Why Should You Research Your Next Destination?
Traveling can be a fantastic experience, and yet not at all. I’ve noticed that some of my friends tend to either wing out part or the entire vacation. Although Y.O.L.O. sounds like a great adventure, it also seems like a long lag between points A and B. Leaving things for the last minute can take time away from your traveling experience. In addition, traveling without doing some research can increase your price tag, and you may also run into unexpected situations because of it, leaving you with a bad aftertaste. Here, I’ve gathered a few reasons why you should research your next destination.
I. Political Awareness
After I’ve decided where my next vacation would be, I like to look up the most current political events concerning that specific country. This is important because it wouldn’t be a good vacation if you find yourself where political implications can affect your experience. For example, the 2019 Hong Kong protests called the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB movement) have been an ongoing issue that seems to worsen as time progresses. Hong Kong public transportation, such as train stations, is not considered entirely safe for public use. Major tourist attractions and markets where many tourists used to go to delight themselves with local treats or good bargains are closing down due to the intensity of the protesters and authorities.
Hong Kong 2019 Update
Hong Kong’s Anti-ELAB movement
II. Safety
Safety goes hand-in-hand with political awareness. Searching for criminality rates and statistics about a country can help you determine whether you should travel alone or with friends. Moreover, being aware of the probable incidents can help you to be more cautious while traveling abroad. An example of this would be the annual criminality increase in the U.S.A., where most of them seem to be related to alcohol consumption around the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays. The pressure for the perfect gift starts with the Black Friday sales, which worsen as time passes, leading to higher reports of stolen goods.
United States Christmas holidays rates
Black Friday Death Count
III. History Understanding & Cultural Appreciation
Cultural understanding can teach us about another way of living, and being culturally diverse helps us to respect each other instead of discriminating against one another. This is necessary when visiting a different country and living independently, primarily because it provides new ways of thinking, knowledge, and perspectives. Although not every part of world history showcases the humane side of us, it can still help us understand our present world. Besides, grasping our traveling destination’s history can help us understand its government system and laws and provide good insight into its historical monuments and traditions.
IV. Wildlife
Every country is unique in its way, and so are its ecosystems. If safaris, long hikes, camping, or mountain climbing interest you, you should look up the local flora and fauna. Informing yourself about the country’s wildlife can prevent you from supporting illegal sanctuaries that don’t take good care of animals like some in Thailand. It can also provide tips that may signal when a dangerous animal is near you, like the alligators when fishing in Florida, U.S. Most importantly, being aware of endangered animals anywhere you travel can help you prevent incidents that worsen the falling ecosystem of that location.
V. Annual Events & Festivals
Each country has its annual events and meaningful festivities. Although some are more memorable than others, we can’t ignore that they’re all important for marking a moment in history. In spite of the fact that it’ll cost a bit more to travel throughout the festivities of any country, it’s sure to be noteworthy. Whether you’re celebrating the Chinese New Year by lighting up China’s Skyline or enjoying the Rio de Janeiro carnival in Brazil, traveling during this type of event can change the outcome of your vacation.
Researching the location of your next vacation gives you an idea of what you might encounter once there. By looking up the country you’re visiting, you’ll be more prepared for what you may encounter. Take your time getting to know not only the good but also enough to be aware of the less glamorous side. Remember that traveling can be a great experience, and yet not at all.
