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Where Should I Go On Vacation? 6 Things To Consider On A Royal Caribbean Cruise

How To Choose Your Next Travel Destination

By Ashlee Sierra | Published on October 1, 2025

“Where should I go on vacation?” It’s the question that haunts globetrotters, family vacation daydreamers and PTO-planners every time the suitcases come out. Fortunately, choosing your next travel destination is as easy as imagining what your ideal trip looks like, including the unique experiences, timing and — of course — budgeting.

Here’s a look at the top six things to consider when choosing between exciting vacation ideas — all without having to throw darts at spinning globes.

1. Location, Location, Location

Often, the best place to go on a vacation is somewhere that balances favorite activities (like beachcombing or historic touring) with new experiences (like cultural immersion or once-in-a-lifetime adventures). That means your destination destiny might take you to places such as the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Europe, Alaska or Asia.

The Caribbean

If you’re looking for the perfect combo of thrilling and chilling, island-hopping in the Caribbean might settle your destination debate. Each stop offers a mix of culture, adventure, relaxation and memorable moments.

If you choose the Caribbean, you can expect:

● White-sand beaches.

● Colorful colonial towns.

● Lush rainforests.

● Vivid coral reefs.

● Mayan ruins.

Now, bring me that horizon! (If you recognize that reference, I’ll buy you a drink should we ever meet on a Caribbean cruise.)

The Bahamas

There’s no shortage of sand, surf and sun in The Bahamas. Home to glistening turquoise waters, exclusive private isles and more marine life than you can shake hands (or fins) with, this vacation destination is perfect for laid-back beachcombers and adrenaline-loving thrillseekers alike.

If you’re wondering how to choose your next travel destination, make the call that has it all: Perfect Day at CocoCay, the award-winning Royal Caribbean private island. You’ll find:

● Record-breaking waterslides.

● Overwater cabanas.

● A 1,600-foot-long zip line.

● A floating Tiki bar.

● Nine dining spots.

Europe

Europe is home to many of the best countries for unforgettable vacations, including France, Italy, Greece and Spain. With so many must-sees, the best way to turn these diverse destinations into a single, unforgettable trip is to hop on a cruise.

Imagine spending seven days immersed in Italy’s architecture and France’s culture — or seven nights exploring the romantic Greek Isles. From historical landmarks and wonders of the ancient world to the latest and greatest in food, fashion and fun, Europe has something for everyone:

● Iconic architecture.

● Authentic cultural foods.

● Luxury shopping.

● Iconic Celtic cliffs.

● Waterfalls and rivers.

Alaska

Grab your warmest threads for a gorgeous vacation you’ll never forget. The Last Frontier is home to glaciers, wildlife and cultural experiences you can’t find anywhere else — all with the chance to spot the Northern Lights along the way.

Exciting vacation ideas in Alaska include:

● Whale-watching.

● Glacier views.

● Authentic lodges.

● Untamed wilderness.

● Dog-sledding.

You can even try an Alaska Cruisetour, combining the best of land and sea to get more out of your getaway.

Asia

From glamorous neon lights to misty rice fields lit by the rising sun, Asia is a feast for the eyes. For the foodies in your crew, it’s also a feast in other ways — including authentic Chinese and Japanese food you’d never find at home.

Plan for adventures such as:

● Lively metropolises and urban centers.

● Historical and religious landmarks.

● Classic street foods.

● Untouched rainforests and dramatic cliffs.

● The Great Wall of China.

2. Unforgettable Experiences

There’s more to vacations than destinations. Think about what you want to see and do; experiences vary by location, which means this decision helps you pick the perfect spot.

For example, one of my favorite vacation memories is standing on a dock in the summer heat, toes wavering over the water as my dad tried to teach me how to dive. Souvenirs and photos are great, but experiences like this are what you really bring home.

The only problem with deciding where to go on vacation is that you can’t have it all. You have to choose between beachside chills (like laid-back diving lessons) and resort-level thrills — right?

Turns out, you can have it all. Hop on board a cruise ship and you’ll see what I mean. These floating beauties make the journey just as incredible as the destination, giving you access to fine dining, waterslides, Broadway entertainment and adults-only chill zones — all on the way to your dream destination. It’s like a vacation within a vacation!

That means you don’t have to choose between experiences. You can see, do, taste and enjoy everything on your vacation menu, including:

● Entertainment: Game shows, Broadway hits and movie nights are just the beginning. There’s always more to do.

● Dining: From quick snacks to themed cuisine, even the pickiest eaters can find their new favorite meal.

● Pampering: Spas and fitness centers turn travel days into self-care getaways.

● Bonding: Game shows, rock climbing walls, laser tag, escape rooms — togetherness is around every corner!

3. Schedules And Seasons

If you’re asking, “Where should I travel next?” you also have to ask, “When should I travel next?” Timing has a huge impact on your destination decisions, determining excursion availability, crowd levels, weather, experiences and more.

Here’s what to consider when you pull out your calendar:

● Savvy scheduling: Sit down with your travel buddies to juggle work and school schedules. (Don’t forget to take advantage of holidays like Labor Day!)

● Vacation duration: Remember, a weekend getaway can be just as amazing as a week-long journey if you make the most of every moment.

● Holidays, birthdays and everydays: Plan around holidays and other celebrations to make your trip extra-special — or celebrate the everyday with exciting vacation ideas that turn mundane into marvelous.

● Keeping it low-key: If you prefer a quiet beach day to a thrilling seaside party, research off-season dates and avoid the most popular travel times for each destination.

● From summer sun to autumn leaves: Decide where to go on vacation based on weather and seasons — for example, experiencing the midnight sun on an Alaskan summer trip.

4. What Your Crew Craves

When you’re choosing your next travel destination, don’t let Instagram envy get in your way. Slow down and ask your travel companions what they want from a trip.

My best tip for this is to make it fun. For example, you could have a “presentation night” where everyone shares a few slides, making the case for their favorite destination.

Here’s what everyone in your party should consider:

Group Memories

Vacations are a chance to make memories together, even when your lives are pulling you in different directions. From trying new cultural foods to challenging your friends or family at laser tag, think about activities you can do as a group.

Options for Everyone

Maybe you have that one friend who’s always in line for the wildest ride at the amusement park, or maybe your kids all have different definitions of the word “relax.” No matter who’s in your crew, consider a vacation that keeps everyone entertained, offering thrills and chills in equal measure — like a trip on board a cruise ship!

Cultural Immersion

If your crew wants to try something new, think about cultural experiences. Each destination promises immersion in an unfamiliar world — from totem poles in Alaska to foods you’ve never even heard of in Thailand.

5. Bang For Your Buck

Budget is one of the biggest considerations when choosing your next travel destination. Luckily, you can make your trip fund go a lot farther (literally!) if you know how to plan carefully and make the most of every moment.

Here’s how budget should play into your destination decisions:

● Destinations: Pick spots that are close together so you can visit multiple in a single trip — or pick a cruise that brings them all together.

● Travel time: You’re paying for travel time, so why waste it waiting to get there? Make the most out of every moment and dollar on a cruise ship.

● Packages: Deals like beverage, dining and internet packages can help simplify and solidify everyday vacation costs.

● Deals: Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday deals make it easier than ever to save big on bucket list trips.

6. Stress-Free Planning Solutions

I’m an anxious traveler, so I know it’s tempting to pick the “easiest” trip that’s not necessarily the most rewarding. Luckily, there’s a way to overcome that: Cruises unite all your planning considerations in one place and still get you exactly where you want to go.

For example, online booking makes it easy to:

● Pick the stateroom you want (especially if you’re hoping for a view).

● Coordinate and stay close with the rest of your travel group.

● Plan ahead for entertainment options that sell out quickly.

● Check for deals on dining and destinations.

● Browse excursions, itineraries, exclusive offers and more.

That’s all the complexity of vacation planning washed away with the tide.

Plus, if you’re still not sure where you want to go, don’t worry — with Royal Caribbean, you can also search based on:

● Ship.

● Departure location.

● Duration/itinerary.

That means your next big adventure can be whatever and wherever you want.

Find Your Dream Destination With Royal Caribbean

The secret to choosing between exciting vacation ideas is to consider destinations, experiences, timing, group preferences, budgeting and simplicity. That way, your trip is more than a straight line between Point A and Point B; instead, it’s a chance to make memories every minute and every mile — no matter which location you choose.

Adventure awaits. Find your dream destination on a Royal Caribbean cruise!