and the exact opposite of relaxed upon your return home.

Below I will share, several things to consider when making your travel bucket list.

1. Reflect on Your Travel Goals:

Begin by thinking about the places you’ve always dreamt of visiting. Consider factors like culture, nature, and adventure that resonate with you.

2. Research Unique Experiences:

Dive into the specifics of each destination. Look for unique activities, events, or landmarks that make a place stand out. This will add depth to your travel aspirations.

3. Consider Budget and Logistics:

Be realistic about your budget and the logistics of each trip. Some destinations might require more planning and financial preparation than others.

4. Create a Realistic Timeline:

Establish a timeline for achieving your travel goals. Consider factors like work commitments, seasons, and any specific events or festivals you’d like to attend.

5. Mix Short and Long-Term Goals:

Balance your list with both short and long-term goals. This way, you can satisfy your wanderlust with more immediate trips while working towards bigger adventures. Remember that not every trip requires a long flight. If you’d like time away and don’t want to break the bank (monetarily or vacation days), do not be ashamed of road trips or traveling domestically. Click here to read a trés, trés vintage blog about travel biases.

6. Stay Flexible:

While planning is essential, remain flexible. Be open to spontaneous opportunities and new destinations that might capture your interest along the way.

This list could go on forever, but to avoid making this a dissertation, I’ll end here. Travel is a state of mind, mes amies. Never let the influence of those you see online pressure you to visit locations, overspend, or not celebrate the places you’ve been. Click here to read a vintage blog about traveling sans travel, and here to read how to make an economy flight feel upgraded.

Ciao for now 💋