Destination Overload? Can't Pick Just One?

You have a blank notebook in hand, but when it comes to writing down a destination there are just too many places you want to see. How do you decide where you want to go? And how will you filter all the information that is going to start showing up in your life? Before you give up and decide it is easier to stay where you are, take a few days to focus on what you want to see that you can't find in your home environment. What interests do you have-hobbies, membership in an interational organization, preferred method of travel, pilgrimage walks, historical events, a beverage (tea, coffee, beer, wine, chocolate) or a style of cooking, home furnishings, museums-the list is endless and very personal.

Leave page one, the destination page, blank for now and write "I really want to see and experience___________________, when I travel on this trip." On a page at the back of your notebook, write the heading-"Things I would like to see and do someday". And, take about 10 minutes to write a list, without stopping, of all of the things that you can think of. Then put the pen down and put the list aside for about a half hour. When you come back to it, read each entry and when one seems to pop out at you, or causes some excitement circle it. Now pick out one and put that on page two of your notebook. Do not remove your list, since you might want to refer to it for another trip.

This activity can be the focus of your trip, the common thread you can use for all phases of your travel. You might become so interested in this topic that it will become the focus of more than one trip, or you may take a trip for each of the interests on your list.

For example: I chose "TEA" as my interest for my next destination.Here are TEA related topics I would like to learn more about:

1. Tea estates-how is tea grown, harvested, processed, marketed, where are they in the world.
2. History of TEA as a beverage
3. TEA pots, cups, caddies-where made, can I visit a factory, a museum of tea accessories
4. TEA as a meal-what is served, how is it cooked/prepared
5. TEA ceremonies-where can I take part, can I learn how to perform one
6. TEA tasting-
7. Auctions for TEA purchases by companies selling the leaves
8. Conferences/ seminars/ trade shows
9. Major and speciality tea producers and marketers
10. What publications are available for TEA

Once I have a topic and have listed some information I would like to know about the subject, information will start to show up that I had overlooked before. As it does, look for a common location in all of the information and this will help in deciding on the "Destination" you write on page one of your notebook.

And finally, what information do you currently have-books, publications, people at home and abroad that you can use for additional resources for your upcoming trip. By now you should have a destination listed on page one of your notebook. Congratulations! You have taken the first step of you journey.

"Once you commit to something risky and bold, life unfolds with increasing richness and wonder."

Peter Heller; Hell and Highwater; page 14.