How to Choose a Location for an International Backpacking Trip

It's a huge world out there - so how do you choose a small corner of it for your own personal exploration? Start by thinking through trip goals, being open to a wide range of possibilities, and doing a bit of your own research.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yellow Pages
• Outdoor Magazines
• Travel Magazines
• Health Club Memberships

Establish Goals and Limitations

1. Think through personal development goals by considering some of the following questions: Are you looking for relaxation? A bonding experience with family or friends? Do you want to learn about a culture and place very different from your own? Do you want to learn new skills such as mountaineering or kayaking? Are you hoping for time to reflect on a problem? Do you want to discover new strengths or abilities in yourself?

2. Consider group options. You can sign up for a tour group or expedition with a company based in your own country; join a guided group in the country you wish to visit; or participate in a program organized around a particular theme such as empowering women, language study or volunteer service.

3. Think about solo options, like hiring a local guide of your own or organizing a trip around your own theme, such as tracing your family roots, studying a craft or art form, or creating a film or portfolio of photos.

4. Identify factors that may rule out particular locations: Do you have a health condition that may require the attention of a physician, or may restrict you from certain activities, climates or higher elevations? Do you have particular dietary preferences or restrictions? Are you physically fit?

Research a Location

5. Browse in your local bookstore or library for good all-around local guidebooks that are directed toward both sightseeing and travel off-the-beaten path.

6. Talk to local hiking or backpacking clubs to see where they lead guided trips. Members may be able to direct you in selecting a location suited to your interests.

7. Look in outdoor magazines or on the Internet for trips offered by commercial outfitters. Even if you are not interested in participating in a guided program, these outfitters will have brochures and trip lists that will help you in your selection process.

8. Contact outdoor or experiential education programs for information on their international trips.

9. Get in touch with your local church, synagogue, mosque, monastery or meditation center for advice on planning your own spiritual pilgrimage. They may be able to direct you to a particular tour company that combines activities such as trekking or canoeing with spiritual practice.

10. Read the travel writings of particular people or accounts of famous expeditions, and see what your imagination ignites in you. You may surprise yourself with a particular yearning you didn't realize you had before.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you commit to a program, embrace the challenge and don't second-guess yourself. The myriad alternatives may seem dizzying, but you have the power to make whatever trip you choose the trip of a lifetime.